Optimizing your suitcase space: the art of folding and smart storage

Optimizing your suitcase can be crucial in many situations: small suitcase , airline restrictions, holiday shopping: it's a real art which, once mastered, can make your trips much more pleasant and organized.

Not only does this allow you to travel more peacefully and hassle-free, but it also helps avoid extra fees for oversized or illegal baggage. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a suitcase packing and organization pro!

The Importance of a Good Suitcase

Before you even think about folding, it's essential to choose a suitcase that meets your needs. Features to consider include:

• Sturdiness: A sturdy suitcase made of a rigid, quality material will better protect your belongings.
• Maneuverability: 360 ° swivel casters can make transportation easier, choose suitcases with double wheels for effortless movement
• Compartments: Dedicated sections can help you separate clothes from heavier items or liquids. The more compartments and storage space, the better!
• Weight: Choose a lightweight suitcase to avoid exceeding airline weight limits.

Clothes Folding Techniques

There are several folding and rolling techniques, each with its own advantages. In recent years, methods have emerged to help travelers in their quest for the perfect organization:

• Traditional folding: This involves folding clothes into flat rectangles that can be stacked. To save space, it is recommended to fold clothes as flat as possible, avoiding overlapping layers.
• Rolling: This technique involves rolling clothes, which can reduce wrinkles and maximize space. Rolled clothes easily fit into gaps left by larger items.
• The "bundle wrapping" method: This involves wrapping several items of clothing together, wrapping them around a central core, like a toiletry bag. This minimizes wrinkles and optimizes space.
• The Marie Kondo Method: Marie Kondo, an organizing expert, advocates joy and simplicity in storing clothes. To adopt Marie Kondo's method of folding clothes, start by transforming each item into a long, narrow rectangle. This is done by folding each side of the garment toward the center. Once this step is complete, you proceed with an additional fold to transform this rectangle into a small, compact package. The goal is to create a package that is stable enough to stand on its own. This folding technique has the significant advantage of making each piece easily identifiable and accessible; no more time wasted rummaging through your suitcase.

The Marie Kondo method also encourages you to pack only what is essential and what "sparks joy," allowing you to travel lighter and happier, whether you choose a carry-on or checked suitcase.

Each of these techniques has its advantages and can be used depending on the space available, the type of clothing, and your personal preferences. By combining them, you can further maximize the space and efficiency of your suitcase!

Choosing the right accessories

Some travel accessories are designed to help you organize your suitcase more efficiently, and for no more than a few dozen euros, here are the main accessories you can use to optimize the space in your suitcase:

• Storage cubes: These small fabric bags come in different sizes and allow you to separate clothes by category.
• Compressible bags: These use vacuum to reduce the volume of clothing, which is especially useful for bulky items like coats and sweaters.
• Cable organizers: Small cases or bags specially designed to keep your cables and chargers tidy, preventing tangles and damage.
• Hanging Toiletry Bags: These are convenient in hotel bathrooms, allowing easy access to your belongings while saving counter space.