May Day Travel Packing Tips: How I Fit 10 Extra Items in My 28" Suitcase

May Day’s coming—excited, ladies?

But I bet what’s stressing you out is—packing.

I used to have meltdowns every trip: only bringing essentials, so why won’t everything fit?

Then I changed my folding method. Wow—fit 10 more shirts in my 28” suitcase, and finding things became easier.

Ladies, listen up—this folding technique is amazing.

Old Way: Flat Folding—Wastes Most Space

I used the most basic method—lay flat, fold in half, fold again.

Big problem: each item is thick, takes space.

Plus, folded clothes stack in layers. To find something at the bottom, you mess up everything above.

I calculated: flat folding, 28” suitcase fits max 20 shirts. Any more and the lid won’t close.

New Way: Roll Folding—50% More Capacity

Then I switched to “roll folding”—rolling clothes like sushi.

Super simple:

1. Lay clothes flat
2. Fold bottom third up
3. Roll left to right into a cylinder
4. Stand upright in suitcase

Benefits:

• Each item is thin, fits more
• Rolled clothes don’t wrinkle easily
• Standing upright means no digging through layers

Last time using roll folding: 30 shirts in my 28” suitcase—10 more than before.

Plus, clothes came out smooth, almost no ironing needed.

Pro tips:

• Thick coats don’t roll well—lay flat instead
• Wrinkle-prone fabrics (silk, linen) will still wrinkle
• Roll tightly or they’ll unravel

Compartmentalized Packing: Small Bags Keep Things Organized

Beyond folding, I learned “zone packing.”

Different items in different small bags:

• Underwear bag: bras, underwear, thermal pants
• Toiletry bag: shampoo, body wash, toothbrush
• Electronics bag: chargers, cables, power bank
• Medicine bag: common meds, band-aids

Benefits:

• No digging through suitcase
• Different items don’t mix
• Open suitcase, see everything

I use transparent drawstring bags—cheap, a few yuan each.

Heavy Items at Bottom: Suitcase Won’t Tip

One more detail: heavy things go at the bottom (wheels side).

I used to put heavy stuff on top—suitcase would tip when standing. So awkward.

Now I know: heavy items at bottom means stable center of gravity.

Specifics:

• Shoes, toiletry bag—heavy items at bottom
• Clothes—lighter items up top
• Camera, laptop—valuables in the middle for protection

Su Xiaonuan’s Packing List

I make a list every trip—check items off so nothing’s forgotten:

Clothing (adjust for weather):

• Tops: one per day + one backup
• Pants: 2-3 pairs
• Underwear/socks: one set per day + two backup sets
• Jacket: one (for AC)
• Shoes: one pair wearing + one backup

Toiletries:

• Shampoo, body wash (travel size)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Towel (or use hotel’s)
• Makeup, skincare

Electronics:

• Chargers, cables
• Power bank
• Headphones
• Camera (if needed)

Other:

• Documents: ID, passport
• Wallet: cash, cards
• Medicine: cold meds, anti-diarrhea, band-aids

Su Xiaonuan’s Summary

Packing isn’t about “bringing less”—it’s about “packing smart.”

• Roll folding: fits 50% more clothes
• Compartmentalized packing: find things easily
• Heavy items at bottom: suitcase won’t tip
• Make a list: don’t forget anything

Ladies, no more meltdowns this May Day. Try this packing method.

Seriously a game-changer.

(The End)