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How to pack everything in one bag (with no wrinkles!): Bundle wrapping

Heading out of town for the holidays? Try this trick before you start balling up that blazer. TODAY's Ben Popken demonstrates how to pack everything in one bag without wrinkles or creases, using the power of "bundle wrapping."This method works so well because of two things. First, the tension from wrapping all the clothes around each other cuts all the wrinkles. Second, because you have zero folds

Heading out of town for the holidays? Try this trick before you start balling up that blazer. TODAY's Ben Popken demonstrates how to pack everything in one bag without wrinkles or creases, using the power of "bundle wrapping."

This method works so well because of two things. First, the tension from wrapping all the clothes around each other cuts all the wrinkles. Second, because you have zero folds, it gets rid of all the creases.

Once you get to your destination, hang everything up in the closet. "Bundle wrapping" might take a little bit longer at first. But once you get a handle on it, the wrinkle and crease savings are worth it and it shouldn't take you too long at all.

Here's how to bundle wrap:

  1. First you make a "core," using something like luggage organizer. You can also fold up some socks in a shirt. This goes in the center of the bundle.
  2. Then, lay out a long-sleeve shirt and smooth it out flat with arms out and collars up.
  3. Take your next shirt and lay it 180 degrees to the first one. Arrange it so the edge of both collars just touch the edge of where the core goes.
  4. Now you're going to lay out the clothes in a specific order. Shirts are on the vertical and pants are on the horizontal:
  • Jacket
  • Longer skirts and dresses
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Short-sleeved shirts.
  • Pants
  • Sweaters and knits
  • shorts

Now drop your core back in the center and start wrapping, wrapping the pants around the core, then the shirt around the bundle, sleeves first, and then the body. Smooth out any gathered fabric as you go.

Great! Now you're ready to go. Make sure to not overpack. This technique works best when you only pack the essentials.

Got it? Now watch TODAY's anchors give it a shot:

For a diagram and even more in-depth tips on bundle wrapping, check out OneBag.com, whose Doug Dymant generously gave us the tips on how to do this like a pro.

Email Ben Popken ben.popken@nbcuni.com or tweet @bpopken.