No matter what you think, packing for your next trip doesn’t have to mean lugging around a hefty suitcase. Why not keep it simple with just a carry-on? It’ll save you time at the airport as well as the hassle of waiting around at the baggage carousel, just as long as you know what you’re doing. Let’s look at how to pack efficiently with a carry-on so that you have everything you need without the extra weight.
Choose the Right Bag
The first step is finding the perfect carry-on, as you’ll want something sturdy but not too heavy that also has plenty of pockets to keep things organized. You’ll also need to make sure it fits within the airline’s size requirements. A good carry-on bag makes your life easier as you go through the airport because it’ll keep all your travel essentials handy during your flight.
Make a Packing List
Before you start packing, make sure you have a good list to prevent overpacking. You’ll be less likely to throw in things “just in case” and more likely to only take what you need. Then, adjust this list based on where you’re going and what you’ll do, as well as the weather forecast for your stay.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items
To save some prime real estate in your bag, wear your biggest items on the plane, like any bulky sweaters or a big coat. After all, it’ll keep you warm during those chilly flights, and it also means more room for other essentials in your carry-on. You can just step off the plane and into cooler weather without having to rummage through your bag, which will save you time.
Use Packing Cubes
Never underestimate how useful packing cubes can be. They keep your clothes tidy and squish them down to save space. They even make unpacking easy since you just need to pop the cubes into a drawer when you arrive. Best of all, you can use them to keep different types of clothing separate so you can find what you need without turning your suitcase upside down.
Roll Your Clothes
Forget folding because rolling is the way to go. It’s a great technique that’ll save you space and keep your clothes from getting all wrinkled. Whether it’s jeans or T-shirts, roll everything and stuff it neatly into your suitcase or packing cubes to keep your outfits looking fresh and ready to wear right out of the bag.
Limit Your Shoe Selection
Shoes take up a lot of space, so try to keep it down to one on your feet and one in your bag. Just make sure you pick shoes that are versatile enough for both sightseeing during the day and a casual dinner at night. This way, you can free up luggage space and also simplify your dress choices for each day of your trip.
Pack Multipurpose Garments
You should also be versatile with your clothing by choosing outfits that can double up for different situations. For example, a dress that you can wear casually with flats during the day and then dress up with heels for the evening is a great idea. Or perhaps go for a jacket that works both for hiking and as a stylish add-on for city walks. Either way, stick to clothes you can mix and match.
Downsize Your Toiletries
Toiletries are another thing that’ll bulk up your bag, so stick to travel-sized items and only take what you’ll really use. Plus, following the TSA liquid limits means one less thing to worry about during security checks. Most of the time, any hotel you stay in will already have basics like shampoo and soap, and you can also ask for a toothbrush or other items.
Utilize Empty Spaces
Look for any nooks and crannies in your bag to tuck small items into and make the most of the space you have. For example, you can put socks in your shoes and belts on the edges of your bag. This way, you can rest easy knowing you’re using every inch of your carry-on efficiently, leaving no space wasted.
Bring a Digital Reader
Instead of loading your bag with books, just download them to a tablet or e-reader because it’ll save you a lot of space. You’ll also have more reading material at your fingertips than you could ever need for those long travel stretches. Some models have built-in lights, too, meaning you’ll be able to read even when the sun goes down.
Choose a Lightweight Towel
If you have to take a towel, just take a quick-dry towel. They’re super absorbent and dry pretty fast, so they’re pretty much suitable for whatever you’re going to do, whether that’s going to the beach or having an impromptu picnic. But honestly, you can probably skip taking one, as hotels tend to provide them anyway.
Prepare for Laundry
Bringing along a bit of detergent or a travel wash soap will allow you to do some quick laundry on the go, meaning you can pack fewer clothes and wash them as needed. That’s pretty good if you’re going on a longer trip. Plus, you’ll always have the option to refresh your outfits by adding or removing layers, so you’ll always look good.
Use a Foldable Backpack
A lightweight, foldable backpack is excellent for day trips. It stores flat in your carry-on, and you can easily unfold it to use for hikes or city tours. This gives you extra carrying capacity when you need it. Best of all, you can use it for grocery or souvenir shopping along the way without forking out for a plastic bag.
Organize with Ziploc Bags
Keep small or loose items in Ziploc bags because they’ll group your things together and protect your stuff from spillages. Plus, you’ll be able to see what you’ve packed at a glance, whether it’s chargers or snacks. Of course, you have to make sure all of your Ziploc bags are TSA-approved.
Include a Reusable Water Bottle
If you take a collapsible water bottle, you can fill it up after you pass TSA, and you won’t have to pay those outrageous airport fees. After all, it’s great for the environment. Make sure it’s empty before you go through security, though, as you still need to follow the liquid rules, even with reusable bottles.
Keep Essential Documents Handy
Whatever you do, keep all your important papers, like your passport and travel tickets, within easy reach. If you have a separate pocket in your carry-on, that’ll be perfect for them because you’ll have quick access without having to dig through everything else. You could even store them all digitally using your phone.
Prioritize Comfort
Don’t forget a few items to make your flight more comfortable, whether that’s a neck pillow or an eye mask. Even a good pair of earplugs can make a world of difference when you’re trying to catch 40 winks on a noisy plane. Just spending a little money on these small comforts will turn a grueling flight into a more pleasant journey.
Follow the 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids
Stick to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule to go through security. All your liquids should be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and packed in one clear, quart-sized bag, although the limits are different if they’re medicines. Doing this little bit of prep before you arrive can save you a lot of time at the airport, not to mention plenty of hassle.
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