There are so many benefits to flying with only a carry-on bag (you save time, money, no lost bags, easier to manage when moving hotels, etc.)
But I get it.
Trying to fit everything you want to pack in a carry-on bag is hard!
And even though I’m team carry-on, I am NOT a minimalist and you don’t have to be either!
I’m going to show you how easy it is to find more space when packing your carry-on using some tips, tricks and methods I use for maximizing space and packing light.
Here are my best tips and strategies to pack fewer clothes and travel more lightweight for carry-on travel.
By the way, I demonstrate most of these methods in this blog post in this video on my YouTube channel!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!
Try the 3×3 Packing Method (Sudoku Packing Method)
My favorite method for choosing and packing clothes for any trip longer than 5 days is the 3×3 method.
Sometimes it’s also called the Sudoku packing method!
Here’s how it works.
Choose 3 tops, 3 bottoms and 3 layering pieces (think cardigans, sweaters, jackets or blazers).
Then, lay each piece onto the grid in this order so that you’re left with all these different outfit combinations by following the lines.
And so as you can see, with 9 articles of clothing you’re left with 27 different combinations.
Coupled with this, I use what I call the “3×3 plus method”, because this always leaves me with a little extra room to bring a couple ‘what if’ items.
Because the part I hate most about packing is feeling like I won’t have enough or the right type of clothing.
And this completely solves this issue.
It helps me feel like I’m definitely not forgetting something but also not coming anywhere close to overpacking.
For example, I just got back from a 10 day trip in California.
I went to 2 different locations that had 2 different climates (think 40 degree difference between the two)!
So here’s what I packed using this method:
- 3 tops: pattern tank, white tee, tank top
- 3 Bottoms: jeans, shorts, orange pants
- 3 Layers: cardigan, black blazer, knit sweater.
Then the plus part of the method is that I added a dress and then my outfit for the plane which is black leggings, a black tee and a pink sweater.
Here is how all the outfits came together.
With my core 9 pieces that are part of my Sudoku packing system, I created over 20 outfits!
Packing Cubes DO Save LOTS of Space
I love using packing cubes to maximize space in my carry-on.
But they need to be compression packing cubes!
The two sets of packing cubes I’ve used and recommend are:
Packing cubes not only minimize the space your clothing takes up by at least a third, they help keep you organized.
For example, if you’re going to be wearing different clothing later on in your trip, pack them in a different cube that you don’t even have to unpack or at the bottom of a cube.
How to Minimize the Amount of Shoes You Need to Pack
Next, let’s talk about shoes.
Everyone always struggles with which shoes to bring and how to pack them.
My rule is 3 pairs of shoes MAX.
But if you’re traveling light you CAN get away with two pairs. And this is what I try to do.
Here’s how.
I bring an everyday walking shoe or city shoe – something comfortable that you can wear every day.
I like a white sneaker for this.
PUMA Womens Carina 2.0 Sneaker, PUMA Womens White-PUMA Womens White-PUMA Womens Silver Since these are the bulkiest, I wear my sneakers on the plane so they don’t take up any space in my bag.
Then I bring one pair of comfortable sandals or slides. Something that can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit.
Lately, these sandals have been my favorite (you can see me wearing them in the outfits above).
I wore them with a dress to wineries, out for dinner and even down to the pool.
They were also comfortable enough to walk around the city for several hours.
Socks in shoes
However, if you are packing more of a shoe or sneaker in your bag – you can maximize space by packing socks, undies, swimsuits or other small items tucked inside each shoe.
Since this space is already spoken for in your bag, it won’t take up any extra space!
Separate Your Shoes
You can also separate your shoes and sandals when you pack them.
Start by finding a spot for each shoe to fit on the edges of your luggage.
They don’t have to be packed together.
For example, sometimes I pack one wedge at the top of the bag and one at the bottom.
How to Pack a Sun Hat That Takes Up No Extra Space!
If you are bringing a sun hat, something like this Panama style hat, you can get those little magnet clips to clip it to your carry-on.
But I usually like to travel as stealth as possible and have everything packed away.
So I pack my hat upside down in my bag and then fill the middle with soft items so that it keeps it shape.
Fill the head of the hat with undies, socks, swim suits, t-shirts, etc.
Then roll the rest of your clothes and fill the space around the underside of the brim.
How to Pack Belts to Save Space
Once I have most things packed, I’ll take my belt and wrap it around the perimeter because there’s always space to tuck it in around the edges.
Rolling your belts is a terrible idea, as all of a sudden your belt takes up space in your bag.
By wrapping your belt around the perimeter of your bag (or the packing cube), you’re utilizing space that would not otherwise be used.
Toiletry kit
One of the next hardest parts is packing toiletries.
I solely use hanging toiletry bags now because they’re so versatile for packing but also when you’re in your hotel.
My current favorite is the hanging toiletry bag from Tripped.
It’s a hanging bag – which for me is a must have because I feel like counter space is never a guarantee.
It’s also compact but has so many great compartments which I like because I can separate all my products based on usage, for example face, dental and hygiene products.
It also comes with 2 different clear bags for liquids.
If you don’t have too many, you can use the detachable liquids bag or it also comes with a quart size clear bag.
We got through TSA just fine with this, but you can also use the trusty old ziploc route if your airport is strict.
I have an entire video dedicated to packing liquids where I also teach you a few ways to minimize how many liquids you actually need.
Also these folding hanging bags are ultra versatile with how you can pack it in your carry-on.
You can either pack it all zipped up, or leave it open and lay it flat.
More Pro Tips for Packing Toiletries:
Pack your toiletries a couple days in advance, and use only those toiletries – this will help you realize whether or not you forgot something.
And another way to save yourself some space – use these Liquid pouches and just decant your main liquids into these guys instead of the bulkier 3oz travel containers.
Because these pouches only take up as much space as you fill them, but they also get smaller as you use them.
Here are two other types of hanging toiletry bags that I’ve also used and love:
- Side by Side slim bag – with removable dopp kits
- Bagsmart travel bag – when you need something a little bigger!
Earbuds & Phone Stand in One
Here are a few ways to save space with your electronics.
Lately I’m using noise canceling ear buds (instead of over the ear).
Because this little case takes up less room than the snacks you’re going to bring but it also comes with a built-in phone stand to watch your movies so you don’t have to pack an extra bulky device.
USB-C Only
And try to have all your electrical items to charge through USB-C so that you only need to take a single USBC charger and cable.
Use a Carry-on With a Compression Pad
This carry-on bag has one of the coolest features I’ve ever seen in a suitcase to help you compress everything down, allowing you to pack even more than without it.
Use a Fillable Neck Pillow
Finally, one of the best ways to pack more clothes for your trip and still only use a carry-on is to get yourself a stuffable neck pillow for travel!
Most airlines allow you to bring a neck pillow in addition to your carry-on and personal item bag, so you could pack an extra 8+ articles of clothing in this!
Watch my video here, where I demonstrate how to fill the neck pillow, how many outfits I can fit and whether or not it looks legit!
More Packing Guides
Lightweight Carry On Bags Under 6lbs (multiple airlines tested)
27 Little-Known Carry-on Tips for Flying (+ space saving packing hacks)
14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries
I Tested 8 Different Carry-on Bags in Airline Sizers to Find the Perfect Fit
87 Unique Travel Tips & Hacks You Can’t Afford to Miss Out On