Avoid these 8 mistakes when packing your carry-on luggage

I come from a traveling family. My mother has traveled for over 40 years, and she has at least 2,000 hotel staysMy father takes four business trips to Europe on average each year. I’ve been taking regular trips — both domestic and international — for more than 20 years, and I never check my bags. Unsurprisingly, I have become an expert at packing a carry-on.

Traveling with my family is the only way I travel. carry-on luggage To avoid the fee, I try to keep all my things close. There are eight common mistakes that I see travelers make when they overpack their bags. Below I’ve broken down what you should pack instead to avoid those mistakes, and to become a pro carry-on-only traveler — and you can find everything in Amazon’s travel store Spend as little as 8 dollars. 

Do not throw clothes in your carry-on

Instead: Use compression packing cubes

I used to roll my clothes in my carry-on before discovering packing cubes. This helped me save space but I had to take my bag out of the suitcase to look for my belt or vitamins. You can organize your bag using compression packing cubes by outfit or item of clothing. Bagail’s set of packing cubes includes four different sized bags which, when zipping, compact everything to a smaller size.

You can save space by using a capsule wardrobe Mix and match a few tops and bottoms to create a variety of travel outfits.

Do not: bring a portable steamer

Instead, use Pack Wrinkle Release Spray

The wrinkle release spray I use is my secret weapon. It keeps vacation outfits looking fresh, smooth and clean without having to do much work. Portable steamers and driers are large and need an outlet and patience. Downy wrinkle spray can be used in seconds. Simply lay out your clothing, spray with wrinkle release spray and smooth it out using your fingers. This allows you to spend less time with your clothes, and more time exploring.

Don’t pack a toiletry bag

Instead, you can use a toiletry bag that hangs.

Bagsmart’s hanging toiletry bag makes it easy to locate your skincare and makeup products. The built-in hook can be placed over a door or on a wall to make it easier to find your products. Plus, you can see your toiletries in the pockets, which makes it easier to apply them.

Do not: pack shampoo and conditioner

Travel-sized hair oils are a great alternative.

Hotel toiletries like shampoo and conditioner will help you save bag space. I bring only a small amount of hair oil like the Verb formula that is so popular with shoppers. Not only does this oil reduce frizz and protect my hair from heat, but I also find that it makes it softer and more lustrous. 

Don’t: Pack hot hair tools

Instead, pack heatless hairrods

Even though there is limited space in a carry on, you can still pack your hair accessories. The blow dryers in most hotels are large and bulky. These Luckybear rods are great for curls, or to give your hair a blowout style overnight. Simply roll your hair up before bed, and use the clip-ins to keep it in position. 

Don’t: Pack a bulky jacket

Instead, bring a rain jacket that you can pack.

These jackets are compact and allow you to carry an extra layer of clothing without having to take up too much room in your bag. This style will keep you warm and dry on rainy days. This jacket is foldable and can be stored in your carry-on bag. It still has room for two pairs of shoes.

You shouldn’t pack full-size medication bottles

Use a medication organizer instead

You have to spend more time searching for each pill bottle when you pack them separately. The organizers can be easily tucked into a bag for personal items and will keep your vitamins and medicines in one place. Betife’s design features seven compartments for separating what you need according to the day of week or type pill. Side locks keep everything secure.

Avoid: Putting jewelry in plastic bags 

Instead: bring a jewelry case for travel

I used to put my necklaces in a mesh side pocket of my carry-on bag, but my jewelry was always tangled. To save time, I began using a travel jewellery case. This completely changed my experience of unpacking. 

Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Bag has a fabric flexible enough to fold and bend into your luggage. This bag also features a button to secure everything. It’s much easier to find what I want to wear now that I have my jewelry organized in separate pockets and on hooks. 

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