Consider the nature of the trip and how outfits can be mixed and matched. For example, whatever the occasion, a traveler can assume that two or three pairs of pants, shorts or a skirt will suffice for the length of a trip -- no need to pack a separate pair for each day. Similarly for tops, consider how different combinations can be worn together, such as one dress shirt with three different colors of vests or one zip-up sweatshirt with three different T-shirts. If the trip requires a formal outing, such as a wedding, show or nice dinner, pack the formal outfit first. Formal outfits can take up more space and, if it is an essential item for the trip, it is wise to pack around it.
Clothes stored in bureaus are typically folded, so your inclination may be to fold an item of clothing multiple times to conserve space. However, these distinctive fold lines will only cause more wrinkles the more times an item is folded. A more effective method is to roll each item of clothing as tightly as possible and place the items in a neat, compact row in the suitcase. Rolled clothes will not incur the lines that folded clothes do.
Some items, such as formal attire, cannot be folded. Most hotel and motel rooms come with an iron for guests to use, but if one is not available, there is still a way to get out the creases in packed clothes. When taking a shower the night before or morning of wearing a specific outfit, hang the outfit or drape it on a bar near the shower. Be careful not to place the item too close to the shower or it may get splashed. After taking your shower, step out and turn the water temperature as hot as possible for five more minutes. The shower acts as a pseudo steamer and will get most wrinkles out of clothes.
Supervise children and teenagers as they pack their suitcases. Ensure that they do not cram clothes in a ball or in uneven rows into a suitcase. This will cause the clothes to be wrinkled beyond wearability. Show children how to roll their clothes to ensure their clothes are also wrinkle-free.
