Travelers will have 27 effortless outfit combinations in their suitcase by using this clever system
NEED TO KNOW
- The sudoku packing method uses a 3×3 grid of core clothing items to create up to 27 outfit combinations
- Travel content creator Natalie Shaquer says the method is ideal for travelers who want simplicity and fewer decisions on vacation
- Experts recommend sticking to basics and considering your itinerary to maximize the method’s versatility and space-saving benefits
Overpackers, meet your new best friend: the sudoku packing method.
The viral travel hack was popularized by Boston-based creator Natalie Shaquer, whose video explaining the clever packing system has received over 4 million views since she first shared it on Instagram in February.
In a Good Morning America segment on Thursday, March 12, Shaquer says the method is perfect for travelers who “do not need to be making choices when they’re on vacation,” and that the “simplicity” of it is what makes it so appealing.
The sudoku packing method follows the same format as the popular number puzzle of the same name. It starts with a three-by-three grid system made up of three tops, three bottoms and three layering pieces
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The nine core clothing pieces must all be able to work together in order to create the many different outfit combinations.
Not only is an outfit effortlessly formed by the three items in each row or column, but travelers can also mix-and-match by piecing together different core items across rows and columns.
As a result, travelers instantly have 27 different outfit combinations they can throw on during their getaway.
While the method gives travelers a number of outfit options, Shaquer tells GMA there is a slight catch to the concept.
“Obviously, these are nine pieces of clothing and you can have pattern and color, but you can’t have nine completely disparate pieces of clothing in it,” she says. “So I think if you’re somebody that wants that sort of thing when you’re traveling, this won’t be for you. But I would say, for the majority of men and women, this can really work well.”
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While testing the method during the segment, GMA’s Lori Bergamotto noted that it’s genius for “anyone who’s ever had to sit on their suitcase to try to zip it," however there are a few tips travelers should keep in mind when trying it out.
“The key here is you want to go for basics and styling while keeping in mind what you’re doing,” she says, referring to whatever plans are on the agenda for the day.
Going down the first column, she instantly creates an outfit made up of a basic white shirt, blue jeans and a cropped trench coat.
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“You can go diagonally, you can go across, and then you can start mixing and matching. It’s all about the versatility of those pieces,” she added. The space saved from using this method will leave more room for other items, like souvenirs or accessories, she says.
“One thing I do want to say is that if you’re going to a special event — a wedding, or a black tie — this might be a little challenging. But in general, it’s a really incredible organizing tool,” she says. She also notes it’s important to keep individual style in mind and that travelers don’t have to wear the outfit exactly as it’s laid out on the grid.