Your complete system for getting more space out of your carry-on
If you’re sick of playing suitcase Tetris or sitting on your carry-on just to zip it up—worry no more.
I’ve put together 17 smart, foolproof packing tricks that’ll instantly help you make more room in your carry-on without leaving anything important behind.
But these aren’t just random hacks—they’re all part of a system I use on every trip.
I call it The Jenga Method, because just like the game, packing light is all about building a smart, stable structure where every piece fits for a reason.
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Quick Summary
► Items Used for this System:
► Carry-on Bags Used for this System:
*p.s. need a carry-on? Take a look at my spreadsheet which lists all airlines and carry-on bags that fit!
🧱 PHASE 1: FOUNDATION — Start with Strategy
First, you need to shift your mindset and your strategy.
It’s not just about shrinking items, it’s about packing only what earns its space in your bag.
You don’t need as much clothing as you think you do.
In fact, packing for a month-long trip shouldn’t look much different than packing for just one week.
1. Pack outfits, not items.
To do this, you can use a visual method like a clothing grid or packing matrix to cut back on quantity.
This is kind of my broken-record tip—but it bears repeating because it works.
2. Build a capsule wardrobe.
My favorite trick for packing fewer clothes is building a mini capsule wardrobe.
It’s super flexible depending on the length of your trip, the climate, and your activities.
All you have to do is follow this simple formula: multiply the number of tops by the number of bottoms you’re bringing—as long as every top goes with every bottom.
And that’s how many outfits you can create at minimum.
And always have more tops than bottoms.
For example, 4 tops and 3 bottoms that all go together—that gives you 12 outfits.
Or take it further: 6 tops and 4 bottoms = 24 outfits from just 10 pieces.
3. Choose light layers and rewearable fabrics.
Then, Stick to items that can be worn multiple times, like breathable knits or merino wool.
Layers give you flexibility without bulk.
4. Don’t fear jeans.
But something important to consider that many people overlook is wash frequency – think about how often you can wear an item before having to wash it.
Jeans are typically the enemy of light packers because they’re bulky, but they’re typically an article of clothing that can be worn multiple times without washing.
5. Choose a carry-on that sparks joy.
And one more severely underrated tip before I move on to how you can physically save space in your carry on is how important it is to actually want to pack lighter.
And part of that comes from enjoying the process.
You need to Find a carry-on that makes you feel excited to use it.
Because if you’re going to live out of this thing for days or weeks, it should spark a little joy and make you look forward to packing.
I’ll link some of my favorites below
and if you need to find a specific size that will fit on a certain airline, check out the link to my free spreadsheet database for that.
🧳 PHASE 2: BUILD WITH INTENTION — Use the Right Tools
This is the cube, compression, and configuration phase—your tools should work for you.
6. Use compression cubes.
These are a non-negotiable for me.
My favorite packing cube set is from Tripped.
These cubes were designed to fit perfectly in a carry-on, and they compress beautifully.
There are 6 cubes: 2 large sizes, 2 small sizes, a laundry bag and a sleeve. Also, they put handles on them which is so smart.
As I said these are compression so once you have them packed, you can squeeze them down even further to suck everything together and create even more space.
But it’s not just about using these cubes, it’s about how you use them.
Make sure you’re using them to their fullest extent, because they can be used in different ways.
Let’s talk about packing them.
7. Try the Jenga Method for cube packing.
I like to use what I call the jenga method for packing the cubes.
You lay your items flat, alternating the direction as you stack them—almost like building a Jenga tower.
This evens everything out and prevents all the folds from bunching up in the same spot and creates a more balanced shape.
8. Try the Two-Tier Packing Method.
Another option is the Two-Tier Packing Method.
Place base layers flat on the bottom, then roll your softest items on top. It gives you structure and flexibility in one cube.
9. Play Tetris with your layout.
But Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: playing Tetris with your cubes.
Most people default to laying the cubes flat, beside each other.
Try standing them upright or mixing compressed and non-compressed cubes to better fill your bag.
10. Mix and match cube shapes and sizes.
Sometimes I compress one cube and leave another loose—that helps me fit shoes, chargers, or snacks in the open spaces between.
And since we’re talking about space saving gear from Tripped – their hanging toiletry is another must-have
It can hang from almost anywhere, which is so nice to have when you check into a hotel with almost zero counter space.
But even if you do have counter space, I like hanging it because it gives you access to all 4 sections without having to rifle through everything.
And it’s got the detachable liquids pouch for easily popping this out for the TSA line.
Also, I met some of the team from Tripped a few weeks ago, and they’re just the nicest people – so you can buy their gear directly from their website if you would prefer to buy from a small family run company instead of Amazon.
Ok let’s move on to phase 3!
⏳ PHASE 3: BALANCE THE STACK — Pack Early, Edit Later
This is the space-making and editing phase.
11. Pack at least one day (ideally two) before your trip.
One of my most effective packing habits is to Pack at least one day (ideally two) before your trip.
This does multiple things.
12. Let it sit, then edit.
First, it gives you time to edit. With some time away and fresh eyes, you’ll likely realize you don’t need that third dress or extra pair of sandals.
Second, If you’re packing at the last minute or are in a rush, you’re more likely to throw in more than you need because you don’t have time to be logical!
13. Let your bag settle.
Overnight, your stuff compresses naturally
And that little bit of settling might give you just enough extra space for something else—or, better yet, leave you with wiggle room.
14. Use the Dirty Duffel Trick.
If you’re planning to bring home lots of souvenirs, this is where you can use the dirty duffel trick.
Pack a flat duffel bag.
On the way home, fill it with dirty laundry and check it—then use your carry-on for souvenirs and your important or valuable items.
🧼 PHASE 4: STRENGTHEN THE STRUCTURE — Plan for Laundry
This is your secret weapon for packing less.
15. Be open to washing your clothes.
Be open to doing a little laundry.
Washing is easy—it’s the drying that takes time, so I have a trick for that.
Socks and undies are easy to wash in the sink every 2 or 3 days.
For bigger items, a bathtub works great. And if there’s no tub, wash while you shower—just step on the clothes to act as an agitator.
16. Bring detergent sheets or a multi-use soap.
For soap – bring laundry detergent sheets which don’t count as a liquid and are flat and lightweight.
Or, pack a multi-purpose soap, something like Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap, which also doubles as body wash, shampoo – so you’re not packing anything extra.
17. Dry clothes faster with a microfiber towel.
Now for drying your clothes, pack a compact microfiber towel: it’s lightweight and super-absorbent.
Lay the clothes inside, roll it up, and twist as tightly as you can.
This pulls out excess water fast. Use a hotel towel if needed, but microfiber is faster and dries quickly.
Then just use your small hero clip to hang clothes anywhere—on a shower rod, chair, or balcony.
🔁 PHASE 5: KEEP IT STANDING — Repeat and Refine
The beauty of The Jenga Method is that it’s repeatable.
Every trip, you’ll tweak it. You’ll pack lighter. You’ll travel smarter.