One Suitcase: Fitting It All In

Bonjour mes amis,

If you are wondering how I managed to cram 35 pieces of clothes and accessories, 5 pairs of shoes, plus undershirts, undereverythingelses, PJ's and an unreasonable amount of other stuff into one carry on-sized bag, here's how you can do the same:

1. Set aside your travel outfit and a spare set of clothes (at least underwear) just in case you get stranded, or don't feel like getting into your suitcase once it's packed. I chose my bulkiest things: Jeans, Converse sneakers, a blazer, and my raincoat, along with a simple tank top.

2. Roll everything else as tight as you can. Some things though, like denim, don't like to be rolled. Set these aside.

3. (Not pictured) Lay the unrollable pieces flat in the bottom of your suitcase, or in my case, in an Ebag set into the suitcase. Try to make an even layer if possible.

4. Start adding in your rolls, keeping them in an even layer tight against one another.

 5. Keep layering. Make sure to keep the items clear of the zipper.

6. Shove socks into the crevices and use anything you have left to fill gaps and low spots. I used bikinis and scarves.

7. Zip up all of your clothes and be amazed that everything fits in a single half of your luggage!

8. Layer flat packing things, such as lingerie and laundry bags, over your clothes and secure them down with the clip divider.

9. On the other side, use every nook and cranny you can to tetris in your accessories. In my suitcase I fit 4 pairs of shoes, a full sized beach towel, 3 belts, a big French/English dictionary, a drawstring backpack, and a cube shoved full of underthings and bikini tops. 

10. AND a Cindy Tote! Ratchet everything down with the straps and pray your bag closes.

11. OF COURSE IT DOES! And you had doubts...

There you have it folks! Pat yourself on the back for saving yourself $25 in checked bag fees and a long wait at the luggage carousel!

À bientôt!