How to Pack a Carry On: Mastering the Art of Budget Travel

As someone who embraces the trave lifestyle but cannot compromise on my love for fashion, skincare, and beauty, I am excited to guide you through the intricacies of how to pack a carry on suitcase for maximum potential. Join me on a journey where organization meets elegance.

Choose the Right Suitcase

When it comes to selecting a suitcase, I highly recommend investing in a hard-shell suitcase. One of the primary advantages of a hard-shell suitcase is their ability to prevent overpacking. No more stuffing your suitcase with unnecessary items or struggling to fit it into the overhead compartment on the plane!

Additionally, hard-shell suitcases are designed to meet airline regulations, making your journey through security checkpoints a breeze. We’ve all experienced the stressful situation of being stopped by airline staff because our carry-on is deemed “too big or bulky.” By opting for a hard-shell suitcase, you can rest assured that your luggage will meet the required dimensions and avoid any unwanted surprises at the airport.

While there are various brands and models to choose from, one brand that I personally love and recommend is Monos. Of course, there are plenty of other options available in the market to suit your budget and personal style.

Stick to a Color Palette

Curating a color palette that maximizes outfit combinations is a great way to ensure versatility and efficiency in your wardrobe. By selecting a range of neutrals and accent hues, you can create countless looks for various occasions without the need for excessive items. Personally, I find the combination of neutrals and accent hues to be highly effective and aesthetically pleasing. For me, this means incorporating elegant whites, soft creams, classic blacks, and warm browns into my wardrobe. These neutral tones serve as a solid foundation for creating outfits that are both stylish and sophisticated.

Depending on the season and personal preferences, the color palette can vary. For example, during the spring and summer months, I might opt for shades of pastel pinks, blues, or greens, while in the fall and winter, deeper jewel tones like burgundy or emerald green might take center stage.

By adopting a smart and thoughtful approach to selecting your color palette, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared for any adventure or event while maintaining a minimalist and cohesive wardrobe.

Simplify Skincare, Haircare, and Makeup

Consider simplifying your routines to avoid all the frustrating factors like varying humidity levels, water quality, or even incompatible electrical outlets that can pose unexpected obstacles to achieving your desired results.

Simplifying your skincare routine to incorporate the essential and basic steps that you know work for your skin. Identify the core products that nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin, and prioritize their use.

For makeup, opt for lightweight, long-lasting products that enhance your natural features. Not only will this save precious time in the morning, but it will also help your makeup withstand the test of time and varying climates.

Give your hair a break from excessive heat styling, and instead, allow its inherent beauty to shine through. Experiment with different hairstyles that accentuate your natural texture, whether it’s luscious curls, sleek straight locks, or anything in between.

Streamlining your beauty regimen allows you to focus more on immersing yourself in new experiences and enjoying the journey, plus you’ll ensure compliance with various liquid restrictions and regulations when traveling.

Master the Art of Packing with Cubes

Packing cubes are an essential tool for maintaining an organized carry-on. They are my go-to solution for preventing my suitcase from descending into chaos. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just embarking on your first adventure, packing cubes can revolutionize the way you pack.

One of the key benefits of packing cubes is their compression feature. Some packing cubes come with zippers that allow you to compress your clothing, maximizing space in your luggage. This can be especially handy if you’re taking a longer trip or need to fit in bulkier items like jackets or sweaters. Say goodbye to overpacking and hello to a neatly packed travel bag.

To stay even more organized, you can categorize your items within the packing cubes. For instance, you can have separate cubes for tops and bottoms, or you can organize your outfits into day and night combinations. This approach not only helps you save time when getting dressed but also maintains the neatness and order of your belongings throughout your journey.

The Proper Folding Technique

When it comes to packing efficiently and maximizing space, it’s essential to employ a range of folding methods. By doing so, you can optimize the use of your luggage and ensure that everything fits snugly.

One effective strategy is to roll your tops instead of folding them flat. Rolling not only saves space but also allows for easy visibility of all your clothing options. You can neatly place the rolled tops into a packing cube, making it a breeze to find the perfect outfit without rummaging through a disorganized suitcase.

For bulkier items like jeans or sweaters, a vertical fold is often the best approach. This method minimizes the amount of space these items take up and helps reduce wrinkles. By folding them vertically, you can easily stack them side by side, creating a well-organized and compact packing arrangement.

It’s worth experimenting with different folding techniques to find what works best for your specific items and travel needs. Some people find that a combination of rolling and folding is the ideal approach. Others prefer using packing cubes exclusively to keep everything tidy and compressed.

Embrace Travel-Size Containers

When it comes to travel, space is often a precious commodity. That’s why finding ways to optimize and maximize the space you have is crucial. One fantastic solution to this common problem is the use of travel-size containers and sample products.

Travel-size containers provide a convenient and efficient way to bring your skincare and haircare essentials with you on the go. These bottles are specifically designed to be compact and portable, making them perfect for travel, whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a long adventure abroad.

I also tend to pull out all the samples I have been collecting and use them on these types of trips. They are already packed in small sizes, and it’s a great way to avoid waste or buying more items.

Elevate Style with Layers

Knowing how to pack a carry on when it comes to bulkier items is hard. Layering is the secret to versatile style. Whether you’re looking to elevate a basic outfit or add dimension to a monochromatic ensemble, lightweight cardigans and outwear are the perfect sartorial solution. These layering pieces allow you to easily transition from day to night, while keeping you comfortable and fashionable all day long.

Layering also helps prevent the need to pack bulkier items, such as sweaters, that can take up too much space. Think about the weather of your destinations as well as your color palette, and pick out a few pieces you know will go with a variety of outfits.

Craft a Strategic Shoe Collection

Shoes take up a lot of space so this is an area to focus on. I think three basic shoe categories are needed for any trip. A pair of comfort shoes for walking, an elegant pair for fancier occasions, and flip-flops or slides for the random occasions that don’t require the first two.

For sneakers, opt for a pair that you know will provide all day comfort. I usually go for a white pair since I know they’ll go with almost everything. Pack a pair of heels, sandals, or flats that are neutral but provide you a fancier option for nights out and dinners. Finally, take a pair of slip-ons for the pool or errands that don’t take up much space. By curating a diverse selection of sneakers, heels, and slides or flip-flops, you can effortlessly transition from one occasion to another.

Optimize Hidden Spaces

When it comes to optimizing the space in your suitcase, one clever trick is to take advantage of the often overlooked crevice indents. These seemingly insignificant spaces can actually serve as valuable storage areas for smaller items.

By strategically placing your socks, belts, and other compact accessories into these crevices, you can make the most of every inch of your suitcase. I find my slides and smaller cosmetic bags fit well here. Not only does this create additional room for your essential items, but it also helps keep everything organized and easily accessible throughout your journey.

Embrace Multi-Functionality

When it comes to optimizing your wardrobe, incorporating multi-functional pieces can be a game-changer. Take a reversible belt that effortlessly transitions from casual to formal, or a watch that can elevate any outfit. Not only does it save space in your suitcase, but it also adds a touch of practicality to your everyday style.

Think about how a dress can also work as a skirt or a cover-up as an outfit. This will help with packing fewer pieces and leave room for other essential items.

Solidify Your Beauty Routine

To navigate the liquids rule effortlessly, choose solid skincare, haircare, and makeup products wherever you can. These solid products not only help you avoid those unwanted leaks that can occur with liquid products, but they also offer several other benefits.

Solid skincare products might look like cleansers or stick serums as well as balms. When it comes to haircare, solid shampoo and conditioner bars are a great option. For makeup, bring solid foundation sticks, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Conclusion

Hey there, fellow travelers! Now you’ve got all the insider tips on how to pack a carry on like a pro. I hope these tips will help you on your next adventure and make it a fun experience. Happy packing and happy travelling!

With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties

*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.

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