How to Pack a Rolling Duffel Bag

Whether you are going on a short getaway or a weeklong vacation, you can pack a rolling duffel bag with everything you will need. The wheels on the duffel bag will enable you to roll it, but there will still be times when you have no choice but to carry the duffel bag. So pack with care. If you can't easily lift the bag, remove unnecessary items. Packing a rolling duffel bag is no different from packing any other luggage.

• 1

  Write a list of items you will need to take on your trip; include the number of each item necessary. If you were packing for a weekend getaway, leaving on Friday and coming home on Sunday, write "three pants" on your paper. Make sure you write down hygienic accessories on the list: razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion and mouthwash.

• 2

  Watch a weather forecast for the location to which you are traveling. It could be jeans and long-sleeve shirt weather where you live but hot enough for shorts where you are traveling.

• 3

  Gather and roll or fold your clothes for the trip. Find the toiletries you will need for your trip and put them into a plastic bag. Set the bagged hygienic accessories next to your clothing. Using a plastic bag or small toiletry bag will protect your clothes from accidental spillage.

• 4

  Lay the duffel bag on the floor or bed with the zippered portion facing upward. Unzip and spread the bag open.

• 5

  Place a layer of rolled clothing and shoes along the bottom of the bag. Lay your bagged toiletries on top of that layer of clothing. Cover the toiletries with any remaining folded or rolled clothing. By placing the bagged hygienic accessories in between layers of clothing you will be adding a cushion or layer of protection for any liquids or creams you are carrying.

• 6

  Zip the bag closed and shake it so the items can settle. Open the bag and make sure the toiletries are still protected within a cocoon of clothing. If not, adjust the clothing inside your duffel bag so the bagged toiletry items are protected. If the contents of your duffel bag are arranged to your satisfaction, rezip the bag.

• 7

  Stand the bag up so the handle is pointing toward the sky. The rolling duffel bag should not tip over. If the bag falls, unzip it and rearrange the clothing. Take care to distribute the weight equally throughout the bag. For example, if you are taking two pairs of jeans place a pair inside the duffel bag on both the right and left ends. Zip the bag closed to finish packing.