I’ll be honest—packing used to be one of the most stressful parts of traveling for me. I’d put it off until the night before a flight, toss things in without thinking, and then sit on my suitcase trying to zip it shut. Worst part? When I’d finally reach my destination, my clothes looked like they had been through a storm—wrinkled, squashed, and impossible to wear without an iron.
Then I discovered the rolling method.
It sounds almost too simple, right? Roll your clothes instead of folding them. But the first time I actually tried it—rolling each shirt, dress, and pair of jeans neatly—I was shocked. Suddenly, everything fit. Not only did my suitcase look more organized, but my clothes came out wrinkle-free and I could actually see what I’d packed. No more digging around like I was on a treasure hunt.
So if you’ve got a trip coming up (whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a two-week adventure), let me walk you through how to pack a suitcase using the rolling method—step by step. Once you try it, you’ll never go back.
Why the Rolling Method Works
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why.
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Maximizes space: Rolling clothes creates little compact tubes that tuck into every corner of your bag. It’s like Tetris, but easier.
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Reduces wrinkles: Because there are fewer hard folds, clothes don’t crease as much.
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Keeps things visible: Instead of a messy stack of clothes, you can line them up and instantly see what you have.
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Easier to pack AND unpack: You can grab one roll without disturbing the rest. Perfect for hotels, hostels, or even living out of your suitcase.
It’s simple but genius—and travelers everywhere swear by it.
Step 1: Start With the Right Suitcase
The rolling method works best when you choose the right size bag. I always recommend going for a medium carry-on (20–22 inches). Why? Because a smaller bag forces you to be selective. Trust me—you don’t need as much as you think.
If you’re checking luggage for a longer trip, the same method applies, but try not to go for the biggest suitcase you own. Heavy, oversized bags are a nightmare to drag across cobblestones or up narrow staircases in Europe (learned that the hard way).
Step 2: Choose the Right Clothes
The truth is, rolling won’t magically make your entire closet fit in one suitcase. You still have to be smart about what you bring.
Here’s what usually works best for rolling:
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T-shirts and tank tops
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Dresses (especially cotton or jersey material)
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Jeans and trousers
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Skirts
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Pajamas and workout gear
Bulkier items like sweaters or jackets don’t roll as neatly. I usually wear my bulkiest outfit on the plane (jeans + sweater + sneakers) to save suitcase space.
Step 3: Lay Clothes Flat
Before you roll, lay each item flat. If it’s a shirt, smooth out the wrinkles and fold the sleeves in slightly. For pants, fold them in half lengthwise. The flatter the start, the smoother the roll.
This step makes a huge difference—sloppy rolls equal wasted space.
Step 4: Roll Tightly
Here’s the trick: roll as tightly as you can. Start from the bottom edge and roll upward like you’re making a burrito.
Pro tip: when rolling jeans, tuck the waistband in slightly to keep the roll compact. For dresses, fold them in half lengthwise before rolling.
I always think of it like this: the tighter the roll, the more space you save.
Step 5: Pack Strategically
Once your clothes are rolled, don’t just toss them in randomly. Place heavier rolls (like jeans) at the bottom of the suitcase near the wheels. Lighter items (like T-shirts) can go on top.
If you’re bringing shoes, tuck smaller rolls into the empty spaces inside them. Every little pocket counts.
Another trick? Use packing cubes. They’re not mandatory, but if you want to stay super organized, roll your clothes first and then slot them into cubes. It keeps outfits grouped together and makes unpacking a breeze.
Step 6: Handle Delicate Items
Not everything should be rolled. Dress shirts, blazers, or delicate fabrics may wrinkle if you roll them too tightly. For those, I use a hybrid method: fold neatly, then place them on top of the rolled items. That way, they stay flat and wrinkle-free.
Scarves, belts, or accessories can be rolled up and tucked into corners.
Step 7: Don’t Forget Toiletries & Extras
Rolling clothes saves so much space that you’ll have extra room for your essentials. Here’s what I always pack alongside my rolled clothes:
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Toiletry bag (travel-sized bottles only—liquids over 100 ml will get tossed if you’re flying carry-on only)
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Shoes (in cloth bags so they don’t touch your clothes)
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Laundry bag (for dirty clothes as you go)
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A foldable tote bag (great for day trips or souvenirs)
Why I Swear by Rolling
The first time I used this method, I was flying to Italy for 12 days with just a carry-on. Everyone told me I’d never fit everything. But I did. And not once did I stress about lugging heavy bags or losing track of what I packed.
When I opened my suitcase in Rome, everything was neat, wrinkle-free, and easy to grab. That trip completely changed how I pack.
Now, whether it’s a quick trip home for the weekend or a long summer vacation, I roll everything. It saves space, saves time, and honestly saves my sanity.
Final Thoughts
The rolling method isn’t complicated—it’s just smarter. Instead of folding clothes into bulky stacks, you’re creating little organized rolls that fit together perfectly. It makes packing less stressful, traveling lighter, and unpacking way easier.
So next time you’re staring at an open suitcase, wondering how on earth you’re going to fit it all—start rolling. Trust me, your future self (the one racing through an airport or climbing stairs to a fifth-floor Airbnb) will thank you.
