You’re Packing a Carry-On for Everything That’s Wrong. Here’s How To Do It Right

It’s normal error. When packing for a trip, you throw everything into your carry-on bag in a way that feels neat and organized. But when that bag gets close to full, you start to panic as you realize that you won’t have enough room to fit everything. When you stop to consider your options, you can clearly see that your packing job is not at all pointless, but a professional class in a completely unchanging chaos.

Proper packing that you carry on involves a combination of strategy, frugality, and smart planning. Follow these tips to get everything you need—and nothing you don’t—in that bag or suitcase.

Do the Math

Take out everything you think you need for the trip, and get rid of half of it. Really, you won’t need to everything of those clothes. If that sounds excessive, try this: Bring two tops and one pair of pants for each of the three days of your trip. Well, Undi and socks every day.

Picture Me Rollin’

Do not pack your clothes folded. Rolling everything up and putting it straight into what you’re doing will save you space, and it’ll also keep your shirts from wrinkling. This is not a lifehack; this is necessary.

You may have heard of the KonMari fold. This is a method of folding clothes favored by the high priestess of the organized movement, Marie Kondo. Learn it, practice it, live it. His video tutorial has over 6 million views. (The long sleeve roll-up t-shirt will make you gasp!)

People who have served in the military also know a similar trick known as the “Army Roll.” Both methods work for shirts, pants, underwear, and anything that doesn’t need to be pressed.

Use Washing Sinks

Carry concentrated detergent and travel wire. Then, a sink is all you need to fill your closet. This tip is important in reducing the amount of clothing you need to pack for a long trip.

For cleaning, Sink Suds are great and TSA safe ($15 on Amazon). Of course, there is always the old soap Dr. Unscented Bronner ($3 on Amazon), which can be used on your clothes, your body, and anything that needs washing. We especially love this beach-to-summit hiking and camping clothing line ($15, also on Amazon). It uses a clever system of beads on the cord to provide tension and hold your wetness without clothespins.

Kill the Wrinkles

Pro tip: If it doesn’t smell, it’s clean. Fool everyone with a few spritzes of Downy Wrinkle Releaser ($8). Frequent flyers will find this two-pack of travel-sized bottles to last them a year. This has a very unpleasant “fresh linen smell,” but if you’re sensitive to scents, try Begley’s 3-in-1 spray ($8 on 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. Simple jackets, scarves, and funky ties all keep you looking fresh and your suitcase looking empty.

For winter trips, consider packing a base layer instead of sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleeces. A cozy second skin will keep you warm while taking up very little space in that bag. Plus, merino wool—the stuff these wonders are usually spun from—is naturally odor-resistant and will stay worn throughout your trip. (Well, maybe wash it once; wool dries quickly, too.)

Take out the Small Stuff Bag

Go to the drugstore and stock up on essentials: shampoo, toothpaste, Advil, lip balm, deodorant. Put it all in a small bag, tuck it in your luggage, and forget about it until you need it. You will need it.

You have literally a zillion options for small bags and zipper pouches (not literally), but we’re suckers for small pockets made from recycled canvas. They’re as rugged as they all get, and they’re eco-friendly to boot. Resails’ $22 bags are great. These $20 bags from Agave, also recycled, are just as cool.

Vacuum Your Clothes

If you can’t deliver less, at least bring out the shrink-o-matic. Buy a bunch of bags, throw your clothes in, and suck out all the air with a pump or vacuum cleaner. Place your paper-thin packages directly in your bag. Give them a minute to re-inflate on the other side, then hang your items to release wrinkles.

Just know that if you’re going to load your suitcase with a bunch of vacuum sealed bags, it’s going to be heavy in the end. Be sure to check your airline’s weight limits for boarding.

Configure Offline Mode

Physical books are great, but they have no place in your carry-on luggage. Go fully digital to manage a wealth of information while gaining a wealth of space.

Before you hit the road, hit download. Kind books of course, but also a dozen podcasts, a few Spotify playlists, an offline movie or two on Netflix or Amazon. There’s nothing worse than sneaking into airplane mode and suddenly finding your phone useless.