Whether you travel frequently for work or pleasure, or just every now and then, it’s nice to arrive to your destination with clothes you can pull out of your suitcase and put right on without feeling like a wrinkled mess. Every time we travel, whether it’s for just a few days or a few weeks, we bring our favorite steamer (I’ve mentioned it in a few emails), which has dual voltage, so it travels easily anywhere. My sister swears by wrinkle-free spray to get her travel clothes in shape quickly. We’ve also found that the following packing tips are extremely useful in keeping our belongings in shape while traveling.

Keeping dirt out of our suitcase while traveling is always something we strive for. An easy way to do this is to put shoes in dedicated bags such as these and these. This is especially important for hiking, rain boots and sneakers. To save space, stuff socks inside shoes and boots (we suggest putting socks in small baggies first to keep them clean as well). Store all small toiletry bottles in plastic bags as well (toothpaste and other tubes included) to avoid having them explode and ruin not only the toiletry bag, but other items in the suitcase (make sure to never overfill bottles as well). Also, some airports are extremely strict when it comes to this (I’m talking to you, London Heathrow).

Storing dry cleaned clothes in garment bags saves time when packing and also helps reduce friction, which means fewer wrinkles. Stuffing cotton and silk blouses, shirts and dresses with tissue keeps them from getting crushed and wrinkled as well.

We use a rolling method to pack slacks, jeans, jackets, other shirts and sweaters, which saves space and reduces wrinkles. Simply lay the garment flat, smoothing it with your hands, lay sleeves across each other and fold in half vertically. Then, starting from the bottom, roll it up. This is a simple method for packing a backpack or duffle bag as well.

Another technique we use is to layer clothes on top of each other, folding the bottom item over the items on top for wrinkle-free results. Heaviest items should always go at the bottom of the bag or suitcase to prevent crushing the more delicate pieces.

Packing lingerie in baggies or mesh lingerie bags keeps them clean and fresh and easy to find. Packing an extra bag for worn items makes it easy to grab and wash when needed. We like to add these mini fresheners to keep all our clothes smelling clean, even if we’ve worn them once or twice. We also prefer storing our swimsuits, towels and similar gear in these dedicated beach bags to keep chlorine, saltwater and damp musty smells at bay. And again, it’s easier to find. 

Don’t forget to unpack and hang rolled or layered garments when you arrive at your destination in order to prevent further wrinkling, even if it means repacking for additional travel home or to another place. This will keep your clothes fresh and ready to wear throughout your trip.