{"id":437491,"date":"2026-04-26T15:03:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T13:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=437491"},"modified":"2026-04-26T10:32:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T08:32:15","slug":"erreur-frequente-pourrait-reduire-espace-valise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/a-common-mistake-could-reduce-suitcase-space-437491","title":{"rendered":"A common mistake that could reduce space in a suitcase"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Packing a suitcase often feels like a strategic challenge: everything has to fit, without wrinkling the clothes and without forgetting the essentials. A very common habit could be making you waste more space than you realize.<\/p>\n<h2> Rolling your clothes: a bad idea<\/h2>\n<p> Rolling clothes has become second nature for many travelers. The idea seems logical: fewer wrinkles, more compactness, and a better-organized suitcase. In reality, this technique often has the opposite effect. Rolls of fabric, especially when there are many, leave air gaps between them. As a result, these small, invisible voids end up wasting up to 30% of the available space.<\/p>\n<p>A suitcase full of rolled-up clothes may look neat, but it doesn&#39;t make the most of every inch. There&#39;s another drawback: some fabrics, compressed unevenly, can wrinkle more easily or lose their shape. In other words, the promise of a more compact suitcase isn&#39;t always fulfilled.<\/p>\n<h2> A more efficient alternative: &quot;bundle packing&quot;<\/h2>\n<p> To truly save space, one method is gaining increasing popularity: &quot;bundle packing.&quot; The principle is simple yet ingenious. Instead of rolling each garment separately, you arrange them around a central core, such as a toiletry bag or a pair of shoes. The garments are then folded and wrapped around each other to form a compact bundle.<\/p>\n<p>This system reduces empty space and creates a denser structure. Some estimates suggest it can free up to 20 to 30% more space. As an added bonus, clothes often remain better protected from wrinkles because they are held evenly. The result is a more stable, easier-to-read, and more pleasant suitcase to use once you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n<p>Another complementary option is to fold clothes flat into tight rectangles, especially for shirts or more structured garments. The goal remains the same: to minimize unnecessary air pockets. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" style=\"max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@armani_dex\/video\/7353705771659578666\" data-video-id=\"7353705771659578666\">\n<section> <a title=\"@armani_dex\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@armani_dex?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@armani_dex<\/a> No need to choose what clothes to bring on vacation, they can all fit in the bundle \ud83d\udc4c\ud83c\udffe <a title=\"suitcasepacking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/suitcasepacking?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#suitcasepacking<\/a> <a title=\"traveltips\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/traveltips?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#traveltips<\/a> <a title=\"suitcasepackingtips\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/suitcasepackingtips?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#suitcasepackingtips<\/a> <a title=\"grwm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/grwm?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#grwm<\/a> <a title=\"creatorsearchinsights\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/creatorsearchinsights?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#creatorsearchinsights<\/a> <a title=\"\u266c What You Won&#39;t Do for Love - Bobby Caldwell\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/What-You-Won't-Do-for-Love-7055205517962004482?refer=embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u266c What You Won&#39;t Do for Love - Bobby Caldwell<\/a><\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2> Other errors that eat up space<\/h2>\n<p> Beyond folding, other habits can reduce the efficiency of your suitcase without you even realizing it. Overfilling a soft-sided suitcase, for example, can deform it. It becomes harder to close and less maneuverable. An &quot;overstuffed&quot; suitcase isn&#39;t necessarily an optimized suitcase.<\/p>\n<p>Failing to compartmentalize is also a common mistake. Without internal organization, clothes get mixed up, space is wasted, and you lose visibility. Storage bags or compression cubes can then make a real difference.<\/p>\n<p>Another often-overlooked tip: wear bulkier items during your journey. A jacket, a sweater, or thick shoes can easily free up a significant amount of space.<\/p>\n<h2> Better organization for lighter travel<\/h2>\n<p> Optimizing a suitcase isn&#39;t about its size, but about how you use its volume. By abandoning certain habits, like systematically rolling your suitcase, you can transform the way you travel. &quot;Bundle packing&quot; or structured folding not only saves space but also makes it easier to see your clothes and access them once you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, good organization makes travel smoother, lighter, and more stress-free. And sometimes, just a few simple adjustments are all it takes to transform an overstuffed suitcase into a perfectly optimized space.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Packing a suitcase often feels like a strategic challenge: everything has to fit, without wrinkling the clothes and...","protected":false},"author":8385,"featured_media":437493,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96338],"tags":[97311],"class_list":["post-437491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-voyage","tag-conseils"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lerreur-frequente-qui-pourrait-reduire-lespace-dans-une-valise-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lerreur-frequente-qui-pourrait-reduire-lespace-dans-une-valise-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lerreur-frequente-qui-pourrait-reduire-lespace-dans-une-valise.jpg","author":{"name":"Julia Perez","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cropped-julia_perez-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":96338,"name":"Travel","slug":"voyage","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":96510,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares <strong>destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/the-breathtaking-spanish-islands-deserve-a-place-on-the-list-428164\">stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/where-to-travel-alone-as-a-woman-destination-ideas-439512\">safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n<p>A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/how-to-choose-the-best-airplane-seat-for-long-haul-flights-445787\">choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-outfit-style-tips-439251\">comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-suitcase-buying-guide-439532\">choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/internet-user-shares-a-technique-for-folding-clothes-to-optimize-suitcase-space-438775\">clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n<li>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/pregnant-women-and-air-travel-a-complete-guide-439580\">flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n<p>For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n<h3>When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n<p>Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/mode\">Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":0,"count":288,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":96338,"category_count":288,"category_description":"<p>The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares <strong>destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/the-breathtaking-spanish-islands-deserve-a-place-on-the-list-428164\">stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/where-to-travel-alone-as-a-woman-destination-ideas-439512\">safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n<p>A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/how-to-choose-the-best-airplane-seat-for-long-haul-flights-445787\">choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-outfit-style-tips-439251\">comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-suitcase-buying-guide-439532\">choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/internet-user-shares-a-technique-for-folding-clothes-to-optimize-suitcase-space-438775\">clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n<li>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/pregnant-women-and-air-travel-a-complete-guide-439580\">flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n<p>For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n<h3>When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n<p>Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/mode\">Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"voyage","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8385"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=437491"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":440187,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437491\/revisions\/440187"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/437493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=437491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=437491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=437491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}