Can Marie Kondo's Folding method help when travelling?

Long before Marie Kondo ever came along, travellers fell into two main camps (the rollers and the folders, of course), each side professing theirs to be the very best method to pack a suitcase. Then came the goddess of neat, tidy and joyful storage, who devised a method that not only revolutionised homes the world over, but also suitcases.

So can the Marie Kondo Method be the ultimate packing solution, you ask?

Taking the packing game to brand new heights, Marie Kondo recommends precise folding and stacking methods to maximise space when packing.


If you haven’t heard of Marie Kondo or her KonMari method, you're probably in the minority! This Japanese organising consultant, bestselling author, and revered TV star has taken the world by storm with her tips for bringing joy and order to your life through tidying.

Perhaps the KonMari folding method can help make life easier when travelling or, perhaps, the tried-and-true roll and stuff routine is still the best way to go. Let's weigh up the different techniques and find out!

 

It’s all in the way you fold

“How hard is it to fold a t-shirt?” you may ask. Harder than you might imagine, apparently! The internet is awash with Marie Kondo clothes folding tutorials; from socks and underwear to hoodies and jeans. You’ve probably been doing it wrong all this time!

Experienced travellers know better than anyone how important it is to maximise every centimetre of space by making your clothes as compact as possible. Using the KonMari method to fold items can give you more room and make organising your suitcase a breeze. 

Rolling vs. Folding

Rolling Versus Folding, Marie Kondo, Zoomlite Blog - Packing Cubes Folding Method
While folding is a great start, it alone is not the solution to your packing struggles. You’ll need to mix it up a little; bring in some invaluable packing cubes in a variety of sizes to take your organising and space-saving skills to the next level.

Smaller items like t-shirts, underwear and socks are best folded and stored in individual packing cubes. But if you have items that need to stay wrinkle free, like a pretty dress or a business shirt, rolling is much better.

Larger items like jeans and sweatshirts take up more space when folded, so tightly rolling them and using them to fill gaps in your luggage is a much more efficient use of space. 

To stack or not to stack?

The KonMari folding method involves folding your clothes and vertically stacking them (rather than one on top of the other). This may work for the right depth suitcase, but for deeper bags or backpacks, it’s not ideal. Instead, we recommend vertical stacking inside packing cubes. You’ll be able to quickly find what you’re after, keep everything together, and fit a lot more in.

 Can Marie Kondo's Folding method help when travelling? Zoomlite Blog - to stack or roll

Packing Cubes to the Rescue!

Packing cubes make light work of Kondo’s methods, allowing you to fold, stack and keep everything tight and tidy. Not sure which packing cubes might suit you best? Check out our guide to choosing the right packing cubes and you’ll be well on your way to packing Nirvana.

Next, learn how to effectively use cubes to pack an organised suitcase to make Marie Kondo positively spark with joy.

Need to save even more space?

Opt for Compression Cubes 

As their name suggests, compression cubes take their space-saving job very seriously. Packing for a hiking trip or simply wish to only fly with hand-luggage? Compression cubes are just about the only items that will get the job done.

Much like vacuum bags, compression bags can minimize contents to a fraction of their original size. Yet, unlike vacuum bags, come in a variety of sizes, are super sturdy, allow for ventilation (because dirty laundry!) and can be compressed with your hands, rather than requiring a bulky pump.

Heres’ all you need to know about compression cubes

“Spark joy” - but bring the essentials!

Marie Kondo’s philosophy is that everything you choose to keep in your house should “spark joy.” We’re all about sparking joy - after all, that’s the whole point of travel! But it’s not practical for everything on your packing list to be soulfully uplifting.

By all means, bring a few garments that you adore, but don’t forget the boring items, like your most comfortable pair of ugly track pants for a long-haul flight or cargo pants for trekking.

Can Marie Kondo's Folding method help when travelling? Zoomlite Blog - Spark Joy with your packing cubes 

Learning how to pack is as important as knowing what to pack; with the right techniques, you can squeeze a lot more into your precious space! Fold the small stuff and stack it into packing cubes, roll the big items, and save some space for the souvenirs on the way back. 


5 comments


  • Kirree Green

    Have been using packing cubes for quite a few years now and find them a wonderful way to stay organised whilst travelling 🙏


  • Joan Hartas

    Looking forward to hearing from you!👍


  • DennisObrien

    Everything,I,was,looking,for,great,quality,great,prices,very,very,happy,that,I,found,you,looking,very,much,for,my,trip,to,South,America


  • Rosemary Mc Gavin

    Very helpful.


  • Caroline Sapienza

    Thanks I’ve found this advice very useful as I am off on a month long, multi scenario trip soon. With a large roller duffel, a backpack and camera bag, I’ll be starting in Tanzania for nine days and then Uganda for seven, where I’ll be living in sturdy walking boots, lightweight travel clothes and t-shirts. But then I’m off to the bright lights of London fthen Tel-Aviv and the Red Sea on the way home so I will definitely be needing a few nicer outfits. I have my Zoomlite packing cubes at the ready and rearing to go!


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