What type of packer are you: a roller or a folder? Have you ever tried both and figured out which method actually fits more in your suitcase? It may already be established knowledge for some, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any official information on whether rolling is really the better space-saver. So if you’re curious, read on as we finally confront the rolling versus folding dispute. The results may just surprise you.
Just folding
As a foundation, we packed a carry-on bag to bursting with folded clothes, which is about the capacity of a 19-inch pull-along carry-on bag.
Densely packed, the suitcase filled up to the zipper. We stuffed socks in every available space and stacked tank tops sideways to keep with the folding rule whilst leaving absolutely no free space.
Folding and rolling fusion
After much rolling, our technique naturally developed into a mixture of folding and rolling to save time. We took clothes out of draws and folded them from there as the task became more tedious. You would probably need to iron a few items when you reach your destination but since the rolling system is best used on clothes that don’t necessarily need ironing anyway, (like denim, knits and sweaters) then the technique is still beneficial.
We discovered that even this fusion of folding and rolling, saved space. We had about 10 percent of space left in the suitcase.
Just rolling
So naturally we were excited to test the pure roll technique. We lay every item flat, folded in the arms of shirts and rolled, folded trousers lengthwise and rolled. As well as creating a nice pattern across the suitcase, this method also gave roughly the same amount of space as the fold and roll fusion. When pushed and flattened down, it actually gave a little more room, unfortunately it also added about 10 minutes to the packing time.
Getting organised
Packing cubes and organisers can be used with either rolling or folding method. It’s nice to arrive at your destination and have everything neatly in its place but is it a space-saver tool? Rolling being the best option so far, we packed all the rolled clothes into compartment bags and placed them in the suitcase. The outcome was the same as the folding method – the suitcase filled to the zipper.
The Outcome
The rolling technique definitely allows you to stuff more into your suitcase, particularly if you’re extremely meticulous about the arrangement. Compartment bags or packing cubes are a great way to stay organised if you don’t mind forfeiting the extra room, and folding is the best way if you’re main concern is arriving wrinkle-free but definitely does not save any space. Therefore, just rolling is the ultimate space-saving method around, especially if the airline you’re travelling with has a generous baggage allowance!
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