How Science Says You Should Pack

The efficiency of packing clothes in a suitcase is determined by the volume fraction, which is the ratio of the garment's volume to the space it occupies after folding or crumpling. Folding clothes neatly maximizes volume fraction, while crumpling wastes space, and rolling can be an effective alternative if the bag is not a standard rectangular shape. Optimal packing strategies depend on the material, bag shape, and desired level of wrinkle-free clothes.

Volume Fraction

• 00:01:06 The volume fraction is the ratio of a garment's volume to the space it takes up after being packed. It is a measure of how efficiently the space in a suitcase is utilized. A higher volume fraction, closer to 1, indicates that the packing strategy is efficiently using the available space.

Crumpling Clothes

• 00:01:46 Crumpling clothes is the least effective packing method for maximizing space. Crumpled clothes have a significantly lower volume fraction, about one-quarter, due to the low-density space within the wrinkles. This method leads to wasted space in the suitcase and makes it harder to repack for the return trip.

Neat Folding

• 00:03:45 Neat folding maximizes space usage by creating flat layers of clothing. The volume fraction of neatly folded clothes is closer to 1 than with other methods, as it minimizes low-density space between layers. However, excessive folding can also reduce efficiency due to creases and increased bends.

Rolling Clothes

• 00:04:34 Rolling clothes into cylinders can be a good alternative, especially for irregularly shaped bags. The volume fraction of rolled clothes is similar to neatly folded clothes. Rolling is beneficial for non-rectangular bags because it allows clothes to fill odd shapes and spaces. However, tightly rolled cylinders can reduce efficiency due to shape mismatches.