6 Tips and Tricks for Packing a Carry-On Bag

Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful and challenging if you don’t pack well. Your carry-on bag holds all your essentials, from your passport to your many (many) picked out outfits for the trip. Check out our other post for some packing essentials from our recent trip to Hawaii!  Packing efficiently and effectively is the key to a stress-free trip. 

It can be tricky to fit everything you need in a limited space, but with these packing tips, you’ll be able to pack a carry-on bag that is light, comfortable, and functional!  

1. Choose the Right Bag 

Before you think about packing, think about the actual bag you’re choosing to pack. Will it be a tote, suitcase, or duffle bag style? Depending on which you choose will affect the way to efficiently pack it. We’d recommend looking for a bag with organizational compartments, lightweight, but durable.  

2. Maximize Space 

Once you have your bag picked out, you’ll want to focus on maximizing space. To do so, we suggest picking up some packing cubes to keep all your items organized. These cubes are made to be compact but fit more items than you’d think – try the roll method for packing the bag to make sure you’re using the space efficiently!  

3. Pack Versatile and Lightweight Clothing 

Our biggest tip and trick for packing a carry-on successfully is by looking at the actual garments you’re bringing. Make sure they are made with a lightweight fabric, like bamboo, which ensures they will pack easily while also keeping the bag light. Bamboo clothing is great for any destination, as it is naturally thermoregulating, anti-bacterial, and breathable - it rolls perfectly to fit into your bag. 

4. Separate the Important Items 

Another key tip when packing your carry-on – keep your important items separate, but easy to acquire. Going through security and customs can feel stressful, but the best way to reduce stress is by knowing where your documents are and being able to easily reach them. Tip: Keep your passport, flight and accommodation information, tickets, phone chargers, or anything else important to you in a separate bag in your carry-on. Our bamboo pillowcase and bamboo sheet sets come in a great bag that has a ribbon drawstring – it can be reused to store these items away in your carry-on! Important tip for packing your essentials: make sure to keep these together and easily accessible, but not right at the top of your bag - the last thing you’d want is for them to fall out or be stollen! 

5. Avoid Overpacking 

 A given, but easily forgotten – avoid overpacking! Whether you’re going on a week or a month-long trip, you will not need to bring every piece in your wardrobe (even if they’re cute!). Start with the basics: a few tees, a long sleeve, a versatile sweatshirt, leggings, a pair of jeans, a skirt, dress, and undergarments. Once you have the essentials laid out, think of the outfit combinations you can make with each – versatility is key here! Get creative with your pairings so you require less pieces to travel with.  

6. Layer on the Plane 

Finally, if you need to bring any heavier items, avoid taking up space in your carry-on by wearing these pieces on the plane. From your Ugg boots to your raincoat, layer these pieces on and wear them on the plane ride. You can take some layers off once you’re on the plane, but doing this will allow you to carry more essential items while carrying less in your bag! 

Avoid frustration and baggage fees in the airport by following these tips and tricks. Travel with a carry-on bag that is light, comfortable, and functional and enjoy a stress-free vacation with your perfectly packed luggage!