I’ve compiled my best, most practical packing tips to help you travel carry-on only without stress, without overpacking, and without forgetting anything important.
These tips are based on real-world travel experience, tested on dozens of flights across different climates, itineraries, and travel styles.
Whether you’re a chronic overpacker or just want to become a more efficient traveler, this is the ultimate guide to packing smarter.
Use the numbered tips below to jump to the section you’re looking for or skim for ideas.
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Mindset Shifts for Smarter Packing
1. Ask “What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t bring this?”
This mental shift helps eliminate just-in-case items and reduces anxiety around underpacking.
2. Do a packing audit after your trip
Note what you used, didn’t use, and what you wish you’d brought. It makes your next packing session way faster.
3. Reframe your anxiety about forgetting things
When you build trust in your system, you’ll stop second-guessing yourself and overstuffing your suitcase.
How to Pack Less (and Not Regret It)
4. Use panty liners in shirt armpits
It’s a discreet way to extend wear between washes.
5. Build in laundry or buffer days
If you know you’ll have a break in the itinerary, plan for laundry—even if it’s just sink washing.
6. Follow the 3-second rule
If you wouldn’t wear it tomorrow and hesitate for more than 3 seconds—don’t pack it.
7. Use the 2:1 rule for similar items
For every two similar things (black jeans vs. dark denim), only pack one.
8. Pack a day early, then remove one item the next day
Gives you clarity and forces one final round of editing.
9. Stick to darker colors
Blacks, navies, and deep tones hide sweat and dress up or down easily.
10. Choose items that serve double duty
Example: joggers can be travel pants and hotel loungewear.
11. Pack merino wool clothing
It’s temperature-regulating, odor-resistant, and re-wearable.
I promise, I can wear these t-shirts 3-4 days in a row without smelling!
Packing Formulas & Methods
12. Try the 3x3x3 Method
Three tops, three bottoms, and three layers—all interchangeable.
13. Use the 3x3x3 reward rule
Once you build your capsule, “reward” yourself with a couple of extra tops.
14. Always pack more tops than bottoms
It gives you the most outfit flexibility.
15. Lay everything out and remove duplicates
Seeing everything visually makes it easier to cut.
16. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Method
Five tops, four bottoms, then customize: e.g., 3 shoes, 2 accessories, 1 jacket.
17. Choose clothing with multiple uses
E.g., a button-up shirt that doubles as a cover-up.
18. Wear your heaviest shoes on travel days
Pack your lighter ones or slides.
Use All the Space You’re Allowed
19. Max out both your carry-on and personal item
Smart personal items can almost double your packing capacity.
My favorite personal item bag is the Bento Bag by Nomad Lane!
20. Choose carry-ons without extra compartments
More uninterrupted space = more packing flexibility.
21. Use your personal item for organization
Keep electronics, passport, wallet, and even a few outfits in there.
22. Choose a light-colored bag interior
Makes it easier to see what’s inside when you’re digging around.
Shoes & Accessories
23. Choose shoes first, then build outfits around them
You’re going to be walking—a lot. Start there.
24. Wear your bulkiest shoes and pack lighter options
Switch to lighter slides on the plane.
25. Pack inside your shoes
Stuff socks, underwear, or tech cords inside.
26. Separate your shoes in the suitcase
Place them along the edges—don’t keep pairs together.
27. Bring a second pair of insoles
Gives tired feet new life without packing another pair of shoes.
Superfeet is a great brand of insoles.
28. Don’t forget blister patches
Just in case those new shoes act up.
Underwear & Socks
29. Pack them last
Fill the small gaps around other items.
30. Don’t pack one pair per day
For longer trips, just do a little sink laundry.
Travel detergent sheets are a game changer!
31. Don’t roll socks together
Lay them flat—they’ll take up less space.
32. Try disposable underwear
Wear and toss. Especially useful for space-saving if you want to bring back home souvenirs.
33. Limit to what fits—then rewash
Socks and underwear are easiest to wash on the go (in the hotel sink).
I usually pack 5-6 pairs and that’s it!
Hats, Belts & Jewelry
34. Pack sun hats upside down and stuffed
Then pack around the brim to protect the shape.
35. Use a magnetic hat clip
Clip it to your bag while in transit.
36. Pack a foldable bucket hat instead
Folds down to nothing and still offers sun protection.
37. Wrap belts around your suitcase perimeter
It’s dead space—put it to work.
38. Use press n seal wrap for necklaces
Keeps them tangle-free and adds a little protection.
Preventing Wrinkles
39. Use wrinkle release spray and steam
Spray before bed, then hang near the shower.
40. Use the tight brick fold method
It reduces creases and compresses your clothes.
41. Sandwich delicate items in the middle
Protect wrinkle-prone fabrics with heavier layers.
Doing Laundry While Traveling
42. Pack laundry detergent sheets
Great for sink washing a few items.
43. Wash clothes while you shower
Step on them while you soap up.
44. Choose accommodations with washers
Helpful for longer trips or halfway reset.
45. Account for European washers with no dryers
Build in drying time in your itinerary.
I call these buffer days – they’re useful to build into your itinerary anyways, in case you need to shift things around due to weather.
46. Bring only 2 sets of pajamas
One to wear, one to wash and dry.
47. Pack a microfiber towel
Use it to roll and press dry clothes quickly.
48. Use hotel towels in a pinch
They work if you don’t have room to pack a microfiber – they just don’t draw out as much water.
Packing Accessories
49. Use a stuffable neck pillow
Pack clothes inside to save space in your carry-on.
I suggest a light sweater that you might need on the plane, and some t-shirts.
50. Use lightweight nylon packing cubes
Canvas ones take up too much space.
Tripped Packing Cubes are by far the best lightweight cubes on the market.
51. Use compression packing cubes
Helpful when you need to fit just a little more.
52. Load cubes into your suitcase first, then pack them
It helps you visualize the space better.
53. Fold clothes to the shape of the cube
Efficiency is everything.
54. Try the jenga stacking method
Alternate heavy seams for a flatter cube.
55. Mix folding and rolling
Find the combo that fills every inch.
56. Skip compression when needed
Sometimes non-compressed cubes fit better – or use a mix of compressing some but not others. It’s all about playing Tetris!
57. Experiment with cube layout
Try stacking on edge vs. laying flat.
58. Use slim cubes for in-between trolley handles
Sneaky space saver!
59. Use a small cube for your in-flight essentials
Easy to grab and go.
Making Room for Souvenirs
60. Travel with items you plan to toss
Worn socks or undies can be left behind.
61. Buy thrifted items for travel, then donate
Leave room for souvenirs without overpacking.
62. Use the Dirty Duffle strategy
Check a cheap duffle bag home full of dirty laundry.
63. Pack a pull-out essentials bag in case you need to gate-check
Helps you avoid losing must-haves.
64. Use a hanging toiletry bag as your in-flight kit
Keeps everything within reach.
I love my hanging toiletry kit seen in the photo above.
Toiletry Tips
65. Pack your toiletry bag early and test it
Reach for it every time you use a product.
66. Use contact lens cases for creams or makeup
Super compact.
67. Buy toiletries at your destination if possible
Less to pack initially.
68. Order Amazon to your hotel
Great for groups or longer stays.
69. Use solid toiletries whenever possible
They don’t count toward liquid limits. Things like:
70. Pre-soak cotton pads with micellar water
Saves liquid space.
71. Try cleansing melts for your face
Add water, and you’re good to go.
72. Use pouches instead of silicone bottles
My holy grails of toiletry products for travel!
They pack flatter so you can bring a bigger variety of liquids.
73. Use 1oz/30ml dropper bottles for serums
Ideal for liquids that need precise measurement.
I love this hack for traveling with my Timeless Vitamin C serum
74. Remember: medically necessary liquids are exempt from TSA limits
E.g., contact solution or special creams.
But remember, the screening officer has the final say.
75. Share toiletries with your travel partner
No need to double up on everything.
For example, a travel size bottle of contact lens solution will last 2 people for at least 14 days if you each wear contacts everyday.
76. Use flat-packing toiletry bags
Takes up less room than bulky cases.
77. Use a quart-sized Ziploc for liquids
No need for fancy ‘TSA approved’ bags that you see advertised online.
78. Use toiletry skins for leak prevention
Reusable and more reliable than plastic wrap.
79. Bring alcohol wipes
They can clean, refresh, and even help with nausea – so many uses.
I buy a box and then scatter them in all my travel bags, purses and crossbody bags.
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This list is updated regularly with new discoveries from the road – so check back often!
Scott
Tuesday 10th of June 2025
Using duct tape, I label each packing cube, then make a list of what's in each one. I put things back in the cube they came from. After I figure out the best way to get everything to fit in my luggage, I take a photo. This is especially helpful on trips where we're going multiple places and have to repack a few times.
KP
Monday 9th of June 2025
To prevent myself from making the same mistakes twice… I carry a very thin paper journal. In the flight home I list all the things that didn’t work on the trip. In the front of the journal I have my master packing list. This journal STAYS in my suitcase so I see it when I’m packing the next time. Super efficient for me.