Ready for your next trip but really wish you had some great carry-on packing tips?
Considering how expensive it can be to check through luggage these days, we’re all trying to manage to fit our entire trip into our carry-on luggage.
And that can be difficult since your carry-on is considerably smaller than check-through luggage.
So, that’s where this list comes in!
These tips will help you pack lighter and be more organized!
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Carry-on Packing Tips
Half your clothes
This is my favorite and maybe biggest tip.
Check out my general post on how to pack for a more in-depth explanation.
Basically the idea is to put out everything you think or want to take with you and then half it!
Mix and Match
Check to see if you have clothes that can go with multiple items.
For example, if you’re taking jeans then you know you can wear multiple tops with them since they’re so versatile.
Do you have some shirts that can be used for dressy occasions but also be worn with those jeans?
See where I’m going? 🙂
This could definitely help you do your halving!
Only take what you really need when traveling!
Take only Three Shoes
Narrow down your shoe needs to the bare minimum.
One comfy, one dressy and bathroom/pool flip flops.
If you’ve managed to half your clothes and mix and match outfits then this step should be easy.
If not, maybe choose these three shoes first and build your wardrobe off of them.
TSA your liquids
Because you’ll be carrying on all your items, make sure whatever liquids you might be taking are in TSA approved sizing.
You can also consider getting these shampoo sheets, mouthwash sheets, and/or body wash sheets.
Utilize every space
You know those three shoes you have picked out to take.
They all can be ‘stuffed’ with other items.
I typically put socks and underwear in my shoes.
I wrap them in plastic bags to place inside the shoes and then also wrap the shoes so they don’t get anything else in the bag dirty.
What other small items are you taking that can be placed in ’empty’ spots?
You know, the spots between other clothes, between the luggage poles inside.
Think slips, tanks, belts, ties, etc.
Additional Carry-On Packing Tips
Remember, you get two!
Remember, you get two carry-ons.
One bag and one personal item.
Make sure your personal item is a good size so you’ll get additional space!
I use a backpack as my personal item and it’s great.
It could easily be used as an overnight bag so having that extra space is awesome.
If you don’t need it…
If you don’t really need it then don’t take it.
I know, it’s easier said than done.
But think about it.
If you’re trying to only take your carry-on then you can’t be taking items that aren’t necessities.
Unless you have the space and/or the weight inside your luggage.
Check the weight
Friendly reminder: The more you manage to pack into your carry-on the heavier it will be.
Don’t forget you’ll have to somehow get it up into those top bins.
And trust me, it’s not fun trying to haul a heavy carry-on into the bin.
Check the size
Check what size of aircraft you’ll be flying.
I’ve been on a flight where even normal-sized carry-ons weren’t allowed!
My backpack barely fit because the plane was that small.
Now they did just take the carry-ons at plane-side but if you have medicines or other valuables you’ll have to figure out how to transfer those to your smaller personal item.
And there you have it.
9 of the most valuable carry-on packing tips you’ll find!