How to Fold Clothes with the KonMari Method and Pack Efficiently

If you’ve ever struggled to pack clothes that stay neat, save space, and are easy to grab when you need them, the KonMari folding method might be just what you need. This technique keeps your items organized and easy to access without messing up the rest of your suitcase.

What is the KonMari Method?

Marie Kondo, a Japanese tidying expert, introduced the world to her signature organizing system through her bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. The book became a global hit and was later adapted into a Netflix series titled “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”.

One of the most popular techniques from her method is how to fold clothes. Instead of stacking your clothes on top of each other, the KonMari method folds them into compact pieces that stand upright. This makes everything easier to see and pick out while keeping your suitcase or drawer neat and in order.

You can use this folding style for just about anything from outerwear to underwear. It helps you save space and makes packing more efficient. If you’re ready to try it, here’s a simple guide to get started.

How to Fold a Short-Sleeve Shirt

Short sleeve shirts like T-shirts and casual button-downs are everyday essentials. Folding them the KonMari way helps them stay wrinkle-free and easy to grab.

1. Start by laying the shirt flat on a smooth surface with the front side facing up. Make sure to straighten out any wrinkles.
2. Fold each side of the shirt toward the center, then fold the sleeves inward so they align with the sides.
3. Fold the bottom of the shirt upward to create a long rectangle.
4. Continue folding into thirds until the shirt is compact and can stand upright on its own.

How to Fold a Long Sleeve Shirt

Long sleeve shirts can be bulky, but the KonMari fold helps keep them tidy without taking up extra space.

1. Lay the shirt flat and smooth it out completely.
2. Fold one sleeve toward the center, then fold the sleeve down so it lies along the body of the shirt. Do the same with the other side.
3. Fold the bottom upward into a rectangle.
4. Fold again into thirds or quarters until the shirt can stand vertically.

How to Fold Pants the KonMari Way

Pants, especially jeans or other thick fabrics, often take up more room in your suitcase. This method helps keep them neat and compact.

1. Lay the pants flat and smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Fold one leg over the other so the pants are aligned.
3. Fold the legs up toward the waistband but leave a little space at the top.
4. Then fold again into halves or thirds until the pants are small enough to stand upright.

Simple Packing Tips to Keep Your Suitcase Neat and Organized

Folding clothes properly is just one part of packing efficiently. Here are some practical tips that can help you stay organized and make travel a little smoother.

Pack Your Outfits Based on When You’ll Wear Them

Planning your outfits ahead of time makes packing faster and unpacking easier. It also keeps your suitcase from getting messy.

Start by listing the clothes you’ll need for each day including tops, bottoms, underwear, and accessories. Pack them in reverse order so the clothes for your first day are on top and the rest are underneath. This way you can just reach in and grab what you need without digging through everything else.

Remember to bring a few extra items just in case. You can store backup outfits at the bottom of your suitcase or in a separate section so they don’t mix with your main outfits.

Use Organizers to Separate Your Clothes by Type

Opening a suitcase and seeing everything jumbled together can be frustrating. That’s where organizers or packing cubes come in handy. They help you group similar items together which makes everything easier to find.

You can use one cube for underwear, one for shirts, and another for pants. These cubes also help compress your clothes so you have more space in your suitcase without squashing everything too tightly. Even if your suitcase gets tossed around during travel, packing cubes help keep everything in place. They prevent clothes from shifting around and getting wrinkled.

They also keep your belongings clean. Items like underwear stay separated from things like shoes or toiletries. You can even dedicate one cube for sleepwear to make it easy to find when you arrive at your destination.