Create a packing list which includes everything you will need for your trip. Record individual toiletry items, number of pairs of socks and underwear, special occasion outfits and electronics like cell phone or computer chargers. The list should encompass specific items such as "grey college sweatshirt" as opposed to "something warm."
Place all the clothes, shoes and accessories from your list in a pile. Having everything in one place lets you eliminate redundant items as you pack, instead of casually adding additional, unnecessary items part way through the packing process.
Cover shoes with plastic bags and pack the bottom of your bag with your toiletry bag. If you have a bag with wheels and the handle compartments cause the bottom of your bag to have raised separations, use your shoes to fill in the sections to create a flat packing surface.
Roll larger or thicker clothing items such as jeans or sweaters and pack them in the bottom of your bag in the same fashion as your shoes. (See reference 1)
Use small items such as socks, thin t-shirts and underwear to fill in any spaces between shoes and larger clothing.
With the remaining clothes, lay two or three similar sized shirts, dresses or pants on top of each other and roll them together. Fit these rolls on top and in the spaces between your first layer of shoes and rolled clothes. Continue making rolls and ease them into your bag until your run out of clothing.
Tuck any oddly shaped items such as phone chargers or hair dryers around the rolled layers or in spaces between your bag and clothes along the sides.
Top off your bag with any items that need to remain flat such as posters, suit jackets or important documents.
