Write down a pre-packing itinerary of events on your trip. From traveling to the airport to going to dinner on the night you're leaving for home, consider all events that may require you to change clothes or use products that will need to be packed. Make a list giving each event its own space for you to detail your needs: whether you'll need to change shoes, bring a jacket or even if you need to shave.
Assign all of your outfits and supplies to the events you've listed. For example, if you know you'll be exercising on your trip, include your athletic shoes and workout attire. Place items into separate piles so you can see everything you're attempting to bring. Figure out what can be reused or repurposed, and get rid of any duplicates so that you only bring what you need.
Next, put packing items in order from the largest items of clothing down to toiletries and other small items. Lay large pieces out flat in the suitcase, layering similar items on top of each other. For example, stack one pair of pants on top of another pair in the opposite direction, placing the waist of one pair against the feet of the other pair so the layers remain flat. At this point, allow protruding items such as shirt sleeves, pant legs and skirt hems to hang outside of the luggage.
Continue stacking all items on top of each other with the largest items at bottom moving toward the smallest items on top. Place small items like socks and underwear in the center. Then wrap the items, from small to big, around the center pile by folding them over into the suitcase. Continue to lay items over the center pile until you've reached your large pieces. Fold sleeves and pant legs over as well.
Shoes and dry toiletries can be fit around the edge of the bundle you have created inside the suitcase. Then close the top of your suitcase and zip it shut.
