https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:10:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255584 Sat, 19 Mar 2022 12:23:24 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2255584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, my first thought was that I wanted to send you my desk and paperwork that’s overflowed from it. Now I’m thinking I might be getting close to a breakthrough because of discussion on the “freeing or restrictive” thread. In clothing, relationships, the kitchen, and elsewhere I’ve realized recently that I *do* have rules in place—but I’m generally not aware of them. Figuring out what they are and making systems that match up to them (For example: I kept setting fruit on the flat, industrial-looking range hood in our very small kitchen, so I put a fruit bowl up there) is what works for me. Now I’m trying to figure out what rules I have about paperwork (other than “deal with it later!”). Any tips? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255304 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 16:26:07 +0000 Anonymous 2255304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, SF. We have to pay for this move ourselves, but we have been able to take 2 trips there already, with 4 suitcases &amp; 2 backpacks for each. Our 3rd &amp; final trip will be in June 1st if all goes as planned. We have already obtained our Mexican visas to obtain permanent residency once we get there, so we’re just trying to sell our home right now while my husband continues to work. He will work here in Georgia until the end of May &amp; then work remotely in Mexico until the end of December. I’m already retired, so I’m ready to go. The only thing that really saddened me was selling my piano, which was a gift from my father for my 16th birthday. At least a friend of mine found a buyer for me who was specifically looking for the piano I had &amp; was willing to pay my full asking price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255269 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:17:11 +0000 Staysfit 2255269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, I laughed at your response to my post, &nbsp;Organization is one of my superpowers. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255215 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 23:14:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2255215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A company-paid-for move sounds awesome! Good luck on your new &amp; different venture.<br /> And if you come across good tips on using packing cubes, please post it here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255213 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 23:11:41 +0000 Anonymous 2255213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Stagiaire Fash. We have moved to Costa Rica &amp; back. The difference is that my husband’s employer paid for those moves &amp; we were able to take everything. This move is on our nickel, &amp; it’s too expensive to ship a small container. At least we’re not having to leave clothes behind, except the winter clothes we won’t need. I did give my coat to my sister-in-law, who lives in Florida. She has it hanging in her guest room. I was able to sell a few pairs of shoes &amp; some handbags on Poshmark, but I haven’t been able to sell my petite clothes. I ended up donating them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255193 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 20:46:44 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2255193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We will be right up against the limits for checked bags and one of my carryons with the stuff my son is taking to college. I really did not want to get into explaining why I’m limited to the space I have mentioned throughout this thread, but there is part of the reason. </p> <p>Good luck with your move. My son and I have moved across the Atlantic three times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255192 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 20:33:42 +0000 Anonymous 2255192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We don’t use cubes, so I don’t know if these folds will help you. I can tell you that the thin socks I wear take up very little space when rolled military style. Try watching videos by Army Gringo<br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/uoHN4-0jw6A" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/uoHN4-0jw6A</a><br /> and Small Space Organizing<br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/fcxzJhBC3oI" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/fcxzJhBC3oI</a></p> <p>Also, I packed &amp; carried all of my kitchen knives by following TSA guidelines. I placed each knife in a sheath (I bought the sheaths from Amazon) &amp; then put them in protective neoprene cases. The reason for this is so the people who check the luggage don’t get cut while searching through your stuff. And wouldn’t you know that in Mexico they checked the suitcase that had my knives in it. They asked if we had a restaurant, &amp; my husband had to explain that we’re in the process of moving.</p> <p>Remember that the weight limit for check-in bags is 50 lbs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255184 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 20:08:26 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2255184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quinta22, I’ve never seen it done as small as a packing cube! My two “big” ones are 7 liters/427 cu inches each. You said you’ve seen a lot of videos—can you link me one for cubes that small? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255168 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:16:21 +0000 Anonymous 2255168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes primarily. I like doing my socks &amp; t-shirts that way all the time. It’s so easy to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post/page/2#post-2255167 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:14:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2255167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quinta22, are you referring to the military roll that’s everywhere these days? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2255165 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:06:35 +0000 Anonymous 2255165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tips, everyone! My husband &amp; I are moving to Mexico with only what will fit in our suitcases &amp; backpacks. In addition to what everyone has said, one of the best things I have recently learned is how to do military folds for clothing. Most of our clothing doesn’t wrinkle that much, &amp; folding in a more. compact way creates more room in the suitcase. There are several good YouTube videos that teach how to do these folds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2255147 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:49:22 +0000 Jenn 2255147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, mine are older so a slightly different design, but yes, that's the equivalent in the current line! </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: just saw your second question. I do exactly what you say in adjusting the size of KonMari folds to fit my space. &nbsp;You can also do that to make clothing of different sizes (ie: a cropped shirt and a hip-length one) create a standard-sized "packet."</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2255078 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:15:13 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2255078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, I’ve often wished my desk, and my life, would be like a computer, where files zap back to wherever they belong as soon as I close them, no need to take an extra step to put them away. You seem to have achieved this in real life. Le sigh. </p> <p>In some ways the cubes are a step in that direction, each one with specific contents, to be repacked every night or at the latest every few days when I move again. </p> <p>Jenn, Staysfit and others who’ve used the method, I have a question about Kon-Mari folding, because I’ve never done it. How much can you change the size of the “packets” you make? This IG account has done a couple folding posts recently, and I might be hooked. Looks like I could adjust the placement of primary folds to make these the size I need. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbDcmyTllzd/?utm_medium=copy_link" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/reel.....=copy_link</a> They are from a different account. Wish I could find where, and watch the whole series! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254745 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 12:09:57 +0000 Staysfit 2254745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, packing cubes sound nice….Strangely, I’m a packing minimalist so I have never invested in specialty items&nbsp;like that. &nbsp;I re-use zip lock bags (saved from the local pharmacy who dispenses med bottles in them) and I use free nylon totes and zipped makeup storage bags that I have collected over the years. &nbsp;I try to pack clothes that wash and dry quickly, that I can layer easily for warmth, and that I can use in multiple settings. &nbsp;I fold my clothing using the Kon Mari method, or I roll. &nbsp;I pack undergarments into one packet. Socks go into a mesh lingerie bag. &nbsp;PJ’s if I bring them go on top since I often want them first and quickly. &nbsp;I use an extra zipped mesh lingerie bag for dirty clothing. &nbsp;If I need to wash things, I can drop the entire mesh bag into a sink, tub or a machine if available. Baby shampoo cleans everything!&nbsp;I bring 1-2 folding hangers and/or a portable clothes line and clothes pins/clips, which allows me to create a method to hang dry my clothing. &nbsp;I re-use plastic grocery bags for my shoes. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I use my Tumi backpack as a carry on. &nbsp;It has multiple convenient zipped pockets and it can slide onto the handle of rolling luggage. &nbsp; In the backpack I carry my laptop and cell phone. I also carry my chargers/charging cords plus a MIFI, since I rely on the internet for my work (sometimes even on vacation). &nbsp;I carry prescription medications, a 16 oz. water bottle with a built in tea strainer, my favorite loose leaf tea, an umbrella, and some healthy snack foods. &nbsp;I can fit the regulation sized liquids bag in my backpack as well. &nbsp;Finally, the small shoulder bag above fits in the backpack as does my journal, pens, a notepad and my lip balm.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254739 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 09:47:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2254739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna, I once gave my nephew an envelope just like that one, but from Eagle Creek, as a gift. Also used a big one when my son and a traveled to a wedding together.</p> <p>Jenn, thanks for the link. Your description is exactly what I was thinking of when I mentioned EC above, but of course they have other products too. The link you posted doesn’t work for me; I think these are the same product? <a href="https://www.eaglecreek.com/products/pack-it-isolate-cube-set-xssm?variant=39788359909513" rel="nofollow">https://www.eaglecreek.com/pro.....8359909513</a> Their small is the size I will have 2 of for my clothes, EEK! </p> <p>Unfrumped, I use those blanket zip bags for home storage too. Your arrival/hotel night cube is a good example of the “use” vs “type” question Jenn brought up earlier. Good point about things standing up more easily &amp; cubes doing a better job of preventing wrinkles if they are full. I expect my issue will be a temptation to overfill them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254706 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 01:57:27 +0000 Jenn 2254706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wanted to pop in one more time to say that I have had zero issues with packing cubes, themselves, taking up precious space. We use these from Eagle Creek:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Specter-Strobe/">https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-C.....er-Strobe/</a></p> <p>They are so thin, they're translucent and weigh just over an ounce in the largest size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254705 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 01:43:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2254705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I don't wear shirts much either, but I can see how the loop at the top of such a bag could be useful for hanging up an entire outfit on the back of a bathroom door in a pinch (I suppose it's like the strategy of fitting one whole outfit at a time into a 'packing cube', albeit a very flat &amp; thin 'cube' lol...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254703 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 01:28:46 +0000 DonnaF 2254703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know you're not much of a shirt wearer SF, but I thought I'd add this Find for any who do, plus the male identified in their lives. This works reasonably well, kinda like the packaged shirts one might buy and with less wrinkling than a rolled shirt or at least my attempts at doing so. I may have used it for a shirtdress or two.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agonize over packing because I want to take enough but not too much. Those last minute things I throw in *just in case* are always too much. Remind me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254636 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 14:21:06 +0000 unfrumped 2254636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use some packing cubes but have had some epiphanies after some recent trips. My ideas aren’t fully organized but I plan to experiment with some and refine further. So in no particular order:<br /> I got “ cubes” in sets and never use the big sizes- it’s harder to buy just the size or color I might want but I got most on sale or discount. (Random: I was giving away large one but now might see how to use at home for storage).<br /> Even smaller or medium cubes may be too big for certain trips- if I do all tops together, for summer T’s the cube might still be not very full, so defeats somewhat the concept- I plan to size cube down further for some items, some trips. I was using a narrow one for undies because… well, the shape seemed to fit undies lined up, but was still floppy/ not full, so am going to try another type/ size.<br /> Best grouping is sleepwear cube , on top, for car travel, as we stop for night. But I was keeping some hair stuff in its own cube and realized I used that first thing next morning, plus clean undies even if might wear same clothes for continuing day of travel, so am considering fitting that into sleep cube- just re- thinking how to use both concepts of “ like” items bs “ use at same time “ items.<br /> I have vision issues, and motel lighting is horrible, and most host house lighting not bright enough for me, some am re- thinking cube visibility- lighter colors, more mesh on top. I am considering some clear cubes even though they may be less compressible than fabric.<br /> Sidebar to also reconsidering some types of ziplock bags for this reason- the “ cube” concept for me not being limited to what are marketed as cubes.<br /> I have saved ( hoarded!) a couple of clear plastic zip things that other things came in- 2 are actually cubic- like and zip around 3 sides of top- to try standing book- like if I want to try packing some areas that way rather than laying cubes flat. Also fuller packing of any cube let’s you “ stand it up” better.<br /> Other cube/ container freebies are some of the packaging for linens, like clear zip packing of sheets etc.<br /> I take mostly knit tops and usually roll and line up in cube so can take one out with less disturbance. Woven shirts I would fold and just accept some creasing. But if I were packing some wovens for air travel ( most trips by car I had luxury of taking some things on hangers, but want to get in mode of future air travel) and planning to either wear that on arrival or were able to hang things on arrival (motel, some family homes) I would fold/arrange on top, or somehow in the lid, and not use any cube. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254609 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 08:03:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2254609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joyce, I must be looking at the wrong parts of her page. I see lots of examples of what she packed for an x-week long trip to y and some on how she chooses what to take, but don't see where she talks about cubes or anything else related to actually putting clothes into bags. I do agree with her that clothes for a trip should be chosen from what you wear at home. This sentence, from her site, sounds exactly like me everyday “You want to be comfortable and able to move, but don’t want a lot of extra fabric flapping around”. As I’ve mentioned several times now, I’m not interested, for purposes of this thread, in hearing about other ways of packing; the way you and Angie describe is not feasible for this trip. I wish you well on your trips doing whatever other thing you’re doing. </p> <p>Donna, the idea that different sized clothing takes up different amount of space is one I’ve had multiple big lightbulb moments over, several times, related to my weight loss and again with my son growing. Closer to the trip, when I pull out the stuff from which I’ll choose the travel capsule, I’ll play around with different ways of folding/rolling (because let’s be honest—even if people *had* played along with my request, I probably would’ve done some experimentation and made adjustments to whatever method anyway) to see what fits best and how. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254584 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:45:41 +0000 Joyce 2254584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I follow Susan and know she is using cubes for packing for all of the reasons you are considering them, multiple locations and activities, check her out?<br />I pack like Angie, the things that either won't crease or that can stand a "heavy press" on the bottom layer and then work up. Most easily wrinkled on the top and shoes stuffed into the edges. I also only do carry-on so get better every time I pack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254583 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:28:19 +0000 DonnaF 2254583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is just a theory, but I think if I were traveling and staying in a number of different places, I would try to have a cube or two that I wouldn’t have to open until the end. Or if there was an occasion like a wedding, I would pack all the pieces together. Otherwise, I pack tops together, bottoms together, etc. It seems to me that the *best* way is to think how your mind and decision making work and if you plan outfits ahead of time without deviating.</p> <p>I will also mention that long skinny “cubes” probably work for me because my clothing is smaller and shorter than average.</p> <p>We subscribe to newspapers that are delivered in long skinny plastic bags that come in several colors. This makes them great for packing shoes. I’m not sure that the Sunday paper size would hold a bootie, but in addition to the pair I would wear, I don’t think I would pack another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254562 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:50:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2254562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ziplock freezer bags are great compression bags for travel. I can’t believe the mark-up when they label them as being for storage! </p> <p>Ties i would probably pack the same way I do belts, and sometimes tights—tucked along the edges of a suitcase, in any little crack of space. </p> <p>But I already know I’m using the cubes for this trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254560 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:42:22 +0000 cat2 2254560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, the short answer is no, I hate packing cubes, they are rigid; my used Ziplocks make the garments compressible. My husband is using the cubes I rejected for belts and ties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254559 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:32:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2254559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, I see! I’m terrible about snagging the soap and lotion from hotel rooms, but shower cape I usually leave behind. </p> <p>Cat2, somebody really needs to start a “how do you pack your clothes” thread—seems many people want to tell about theirs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254557 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:07:17 +0000 cat2 2254557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I travel with what is called a Rolling Garment bag, and have them in two sizes. I combine my outfits onto a handful of dry cleaners hangers. Shoes go in the fabric shoe bags that I keep when I buy expensive shoes, and anything delicate goes into a recycled ziploc bag (unlocked so the air can escape): tights, snaggable scarves, etc. I have a toiletries bag always ready to go, and a couple of spare ziplocs in my carry on tote for plane scarves and toiletries. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254556 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:56:03 +0000 Zaeobi 2254556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't buy the shower caps so much as I usually have a bunch left from either henna dyeing or hotel trips lol - I have my actual shower cap at home, so those flimsy disposable ones often go unused otherwise. I tend to wash my shoes before packing, but if I can't then I will then double wrap the shower cap shoes in another bag - this way, I can keep the bottom of the bag clean for use at my destination (i.e. if it's a tote). </p> <p>As for the actual packing cubes, I will either roll or lay flat my clothes depending on the purpose - underwear tends to be rolled since I can then just grab &amp; go, but I will often fold clothes instead so I can 'leaf' through them. I will then use one of my bigger packing cubes as a makeshift laundry bag at my destination (everything worn goes in there, so I can easily separate it straight into the washing machine when I get home - everything that goes in there is rolled, since creases don't matter at that point but space does, lol). </p> <p>I know some people will actually divide up entire outfits per packing cube - guess it depends on how much space you intend to have when getting dressed at your final destination! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2254538 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:57:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2254538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie &amp; Rachylou, I just checked out Marie Kondo’s packing cubes. Now I see what you mean about taking up space! The ones I have are more similar to Eagle Creek’s. They aren’t compression, but they are thin, strong fabric with no piping or the like to take up room. </p> <p>The way I usually pack is very similar to what Zaeobi describes (although buying shower caps for shoes would be new to me—I usually use the flimsy plastic bags that carry out good comes in, or that are used at US grocery stores). </p> <p>I don’t want to get into the why’s &amp; wherefores, but for this trip, I’ll have an unusually deep bag, so pulling out a cube or two to get at what I need will be most convenient. So that’s brings us back to the original question I asked of how people put things into the cubes. </p> <p>Jenn, interesting thought to divide it tops v bottoms. I had been thinking of work v play clothes. Reconsidering now. It will probably come down to what fits the cubes the best. Either way, I’d use a third cube for sox/ undies/ pjs, and gym clothes &amp; shoes have a different spot.</p> <p>Joy, I’ve heard of using them in a backpack—sounds much better to me than digging way down into one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2253709 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 15:15:12 +0000 Angie 2253709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! Packing well is quite the skill :)</p> <p>Personally, I love the idea of packing cubes because they look so neat and organized!&nbsp; Yet like <b>Rachy,</b>&nbsp;I find that they take away space, which is why I don't use them. My own packing method that hubs Greg taught me&nbsp;works better for my needs. I roll and fold items VERY neatly, and fit every item into my case like a jigsaw puzzle. It's a game of tetris! Shoes in bags with undies are always on the bottom to create a flat surface. Then, I try to keep creating a flat and neat surface. It prevents items from creasing badly too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I bring stuff for others when we travel, and bring back items from our travels too - oddly shaped items - so the cube system would be disrupted, IYKWIM. I also don't mind repacking items into my case during our trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-packing-post#post-2253682 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:44:19 +0000 rachylou 2253682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I wish for packing cubes, for the sake of organisation, but then I travel small and they do take away space. My uncle always swore by rolling. </p>