This slide show from the New York Times is useful when going on a trip and you don't want to be lugging a big suitcase.
Heather Poole, a flight attendant from Los Angeles, demonstrated how to pack enough for a 10-day trip into a single standard carry-on.
STEP ONE Folded clothing takes up too much space. Instead, Ms. Poole tightly rolls everything, which also minimizes wrinkling. This suitcase will hold three pairs of shorts, three pairs of dress pants, one skirt, three pairs of casual pants or jeans, three nightgowns, three bathing suits, one sarong, three lightweight sweaters, four dresses, 10 casual shirts, six dress shirts, a clutch, toiletries and two pairs of shoes. She’ll wear the third pair of shoes, as well as jeans and a longer sweater.
STEP TWO She continues to roll the clothing and sets it aside.
STEP THREE Shoes go in first. Ms. Poole packs them along the edges of the bag, then begins putting in jeans and pants to form the bottom layer of clothing.
STEP FOUR Continuing with lighter clothes, she forms more layers, packing garments tightly.
STEP FIVE The lightest items are last and make up the top layer of clothing.
STEP SIX Her toiletries and clutch go on top. The bag closes easily — no need to sit on it.
For shorter trips where Ms. Poole doesn’t need as many changes of clothing, and also needs to keep dress clothes wrinkle-free, she uses another technique.
STEP ONE Dress clothes and uniforms are placed along the bottom and left hanging out either side.
STEP TWO Clothing for which wrinkles are less of a concern is placed in the middle of the bag, followed by toiletries and other items.
STEP THREE Finally, the dress clothes are carefully folded over the top.
How To Pack For Your Vacation (from Jezebel)