Stacking Your Clothes

• The stacking method suits casual clothing.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Stacking clothing is the most common packing technique, but it also leaves the most creases and wrinkles. If you have room or aren't concerned about wrinkles, pack your clothing by your daily wearing needs. However, if you require a crisper look for an extended trip, try the modified stacking method that "cushions" against creases and minimizes wrinkling. Button and zipper each garment to hold its shape. Lay the pants out along the length of the suitcase, alternating waistbands to cuffs, then fold top over bottom, bottom over top. Lay skirts, dresses and tops out along the width of the bag. Fold alternately, as with pants, and alternate the direction of the pants and tops as you place garments in the bag. Use anchor straps to keep luggage from shifting and wrinkling.
  
  

Rolling Your Clothes

• Rolling your clothes maximizes luggage space.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Rolling is the favorite packing technique of backpackers. Rolling prevents creases in pants, skirts and sports shirts, although you need to smooth clothing carefully before rolling to prevent wrinkles. Lay items face down, fold back the sleeves, fold the garment in half and then roll from the bottom up. Lay jackets on top. Rolling also maximizes your packing space, allowing for shopping without paying to check a second bag.
  
  

Bundle wrapping

• Sometimes you need that polished look.Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Bundle wrapping is the careful wrapping of clothes around a central core object, thus avoiding the folds that result in creases. The tension created by the wrapping significantly reduces wrinkling and provides the traveler with the most professional look. Create the core bundle by wrapping clothing around a soft organizer pouch or pillow (about 11 inches by 16 inches) filled with socks, undergarments and swimwear. If you use a pillowcase, it can double as a laundry bag. Put jackets face-down, followed by dresses, shirts, pants, sweaters and shorts, alternating top to bottom and side to side to maintain even thickness. Place the core bundle on top in the center of the clothing pile. Work down the pile, wrapping each piece of clothing firmly around the bundle and crossing jacket sleeves around the middle of the pile in an X shape. As the bundle grows, the larger clothing will cover smaller items and maintain the bundle's tension. Place the bundle in your luggage and tie down with anchor straps.
  
  

Packing Tips

• Sometimes more can be less, too.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  For all packing techniques, spread books evenly in the bottom of luggage. Increase packing capacity by putting socks, belts and and underwear in shoes, and packing shoes around the outside of clothing. Use dry-cleaner plastic to reduce wrinkling by creating barriers between layers. Pack toiletries, cosmetics and medications in locking plastic bags to minimize effects of spills and breakage. Pack electronic devices and laptops in carry-on luggage.