If you’re heading off on an autumn break but dread the packing, you’re not alone. According to Lexrope, most travellers struggle to fit everything into their suitcases. This can result in paying overweight luggage fees or leaving essentials behind, as many airlines have strict allowances. However, there’s a simple trick that could transform how you pack your bags.

Andy Halliday, CEO of Lexrope, has mastered the art of “efficient” packing through the years of camping and travelling. The expert said: “The rolling method is one of those techniques that sounds too good to be true until you try it. You can genuinely fit nearly twice as much in your bag compared to the traditional folding.”

The key to successful rolling lies in the technique itself. Bundling clothes into cycliners is only part of the process.

Andy explained: “Start by laying your item flat on a clean surface. For t-shirts, fold the sleeves inward towards the centre. For trousers, fold them lengthwise so you create a long, narrow shape. Then, starting from one end, roll tightly and evenly.”

The tighter you roll, the more compact the item becomes. This compression effect is what saves lots of space in your bag. Plus, rolled items fit into gaps and corners that folded clothes cannot.

For dressers or longer items, fold them in half first, then roll from the bottom up. Shirts with collars, however, need a little more care. Simply button them up, fold the sleeves back, and roll from the bottom up to protect the collar.

Andy noted: “We tested this with a standard carry-on suitcase. Using the folding method, we fitted seven t-shirts, three pairs of trousers, two jumpers and underwear for five ways.

“With rolling, we managed 12 t-shirts, five pairs of trousers, four jumpers, and a week's worth of underwear, nearly double the capacity.”

Rolling also prevents sharp creases that can result from folding. Because the fabric curves rather than bends at hard angles, clothes come out of the case looking much fresher.

The expert said: “You might see slight creasing in some materials, but nothing like the deep fold lines from traditional packing.

“The method works particularly well for casual clothes like jeans, t-shirts, and knitwear. More formal items like suits or structured dresses still benefit from rolling, though you might want to give them a quick steam when you arrive.”