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Packing Tip: The Pillowcase Technique

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On of our favorite tips for travel is the pillowcase technique. It's kept our suitcase organized on many trips...

 
 

When packing, include an empty pillowcase in your luggage to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. The pillowcase takes up minimal space, but keeps you organized on the return journey. You can also use pillowcases to separate shoes from clothing inside your luggage.

Let us know your favorite travel tips in the comments below.

Photo: Ivory Hotel Bedding from Restoration Hardware

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Comments (14)

I use shoe bags to separate shoes from clothing, and I stuff the shoes with socks to help them keep their shape.

I also use the plastic shopping bags that I always seem collect when shopping for souvenirs to put the dirty clothes in - the objects get wrapped up in t-shirts or stuffed between layers of clothing.

Finally, I minimize bringing dirty clothes home as much as possible by using the washer at my Sis' home at the end of my stay or sending laundry out to be cleaned towards the end of my cruises - the money spent to have them cleaned is well worth not dealing with piles of dirty laundry when returning home.

posted by bepsf on August 6th 2008 at 12:21pm
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Oh that's a good idea.
I have a cute little fabric laundry bag that I got at TJMaxx for that - and a similar shoe bag from the dollar bins at Target.

But pillowcases, I already have.
I noticed some cute bags at TJMaxx meant to separate your small unmentionables from everything else swirling in your bag - and resisted the urge to buy them.

Good, simple idea.

posted by clickchick on August 6th 2008 at 12:22pm
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Large ziplocks are great if you are traveling somewhere that might rain on your suitcase.

posted by cristal on August 6th 2008 at 12:51pm
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I like using old socks to put shoes in. Stuffing the shoes with socks also helps keep them in shape. I also re-use dry cleaners plastic bags to put around my folded blouses to keep them from wrinkling more than necessary.

posted by rachelrachel on August 6th 2008 at 2:56pm
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I usually use mesh laundry bags and lingerie bags, but pillowcases would be good for lingerie when going through an airport where a suitcase might be opened.

However, I would NEVER put shoes in a pillowcase that I actually put my face in and sleep on. That's just gross!

posted by Stephie_is_a_dork on August 6th 2008 at 3:09pm
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I just use the laundry bags the hotel provides. Why pack more things then I need? Shoes are also good for holding hair products. Best packing tip I've ever received was pack, then take 1/3 out -you will never use it.

posted by alexis on August 6th 2008 at 3:21pm
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Something we always do is turn the dirty clothes inside out. That way if there is any question....

posted by ncdebe on August 6th 2008 at 4:29pm
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If you're following TSA rules on liquids and gels, you probably can't put hair products in your shoes...

posted by Taureg on August 6th 2008 at 5:24pm
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In case you are dirtier than normal, pack some powder detergent (if you are checking luggage.) I ended up washing all of my clothes at the hotel laundry one day on a 5 day trip. I felt so much better!
And, I reuse my plastic shopping bags for dirty clothes, liquids (tanning lotion all over my luggage? No thanks), and dirty shoes.
Sure, my luggage ends up looking a bit on the homeless side, but it's very efficient.

posted by stellamystar on August 7th 2008 at 4:26am
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I use the dry cleaner's bags to wrap the clothes in I don't want to get wrinkled, this really helps to prevent wrinkling.

posted by LoriSF on August 7th 2008 at 7:03am
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I use "ditty bags" aka "dry bags" aka "compression bags" from the camping department for packing. A small one for unmentionables, a large one for dirty clothes, and another small one if I am traveling with swimwear. The bags are waterproof and odorprooof, and you can compress them down so that everything fits better into your suitcase.

posted by Aimi on August 7th 2008 at 8:29am
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Now this is a great idea!

If you want a slightly neater look, I would highly recommend a product called "packing cubes" from eBags . . . I have multiple sets and don't know how I ever travelled without them.

posted by Griffin on August 7th 2008 at 9:16am
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Wrap your clothes in furoshiki - japanese wrapping cloths (big squares) which are used to move gifts, clothes, etc. My Japanese friend always travels with them. It keeps your clothes compact and organized. They're also beautiful.

http://www.diylife.com/2007/10/15/diy-definitions-furoshiki-multi-use-wrapping-cloths/

posted by evans on August 10th 2008 at 6:41pm
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I use the plastic bags from newspapers to hold my shampoo and other possibly leaky toiletries. Just tie the top and stick in the side of your bag! No need to waste a ziplock.

posted by missdk on January 29th 2009 at 2:51pm
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