Does packing before a holiday give you the creeps? And just the mere thought of organising multiple pairs of dresses, shirts, bottoms, shoes and accessories inside a suitcase paralyses you with fear? Worry not; the internet is full of quick hacks that can save you last-minute stress and anxiety, and we recently came across digital creator Shashank Arora’s post that takes us through not one, but 3 simple packing methods to make travel light and easy.While people are divided over the best way to pack clothes, Arora decided to test the three options using one small bag and the same set of clothes.1. The normal fold method: Managed to fit 5 shirts, 4 t-shirts, 3 pants (2 jeans + 1 formal), 2 towels, and 2 shorts, plus shoes, socks, slippers, and boxers. Everything looked neat and easy to access.2. The viral vertical packing method: In this method, you stack clothes upright instead of flat. It’s supposed to save space – but it only fit one extra shirt. You also need a bigger suitcase since the method takes up more height. Not great for formal clothes either – wrinkles and crushed collars are guaranteed.3. The rolling method: Here, you roll every item – shirts, pants, even towels. It saves a little space, but it’s time-consuming and doesn’t look as organised. Works best for casuals like t-shirts and jeans, but not for structured clothes.So, is there really a best method?While no single method fits all, costume designer Shilpa GNS said that the normal fold method tends to work best, helping keep the clothes clean and relatively wrinkle-free. However, she suggested customising and switching between the three and seeing what works best for you. “Rolling thinner clothes and folding the heavier ones offers the most space inside the suitcase overall,” she said.Beyond the packing method, if you find yourself lost about what to pack, the viral 5-4-3-2-1 method can come in real handy.Story continues below this ad Depending on your destination, you might need to pack items like swimsuits, sports gear, or workout clothes. (Source: Freepik)1. 5 pieces of clothingLimit yourself to five essential clothing items. These should be versatile and suitable for different occasions, such as a combination of casual wear, one or two dressier outfits, and weather-appropriate layers. For example, you can pack a pair of jeans, two tops, a sweater, and a dress. By choosing pieces that can be mixed and matched, you create multiple outfits without overpacking.2. 4 pairs of shoesShoes take up space, so choose wisely. Stick to four pairs that meet the needs of your activities. This could include a pair of comfortable walking shoes, dress shoes, sandals, and sneakers. Make sure to pack shoes that are durable and appropriate for the climate and activities you’ll be doing on your trip.3. 3 accessoriesAccessories can elevate your outfits and help you adapt to different situations, but they don’t need to take up much room. Choose three versatile accessories, like a scarf, a belt, or a hat. You can also include practical accessories like a crossbody bag or sunglasses to complete your packing.4. 2 bathing suits or specialtiesDepending on your destination, you might need to pack items like swimsuits, sports gear, or workout clothes. Keep these to a minimum, with just two specialty items. For a beach vacation, you might pack a swimsuit and a cover-up. For a hiking trip, it could be a workout set and a jacket.Story continues below this adALSO READ | Travelling to Rajasthan? Here are some packing tips from Roshni Chopra5. 1 extra or wildcard itemThis could be anything you think will be especially useful for your trip but doesn’t fit into the other categories. It might be a book for downtime, a special outfit for an event, or something specific to your destination. This wildcard item is your personal touch to your packing list.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.