Packing efficiently for any trip can be a struggle, and even more so if the bag you’re bringing is small.
But, there are some very simple things that will help you pack efficiently in your carry-on and make packing a bit easier.
Here is the list of things I do and don’t do when packing in a small suitcase for any length of trip in order to be efficient and stay organized.
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In 2021, we took a 5-month sabbatical lovingly referred to as “The Trip” to 18 countries in which we each brought only one carry-on and one backpack.
Before our trip, I surely thought there was no way on God’s green earth that I could have all I need for a long trip in such little space. Of course, plenty of people have backpacked with less but we weren’t backpacking or really roughing it at all.
With a little trial and error, lots of unpacking and repacking, and plenty of panic moments at airline check-in counters, we found a system that we feel really works. After such a trip, we have lots of tips to share with you!
The Most Important Thing for Packing Efficiently in Your Carry-on
It must be said that the only way you can pack as efficiently as possible is to realize that you can’t actually pack everything you’ve pulled out of your closet and thrown on your bed (sorry!).
The goal is to go for enough variety and versatility to create a wardrobe that can get you through a wide range of scenarios. You will probably have to sacrifice one item or another, BUT these tips will help you squeeze in as many pieces of clothing as possible.
1. Start With a Really Good Suitcase
This is definitely the most important thing to consider and something that can make a huge difference when you’re trying to pack in a small space. Look for a suitcase with features that are going to make packing easier and keep you organized. Do you want hardshell or softshell? Compression straps? Extra zippers and compartments on the inside?
We took our Samsonite suitcases all over the world with us on our 5 month trip and we never once had a problem with them and they kept us so organized. I especially love the compression straps that cinch down all my stuff.
2. Use Packing Cubes in Your Carry-on
We’re playing Tetris here. The best way to pack efficiently is to make sure every inch of your suitcase or backpack is serving a purpose. My favorite way to do this is to use packing cubes. They are so freaking awesome. I love the way they help me pack efficiently and stay organized.
These Eagle Creek Packing Cubes are what we use to stay organized, and they’re my favorite travel accessory.
3. Roll Your Clothes
Some people love it, some people hate it, but I swear by it, but this is probably my personal favorite tip to help you pack efficiently in your carry-on.
I truly think this saves me a ton of space, and it is a lot easier to retrieve an item from my bag without messing up everything else in the stack when my clothes are rolled.
Pair this with your packing cubes and you’ll be able to pack SO much more than you thought!
4. Bring a Capsule Wardrobe for Your Vacation
It’s so tempting to bring all of your cutest shirts, skirts, and dresses on vacation because you want to look amazing. But sometimes we pack all of the individual items we like without thinking about if they can work together.
Instead, pack a capsule wardrobe that you can combine in endless ways to create tons of outfits. Neutral colors, versatile pieces, and simple patterns work well.
5. Try to Minimize Toiletries
If you can nail down a skincare routine that’s less than 10 steps, you’re basically a unicorn. We often use so many products throughout the day that when we get around to having to pack them into a small bag for travel, they take up a ridiculous amount of space.
Of course, use TSA approved travel-size containers, I like these Gemice Travel Bottles, and only bring what you actually need. Plus, you might be able to find some of your favorite products (or cool new ones) where you’re going, so don’t fret too much if you forget something.
To keep your toiletries organized, which is a huge help, use a hanging toiletries bag. I use the Tuscall Hanging Toiletry Bag, and I absolutely love it. Not only is it super cute, it also has tons of pockets to keep things neat and tidy and a detachable makeup bag. Its also very nice to be able to hang the bag up in small hotel bathrooms with limited counter space.
6. You Don’t Need That Many Shoes
I promise. Put down the shoes and nobody gets hurt.
Seriously, shoes can be the biggest waste of space in your carry-on, especially if you don’t even wear them once on your trip. I have done this too many times to count!
The best thing you can do for yourself is to bring well-rounded shoes: the shoes that can do it all. In the winter, one pair of boots will likely be enough, and you can wear them on the plane to save space in your bag. In the summer, one pair of sandals and one pair of sneakers is probably enough.
On any warm weather trip I take my Birkenstock Sandals and my Vans Ultrarange Sneakers. I can walk forever in both pairs of shoes. In colder climates, I never leave behind my Blundstone Chelsea Boots. They’re cute and practical and can be dressed up or down.
Don’t get mad at me for this one, I’m just your friend that loves you enough to tell you NOT to pack 8 pairs of shoes.
7. Wear Your Bulky Items
This is just an all-around good travel packing tip: don’t pack your bulkiest clothing. Instead, wear it on the plane or when you’re traveling to your next destination so it doesn’t take up precious space in your bag. If you want to pack efficiently in your carry-on, this is a no-brainer way to save a lot of space.
8. Save Room to Pack Souvenirs
Clothes, gifts, art, you name it! There’s a pretty good chance you’re going to find something you MUST bring home with you and you’re going to kick yourself if you don’t have room for it in your bag! Leave a little bit of space so you can bring back something to remember your trip by.
Bring a packable tote bag extra bag that can pack down and away in your suitcase for souvenirs if you plan to buy a few. You can then easily carry in onto the plane home with you.
9. You Can Buy What You Don’t Have
When all else fails, you are most likely in a place where you can buy what you need. This is especially true for toiletries and basic clothing items.
Being abroad for 5 months, I was bound to run out of things like hair products, lotion, and face wash. I would google the closest drug store and could almost always find exactly what I was looking for.
10. Don’t Pack for Your Fantasy Self
The concept of a fantasy self is fairly simple: it’s the person you want to be in your head, but that you just aren’t.
An example is how I imagine myself wearing cute dresses and always having my hair done while on vacation, but that has literally never happened. I’m just way more comfortable getting up and going with my natural hair and throwing on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
So, I don’t pack cute dresses or hot tools! I had to be honest with myself about what I would actually wear in order to pack efficiently in my carry-on. After doing that, I only packed items I loved wearing. If you know you won’t wear it but you pack for your fantasy self, that ends up just being wasted space.
You just have to be honest with yourself or else you’ll end up with a suitcase full of clothes you don’t want to wear, and you don’t want that problem!
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