8 Tips for Packing Everything in a Carry-on Bag

Hello everyone! Today I want to share some of my packing tips for traveling with you!

Whether you are taking a personal trip or going away on business, it’s always a relief to have your travel items in order. Organized luggage means one less thing to worry about when you stop at the rest stop if you are driving to your destination or are in an airport bathroom trying to find your deoderant.

In May, I traveled to Hannover, Germany for a few days on business. This was my first over-seas flight and I was only in the Country for about 3 days.

The main focus of this trip was to conduct some training on my company’s software for one of our customers. So looking professional and having my computer and work notes were in the forefront of my mind as I packed.

For this trip I invested in a carry-on size rolling suitcase, complete with a laptop compartment. While doing my research, I did find that different airlines have different size restrictions on carry-on luggage. Most luggage companies however, make their carry-ons pretty universal in order to suit everyone’s and every airline’s needs.

The Goal:

Fit everything I need in a carry-on so that I didn’t have to bother with checked luggage.

Requirements for the airline I was flying:

Challenge Accepted.

I’ve circled in red the guidelines I used most:

Basically I could bring 44 lbs of stuff (including laptop) in 2 bags, along with a coat and small purse.

So here’s how I did it:

The rolling carry-on I purchased weighs exactly 7 pounds. Add about a 5-6 pound laptop and I’ve only got 10 pounds of room left on the inside.

Tip #1: Roll Your Clothes

This is litterally on every packing tutorial list but it is legit. Rolling reduces wrinkles and saves space, especially when you have small amounts of it.

Tip #2: Overlap Outfits

You will survive if you have to wear the same pair of jeans on your flight to your destination, and on the way home. I promise. This way, part of your luggage is on you, not taking up more room in your bag.

Business trips make this slightly easier because you can wear the same dress pants or black skirt two days in a row and just switch out your company logo top- easy peasy.

For personal travel, try pairing your favorite pants with a couple of tops and a maxi skirt with a few.

Remember- Neutrals are best for mixing and matching!

Tip #3: Pick 1-2 Accessories

Don’t bring your whole Jewelry box on the plane, people…

Pack a colorful scarf to mix things up and add a pop of color.

Throw a statement necklace in your purse- done and done.

Tip #4: Only bring 1 Pair of Shoes

Because this was a business trip, I brought one pair of kitten heel sling backs in my bag (my feet are small and they packed easily). And I wore a pair of Tom’s when I was in the airport and when we went to dinner and into town. Next time, I may just wear flats to the airport and not have to pack any shoes at all.

Tip #5: Watch your liquids

This was honestly the hardest part of packing a carry-on only. Because even though I had enough room for more liquids, I could only pack a quart sized bag worth of them and each item had to be in a container 3oz or less…
Obviously, you are going to have to opt for the travel size, but one thing I did was take advantage of all those Ulta Beauty and Sephora Samples! (You know you have a bazillion sitting in your makeup bag.)

• Instead of packing shampoo AND conditioner- I had a package of a sample of both. You know- those shampoo samples that resemble a paper perfume sample? This way I could throw it away after I used it in the hotel room.
• I could not find a sample size contact solution to save my life- so I bought a squeeze bottle and poured some in. This way you can take what you need and empty it for the way home.
• I had a sample size face wash that fit beautifully in the bag, and a sample moisturizer that only took up a 1″ x 1″ space.
• The one thing I could not give up was my Downy Wrinkle Releaser. Have you guys tried this stuff?? Not only does it get rid of wrinkles, but it’s a fabric freshener, so when you do have to re-wear those pants or your cami, it doesn’t look or smell like it! They have these in the travel aisle of any grocery store.

Tip #6: Take a Vacation from Make-up

This kind of goes along with the last point because you will most likley have to pack your makeup in with your liquids if you use a liquid foundation.

Needless to say, you do not need to lug along your entire makeup wardrobe when taking a quick business trip or going on vacay (at least I don’t think so). This is a great time to let your skin refresh and be revitalized.

I brought along a CC Cream- it’s light but has good coverage for any pimples that appear after your flight and then in my toiletries bag I brought a couple of brushes, some blush, and mascara/eye liner.

PS- Don’t wear makeup on your flight- yuck! That is just asking for a break out!

Tip #7: Wear Your Jacket on the Plane

One way to save space is to wear your jacket on board the plane. I went to Germany in May, which has similar weather to Ohio that time of year, so I brought a light rain coat. Luckily my bookbag had a place to store my jacket so I didn’t have to put it inside or in my carry-on. (Pictured below)

Tip #8: Carry a Crossbody

Bring along a trusty cross body bag when you travel. One that goes with everything, one that is preferably stain resistant in color (aka-black), and one that has easy access. You’ll thank me later.

Challenge Completed:

I was fairly satisfied with how packsing so light went. I wish I would have brough 1 more shirt, and one more camisole. I also wished I would have nixed the sweatshirt a brought along on the way to Germany because it was difficult to pack in my suitcase onthe way home. Other than that I was very pleased!

Here are a few photos from my trip overseas. (Pardon my extreme case of Tourism):

Happy Packing!

Do you have any carry-on only packing stories?

Leave your tips for efficient packing below!

Keep on keeping on…