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It’s time to try solving the biggest carry-on packing dilemma:
To Roll or to Fold
After many years of trying to determine the answer to this question, I decided it was time to write about it.
Yes, there are many other articles online about this topic, but I have decided to answer which packing method is better.
I originally thought rolling clothes could be more efficient, but folding may be more organized.
Before we start, there is something I want to get out of the way. If you are struggling with this question, that’s pretty amazing!
But let’s be real for a second. The best way to pack your clothes will depend on what works best for you and your specific needs.
You should also consider how much time it takes to roll vs. folding. But with some practice, we can become proficient in either method.
Even though you might be a master of Tetrus (before you ask, yes, I found that website and spent too long playing), you must know the airline weight limits, your chosen carry-on bag size, and what clothing you are bringing.
For me, I don’t have any fashion sense, don’t have clothing that can easily wrinkle, and have limited space.
So you might find my solution is awesome!
Recent Spontaneous Trip
This topic is fresh because I recently booked my first “spontaneous trip” and only took a carry-on. I also want to admit something: It’s my first flight since COVID!
I also would like to note something here. It doesn’t matter where I’m traveling to. I HATE checking in a bag.
Even many years ago, when traveling to Europe, I only took a carry-on with a small personal item with items I always wanted near (passport, mints, tissue, snacks, medicine, and such).
On a side note, I always bring my pillow because I’m picky. It does limit other things I can take, but that is a sacrifice I’m willing to make.
But even if you check a bag, it’s important to always keep your essentials with you! That is why having a smaller bag or duffel is always needed.
That might be a no-brainer, but I needed to say it. Even though you have a carry-on, you must sometimes check it.
On my recent flight, as we were waiting for the plane to arrive, the ticket agent made an announcement:
“We are overbooked, and overhead space is limited. If you want to check your bag, you can do it for free before boarding the plane.“
My first thought was something along the lines of, Oh Hell No!
But, after thinking about this announcement for a moment, I realized that I don’t fly much and rarely board the plane in one of the first groups (but I hope this will change at some point).
Thus, as I mentioned above, having a small bag with the important stuff was a huge blessing and gave me peace of mind.
So that is just something to think about if (when) this ever happens to you.
If you are interested in what I pack, let me know.
I’ve been considering putting my list on Wilde Escape, but only if interested people exist.
Overall Packing Tips
It’s sad to say, but I’m an over-packer. This is for everything, and it’s something I’ve always been trying to work on.
The kryptonite is playing the “What-If” game, which can be a pain in the you-know-what.
One way around this is to put everything on the floor before stuffing it into your bag of choice.
With only a carry-on bag, you need to focus on the essentials (don’t forget the bag weight can be super important depending on the flight you are taking).
I must constantly remind myself that if I forget something, I can buy it, like deodorant, toothpaste, clothing, etc.
Also, I don’t think any of the What-If scenarios I’ve thought about have ever happened.
Maybe writing that will help me in this issue in the future.
If you need something and are in another country, going to the store to get something you need or forget is fun.
Now, let’s get into what I want to cover today. To roll or to fold?
One of the YouTube channels I often watch is Project Untethered, where Mitch shares some awesome tips and hacks.
Click the link below to watch a recent video where Mitch did a super scientific study (that I was going to do myself) about this very topic!
If you want to skip to the rolling and folding method, Mitch covers this between 0:27 and 2:25.
He also covered some other very interesting topics.
I’ll try this at one point, but this is what you get for now. I know we are focusing on folding or rolling, but Mitch covers a lot of other great carry-on luggage travel hacks.
Do you have a preferred method?
What do you think about these techniques?
I wonder if I can change your mind. Let’s Go!
Folding your clothing
When traveling with only a carry-on bag, it’s important to be efficient and organized when packing.
When you fold your clothing, you are simply folding it up and laying each item into the bag of your choice.
Some people might even have a nifty contraption to help assist with this. But, these same people won’t travel with it. So be sure you know how to fold correctly.
The folding method keeps the clothing neat, but this can make items shift around. Sometimes a lot!
One way to minimize this clothing shifting (which can happen whether you fold or roll) is to fold your clothing and place it in a small bag, stuff sack, or packing cube.
These packing options will minimize the space you need to pack and make finding what you’re looking for easier.
As Mitch covered in the video, you can use packing cubes for different items, such as having different colored cubes or sacks for electronics, clothing (one for tops, bottoms, etc.), and liquids.
The other option is to roll your clothing instead of folding it.
Rolling your clothing
As you can guess, traveling with one bag is a great way to ensure you only bring what you need.
One way to save space is to roll your clothing for travel. And it’s one of the ways to help you pack more efficiently.
The easiest way is to lay your clothing flat and smooth out all the wrinkles. There are different approaches, but you will eventually roll instead of folding the items.
Writing about this has proven to be a pain, so below is a video I’ve used to fold clothing.
As a reminder, packing will take time, and rolling is no exception.
Take your time and practice!
Depending on your packing method, keeping your items neat and organized is important.
Does that mean a better option exists, such as combining both options?
Yep!
Combing Both Options Might Be Best!
In wrapping this up, you might not be happy as I’m not picking a side.
Instead, there are pros and cons to both sides of this debate.
Your decision should align with your priorities and what you are trying to do.
- Optimizing space
- Preventing wrinkles
- Easy access to your belongings throughout the journey.
Just don’t be someone who crams all the items in their bag and doesn’t fold or roll anything. That’s just not okay!
For me, after carefully considering the pros and cons of both techniques, my recommendation is to find a middle ground by combining rolling and folding.
This approach lets you benefit from the space-saving perks of rolling while maintaining a tidy appearance with neatly folded clothes.
Once you embrace this versatility of both strategies, you will start to make the most of your bag’s space, keep wrinkles at bay, and effortlessly locate specific items during your travels.
Just remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the most effective packing method depends on the unique demands of your trip and the types of clothes you’re bringing.
To find what works best for you, it’s time to experiment!
Whether you lean towards meticulous folding or efficient rolling, finding a packing strategy that complements your style is key to enhancing your overall travel experience.
So what do you think? Is folding or rolling better?
Let me know in the comments below!
And if you have a better option or something you swear by, I want to know that, too!
Happy packing!
I actually like that you left the decision up to each individual.
This topic frustrates me the most when other people INSIST their way is the best way, and inform me that is how I should do it.
Honestly, when someone dictates what I should do, they are insuring I will do it the opposite way!
That’s just how how roll [no pun intended].
When I have a carry-on, I try to keep everything I might need in there. One problem is that I can’t remember where things have been carefully tucked away. I end up digging through every cool zippered pocket in my suitcase on a quest to find [fill in the blank]. One of the handy tips is to keep everything similar in one space. On my last trip, I packed small zippered pouches – one was for all my “electronic” stuff, one for meds, one for snacks, etc. It worked great! Also, I chose different colored pouches so it was easy to remember what was in each.
In the end, it doesn’t matter how you pack when TSA decides your stuff is too interesting and they search your belongings. Whenever that has happened to me, when I open my suitcase, it is a total disaster.
Here’s a tip from my last flight: You will ALWAYS have your carryon searched if you have blocks of cheese!
I couldn’t agree more about putting small items in different colored pouches. That makes everything easier, and tidy too!
Haha, that’s funny about the chesses. Same with candles!