The space-saving method that makes family travel less stressful
Key Points:
- Travel expert shares an innovative packing technique that helps families significantly reduce luggage weight and volume
- The method involves coordinating outfits and strategic rolling that maximises space while ensuring all essentials are included
- Expert warns that traditional packing approaches lead to unnecessary stress, wasted space, and avoidable baggage fees
With summer holiday planning now in full swing across the UK, families are facing the perennial challenge of packing efficiently. Rising airline baggage fees and the physical strain of managing multiple overstuffed suitcases can turn the start of a family getaway into an unnecessarily stressful experience.
“Most families pack far more than they’ll ever use,” explains travel expert Andy Halliday from Lexrope, a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear and accessories. “There’s a much simpler approach that can cut your luggage in half.”
Halliday is referring to what he calls “The Outfit Rolling System” combined with a family capsule wardrobe approach—a method that’s transforming how experienced travellers prepare for family trips.
How The Outfit Rolling System Works
Unlike traditional packing methods where individual clothing items are folded separately, the Outfit Rolling System bundles complete outfits together in compact rolls.
“Instead of packing individual clothing items, roll entire coordinated outfits together,” explains Halliday. “Each roll contains a top, bottom, underwear, socks, and any small accessories needed for one day.”
This approach is combined with a capsule wardrobe concept, where each family member’s clothing is limited to versatile, mix-and-match pieces.
Creating A Family Capsule Wardrobe
The first step is selecting appropriate clothing. Halliday recommends focusing on neutral-colored basics that can be worn multiple times in different combinations.
“Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily,” advises Halliday. “Each family member only needs 3-4 outfits that can be reworn and layered depending on the weather.”
Shoe selection is equally important. “Limit footwear to one casual pair and one multipurpose pair per person,” says Halliday. “Shoes are bulky items that consume valuable space.”
The Rolling Technique
The rolling method itself is straightforward but requires some practice:
- Lay out a complete outfit on a flat surface with the largest item (usually a shirt or dress) at the bottom
- Place smaller items like underwear and socks in the center
- Fold in the sides of the larger items
- Roll tightly from bottom to top
- Secure with a rubber band or packing cube if needed
“This technique compresses clothing more effectively than folding,” Halliday notes. “Each roll becomes a daily pack for each family member, making morning routines on holiday much simpler.”
Why This System Works So Well
The Outfit Rolling System solves several common packing problems simultaneously:
“First, it saves significant space,” explains Halliday. “Tightly rolled clothing takes up less room than folded items, allowing you to fit more in less space.”
Organization becomes much simpler too. “No more digging through suitcases to find matching clothes. Each family member can simply grab a roll each morning.”
Perhaps most importantly, this system prevents overpacking. “By limiting each person to a set number of versatile outfits, you avoid throwing in those ‘just in case’ items that typically go unworn.”
Andy Halliday, travel expert at Lexrope, commented:
“After years of helping families prepare for outdoor adventures, I’ve noticed several common packing mistakes that cause unnecessary stress. The biggest is packing for worst-case scenarios rather than likely situations. This leads to lugging around items that never leave the suitcase.
“Another frequent error is not considering laundry options. Most accommodations offer washing facilities or there’s a launderette nearby, meaning you can wash clothes and re-wear them. This alone can cut your packing by half.
“Parents often pack entire separate wardrobes for children, forgetting that kids are actually more adaptable than adults when it comes to rewearing clothes. They really don’t mind wearing the same t-shirt multiple times, especially when on holiday.
“The Outfit Rolling System addresses all these issues while making the whole holiday experience more enjoyable. With less to pack, there’s less to worry about, less to carry, and ultimately, more focus on creating memories rather than managing luggage.”
