How I pack

[magandab]

I've read several threads that mention packing with dry cleaning bags laid between layers of clothes to keep them wrinkle free. I do something similar, but in my opinion much easier.

I hang most of my clothes on ladies suit hangers. If it's a dress, I hang a skirt or pants underneath it. Maybe two skirts, one blouse and even another shirt on top of that. I then put the dry cleaner bags over 2 hangers worth of clothing. I make 3 or 4 groupings this way, depending on how much I am taking. I use a large, hard side suitcase. I take the group with the longest garment and lay it lengthwise in the suitcase with the bottom edge of the garment at the inside wall of the suitcase. I gently press it down to mold into the suitcase, laying the hanger end outside. The next group goes the opposite way, with the bottom of the garment at the other edge of the suitcase, where the first garment is laying. Criss cross like this. Then, I put all my other clothing in the "well" on top of the layers of bagged clothes. I usually use large ziplocks and fit them in the best way they fit.

Next, take the topmost hangers and fold it back over the clothes. Then, on the other side, take the next hanger and fold it over. then the next, crisscrossing those as well. I then use the elastic holders to hold it all in.
When I get to the ship, I unfold everything, take the bagged stuff out and put it in drawers, and take the hanging clothes out and hang them up, drycleaner bags and all.

I was told about this method by friends of my parents who owned drycleaning stores and I have NEVER had a wrinkled garment.

The other side of the suitcase is for shoes, toiletries, etc. It's amazing how much I can pack.

[Moondawgie]

Good, Amy. I also put tissue (like the kind you wrap presents with) in between some things to give breathing space. I love the zip lock bags idea. Target has extra large ones.

[Lois R]

Originally Posted by magandab

I've read several threads that mention packing with dry cleaning bags laid between layers of clothes to keep them wrinkle free. I do something similar, but in my opinion much easier.

I hang most of my clothes on ladies suit hangers. If it's a dress, I hang a skirt or pants underneath it. Maybe two skirts, one blouse and even another shirt on top of that. I then put the dry cleaner bags over 2 hangers worth of clothing. I make 3 or 4 groupings this way, depending on how much I am taking. I use a large, hard side suitcase. I take the group with the longest garment and lay it lengthwise in the suitcase with the bottom edge of the garment at the inside wall of the suitcase. I gently press it down to mold into the suitcase, laying the hanger end outside. The next group goes the opposite way, with the bottom of the garment at the other edge of the suitcase, where the first garment is laying. Criss cross like this. Then, I put all my other clothing in the "well" on top of the layers of bagged clothes. I usually use large ziplocks and fit them in the best way they fit.

Next, take the topmost hangers and fold it back over the clothes. Then, on the other side, take the next hanger and fold it over. then the next, crisscrossing those as well. I then use the elastic holders to hold it all in.
When I get to the ship, I unfold everything, take the bagged stuff out and put it in drawers, and take the hanging clothes out and hang them up, drycleaner bags and all.

I was told about this method by friends of my parents who owned drycleaning stores and I have NEVER had a wrinkled garment.

The other side of the suitcase is for shoes, toiletries, etc. It's amazing how much I can pack.

Hi, glad that works well for you...I use drycleaner bags too but
I don't pack hangers.
The way I have been packing has worked really well for me over the
past 6.5 years of cruising and it is very easy for me