It’s a common mistake. When packing for a trip, you throw everything into your carry-on bag in a way that feels methodical and organized. But the closer that bag gets to full, panic sets in as you realize you won’t have enough room to fit everything. Once you stop to consider your options, you can plainly see your packing job is not sane at all, but a master class in completely unhinged chaos.
Properly packing your carry-on involves a mix of technique, economy, and smart planning. Follow these tips to get everything you need—and nothing you don’t—into that bag or suitcase.
Do the Math
Pull out everything you think you need for the trip, then get rid of half of it. Really, you won’t need all of those clothes. If that feels extreme, try this: Bring two tops and one pair of pants for every three days of your trip. Undies and socks for every day, though.
Picture Me Rollin’
Don’t pack your clothes folded. Rolling everything and slotting it vertically into your carry-on will earn you gobs of space, and it’ll keep your shirts from wrinkling too. This isn’t a lifehack; this is a must.
You may have heard of the KonMari fold. This is the folding method for clothes popularized by the high priestess of tidy organization, Marie Kondo. Learn it, practice it, live it. Her tutorial video has over 6 million views. (The long-sleeve T-shirt fold will make you gasp!)
Folks who have served in the military also know a similar trick known as “the Army Roll.” Both methods work for shirts, pants, undergarments, and just about anything that doesn’t need to be pressed.
Use the Washing Ma-Sink
Bring along some concentrated detergent and a travel clothesline. Then, a sinkful of water is all you need to replenish your wardrobe. This tip is essential for reducing the number of clothing items you need to pack for longer trips.
For detergent, Sink Suds are pretty good and TSA-safe ($15 at Amazon). Of course, there’s always good old Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap ($3 at Amazon), which can be used on your clothes, your body, or whatever needs a wash. We really like this travel and camp clothesline from Sea to Summit ($15, also at Amazon). It uses a clever system of beads on the string to provide tension and hold up your wet items without clothespins.
Kill the Wrinkles
Pro tip: If it doesn’t smell, it’s clean. Fool everyone with a couple of spritzes of Downy Wrinkle Releaser ($8). Frequent flyers will find this two-pack of travel-size bottles will last them a year. This has a “fresh linen scent” which isn’t too unpleasant, but if you are sensitive to scented things, try Begley’s 3-in-1 spray ($8 at Amazon).
Layer, Layer, Layer
Don’t think about clothes—think about combinations. Mix and match tops and bottoms to get more use out of everything. Light jackets, scarves, and funky ties all keep you looking fresh and your suitcase looking empty.
For winter travel, consider packing a base layer instead of sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleeces. A cozy second skin will keep you just as warm while taking up far less room in that bag. Also, merino wool—the material these marvels are most commonly spun from—is naturally resistant to odors and will stay wearable your whole trip. (Well, maybe wash it once; wool dries quickly too.)
Stow Away a Small-Things Bag
Go to a drugstore and stock up on essentials: shampoo, toothpaste, Advil, lip balm, deodorant. Put it all in a small bag, tuck it into your luggage, and forget it until you need it. You’ll need it.
You have literally zillions of options for small bags and zipper pouches (not literally), but we’re total suckers for small pouches made from recycled sail cloth. They are rugged as all get out, and eco-friendly to boot. Resails’ $22 pouches are cute. These $20 pouches from Agave, also recycled, are equally cool.
Vacuum Your Wardrobe
If you can’t bring less, at least break out the shrink-o-matic. Buy a bunch of bags, throw your clothes in, and suck all the air out with a pump or vacuum cleaner. Slot your paper-thin parcels right into your bag. Give them a minute to reinflate on the other side, then hang up your items to let the wrinkles fall out.
Just know that if you’re going to load up your suitcase with a bunch of vacuum-sealed bags, it will be heavier in the end. Be sure to check your airline’s weight limits for carry-ons.
Prep Offline Mode
Physical books are lovely, but they have no place in your carry-on luggage. Go fully digital to carry a wealth of knowledge while winning back a wealth of space.
Before you hit the road, hit download. Kindle books of course, but also a dozen podcasts, a few Spotify playlists, an offline movie or two in Netflix or Amazon. Nothing’s worse than flicking over to airplane mode and finding your phone is suddenly useless.