An expert’s 12 best tips for packing your carry-on bag

While there are certainly some exceptions to the rule—like longer trips or journeys where you’ll be carrying larger-sized liquids—traveling with just a carry-on This is usually the best route to take. If you don’t check a bag, you won’t be worried about arriving on time at the airport. before the bag check-in cut-off. Plus, you have a better chance of achieving your goals. luggage getting lost The amount of time it takes to climb stairs or navigate along cobbled streets has decreased.

Yes, of course. packing lightly It’s easier said than accomplished, especially if your tendency is to pack as much as you can. As a recovered overpacker myself—and someone who now writes a packing list newsletter—I’ve found that there are several tried-and-true tricks you can employ to ensure you never have to check a bag. Below I’ve compiled 12 old-school travel packing tricks that are all on sale.

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Quality Luggage is Worth the Investment

Let’s start at the beginning. If you are adamant that you will not checking a bagYou’ll want to invest in a quality carry-on suitcase. There are several solid brands and styles available, but this Samonsite model The product has been rated five stars by thousands of customers who have praised its durability and expandable features.

Use compression packing cubes

Packing cubesIn some form or another, they have been around for decades. Eagle Creek has been credited with being the first to introduce or popularize the modern packing cubes during the 1990s. There’s a good reason why they have remained in use. Packing cubes and compression packing cubes Particularly, are an excellent way to organize your possessions and reduce bulk.

Stuff Your Shoes

When I travel, I usually limit myself to three pairs of shoes. This includes the shoes that I wear while I am in transit. I usually keep a couple of pairs of shoes in my bag. comfy sneakers Maybe a pair of bootsBut they can’t take up all the space. You need them to contribute. I fill them up with socks, underwear and non-precious items like rolled-up bathing suits. Not only does this save space, it also preserves the shape and size of the shoes while they are in the suitcase. 

Wear your Bulkiest Clothing

It’s mainly for winter or when you are traveling to cold places. puffy vestsThe space taken up by coats and, for example, is significant. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to lighten your load. You may have to remove a few layers if the weather is too warm, but that’s just part of the price you pay to travel with only a carry-on. You can travel with lighter pieces like this versatile matching setBetter to have your work in a suitcase. 

Pack products that do double duty

Every little bit counts when you are only carrying a carry-on. Try to choose products that can be used for multiple purposes. Every time I travel to somewhere tropical, regardless of whether it is to Miami The following are some examples of how to use Anguilla, my suitcase always feels a little lighter because I pack pieces I can wear in multiple ways—like this sarong This could also be used as a skirt, or top if it is tied correctly.  

Choose durable fabrics

Bring fewer clothes if you know they will last for a few uses. Case in point: denim. Denim can be a heavy, bulky fabric. However, you can still wear it. comfy, wide-leg jeans The same concept applies to a pair of jeans that can be worn several times without looking dingy. The same principle applies to a denim button-down. Bonus: They are both extremely versatile and can easily be worn with other items. 

Use smaller containers to store your toiletries

The packaging of a toiletry bag This can be a difficult task. I used to hate the process and would get frustrated trying to downsize my beauty and skincare routine. I’d sometimes check a bag to bring bigger products with me. Since purchasing a few reusable travel-sized containersI don’t have to worry about transporting my shampoo, body lotion or conditioner anymore. I just refill the bottles for every trip and stash them in my Dopp bag. 

Find Versatile Footwear

If you can find shoes that are comfortable, versatile and match your style, it’s much easier to pack only a few pairs. It means that for me, I pack a maximum of two pairs. one pair of sneakersI look for ones that can be worn to the gym, or on a long stroll, yet are cute enough to wear with other clothes. 

Bring your own laundry bag

If you’re going to be away for a few weeks, don’t pack five or six weeks worth of clothing. Toss out the old clothes. laundry bag You can put dirty clothes in your suitcase. You can then easily transport the dirty clothes to a laundry at your destination. After they’re cleaned, you’ll get a brand new wardrobe for your trip. 

Wear Neutrals

My old-school packing technique is to wear neutrals. I always pack a. white T-shirt. oversized white button-downGray, navy or cream sweater. The pieces are so subtle that I’m not self-conscious of wearing them again. This allows me to pack less without having to worry about running out of clothes. 

Travel size stain remover

As I always prefer quality clothing in neutral colors and neutral tones over quantity, I will pack less. Tide stain remover pen. It’s not foolproof, but it does help in an emergency. The stain remover was my saving grace on a recent trip when a stubborn stain nearly made me abandon wearing one VIP piece. 

Go Analog

Admittedly I don’t use this technique very often. No matter where I travel, my laptop will always be with me. You can still leave your electronics at home and read a book or use an eReader instead of your laptop if you want to. Kobo Libra Colour). You can save valuable real estate. personal item bagYou can pack more clothing if you need to. 

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