In today’s segment of “I reject your reality and substitute my own,” I am experimenting with packing rolled clothes instead of folded clothes. I have heard that it saves room and keeps clothes from wrinkling, but I have always resisted doing it that way mostly because I’ve never done that way before and didn’t see any reason to change. Apparently, I am old and set in my ways. But, I have also always had the luxury of being stubbornly resolute in my packing methods because I had plenty of room in my suitcases. There was no real reason to need to conserve space. All that changed when I decided to move all the clothes a family of six will need for two seasons and three months into a camper. Now space is at a premium, so it was time to swallow my stubbornness and conduct a little scientific experiment. Will rolling clothes to pack save space?
The Scientific Experiment of Rolling Clothes vs. Folding Clothes
Hypothesis: Rolled clothes will take up less space than folded clothes. Which means I have been doing it WRONG all these years. (grumble, grumble)
Experiment: Remove all folded clothes and roll for storage. (Note: Telling children that you are conducting a scientific experiment makes them want to help. I wonder if I can convince them that doing dishes and cleaning toilets is also a scientific pursuit?)
Conclusion: Rolling clothes takes up less room than folding clothes. I was wrong. Figures.
Footnotes: I was able to fit 12 more garments in the bucket after rolling the clothes. However, rolling clothes is more time consuming than just folding (even if you dupe your kids into thinking they are helping with important scientific discoveries). In the future, I would probably only roll my clothes if space is truly limited. Folding is still more time economical, but the space saved by rolling is measurable.
Have you tried something new while traveling lately and discovered that it works? Share your travel tips by linking up below and be a part of Travel Tips Tuesday.
When my daughter and I flew to Las Vegas last month, I tried rolling my clothes for the first time and yep also found out that I had a lot more room. I am like you though set in my ways. It is going to take me some getting used too.
Great post! I have always been a roller, I learned that in Brownies. Im pretty sure we can convince children that any household chore is a science experiment. Just make sure you have the camera ready.
My sister introduced me to rolling years ago while I was still in my backpacking days, and was a lifesaver. For some reason though, I always feel like my luggage weights more when I roll… It can't, right?
I have always resisted rolling as well – it just didn't seem right. Then I decided to roll before our last trip and I was amazed at how much more I was able to fit in the suitcase. The problem is that I'm going to have to continually stop and remind myself to roll which means the actual packing process is going to take more time!
I sometimes role. It depends on how much stuff I'm taking. One thing that I always do is separate my clothes in net laundry bags. One for tops, one for pants…you get the idea. I find it keeps everything much more organized.
I too care more about time than what actually works better when it comes to packing. I envision all my rolling efforts being undone the first time my kids get into their suitcase at our destination. When space is truly an issue, it is nice to know there is another option. I still like your Pack-by-the-Day idea best.
Great tip. We always have this discussion before a big trip.
My hubby is a roller, and I am a folder. I think I just have a better idea of what's in the luggage if I can flip through the layers which would be harder with rolling. Actually, my favorite method is folding and putting each outfit in a plastic bag labeled with the kid's name. This way, my kids don't undo everything while looking for clothes. For the puffy items like fleece shirts, I press out all the air before sealing it to compress it down smaller.
Love your "scientific experiment", and the fact that you got your kids to help out! Good option to keep in mind when space is limited. I'm a huge ziploc bag user for organizing the suitcase.
Hi, I have heard this so much as well, but have resisted. But seeing you have gone all scientific and proven it to be true, I shall have no choice to submit, and roll, next time I am short on space.
Jan
Thanks for the purpose of providing these sort of superior knowledge.
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I roll, too! I find that it makes the most difference when packing a backpack. It's amazing the amount of clothes I can fit when I roll!
Say it aint so! lol. I’ve been avoiding doing this because it adds another step to packing. I guess I’ll give it a shot on my next trip!