Packing for a holiday can be extremely stressful, but there is a simple folding technique that can save you space and also prevent wrinkles.
Marie Kondo, an organisational expert best known for her Netflix series, has shared that the first thing to do when packing is to ask yourself if the item you are loading “sparks joy” before placing it in your suitcase.
She said: “Do not waste precious suitcase space on items that are better suited for your life at home and are likely to go unused. Your back and shoulders will thank you when you’re not lugging excess weight around!”
However, it can be difficult to know what clothes to bring to suit the weather and circumstances, but Marie has shared that her “file folding clothes” method will help fit more into a suitcase without having to stack them.
Marie said: “This tactic will allow you to maximize space in your suitcase and you’ll easily be able to view all of your outfit options when you open your bag or suitcase.”
Folding trousers and shorts
To begin, simply lay the bottoms out flat with the front side facing up and then fold them in half widthwise so the legs are lying on top of each other.
Fold them up from the ankles towards the waistband, but leave a little gap between the waistband and end of the legs.
From the bottom to the top again, fold the trousers until they are folded into a small rectangle, making sure not to leave a gap this time.
Your trousers should now be in a neat parcel-like rectangle that can stand up on its own. If folding showers, simply repeat steps one and two, then fold them from top to bottom.
How to fold clothes properly
Folding tops
Start by laying the top out flat with the front side up. Then, divide the top into vertical thirds with the left side (which includes the left sleeve), the middle (which includes the neckline) and the right side (which includes the right sleeves).
Fold the left side of the shirt inwards across the centre so it crosses the imaginary line dividing it from the middle section.
Fold the left sleeves back towards the left so it is a pointed golden edge and if th the sleeves are long fold them again to create a neat rectangle. Then repeat and fold the other right side of the shirt the way way.
Fold the top lengthwise and leave a small gap at the edge, and then fold the top in halves starting from top of the shirt to the bottom.
You should now have folded your top into a parcel-like rectangle which can stand up on its own.