Are you sick of paying fees for heavy bags and waiting for hours at baggage claim? Follow our packing tips, and you’ll be packing in a carry-on like a pro. Preparing for your next trip will be a breeze (less painful anyway). Check out our six super easy tips to fit everything you will need in a carry-on for your next trip.
What’s your best tip for packing? Be sure to share your packing tips in the comments below. #friendssharethegoodstuff
1 – Pick a Color Story
MEGAN’S TIP : When packing for a trip I start by picking a color story. (Actually first I check the weather.) Once I have my color scheme set, it’s pretty easy. I make a list of the day and evening events to determine the number of outfits needed. Making each item work two or three ways is a bonus if you are trying to fit it all in a carry-on. For my vacation in Charleston my color scheme was navy blue and white with pink accents, perfect for my southern destination. Below is an example of a blue and cream fall/winter packing scheme.
2 – Layout Your Outfits (or Use a Rolling Rack)
CHRISTA’S TIP : Laying out all your clothes before you pack is an important step. Create the outfits you need for each activity to make sure you have everything, including jewelry, belts, and undergarments. I try on many of the outfits I plan to pack, just to make sure that they fit as expected and that I have the right accessories and shoes. (This rolling rack is very helpful!) Since I try to pack fewer shoes (they’re so bulky in the suitcase), I want to make sure the shoes I do have will work with everything. Pro tip: That problem is solved when you pack your SCHUTZ sandals (see tip 3)!
3 – Find Clothing That Works in Multiple Ways
MEGAN’S TIP : Each item should have multiple wears, this is a vacation not a fashion show. Brown vegan pants can be styled for daytime with (non athletic) sneakers, a tee shirt and a jean jacket. For evening switch the shoes to heels or boots and toss a cashmere sweater over the tee shirt. Add some big hoops, a fun necklace and switch your travel tote to a clutch.
SHOP MEGAN’S TIP
CHRISTA’S TIP : If you are going someplace where sandals work, you definitely should invest in a clear sandal, like these by SCHUTZ or these “look for less” from Target. They work with everything! I also keep my jewelry simple when I travel, and sometimes only bring what I wear on the plane – usually a simple gold necklace, gold hoop earrings and a few bracelets.
SHOP CHRISTA’S TIP
4 – Use Packing Cubes
MEGAN’S TIP : The magic secret is packing cubes! I have these, from CALPAK, and they are a game changer. I’ve even got my boys addicted to them. Upon further research I now see that they have invented COMPRESSION packing cubes for stuffing packing even more stuff into my carry-on! These are my people.
CHRISTA’S TIP : Packing cubes are definitely a packing game changer! I can fit so much more in my suitcase when I use the cubes. I pack in my packing cubes by “type” (I know some people pack each cube with an entire outfit which is another great system). My clothing goes in the biggest cube, undergarments in the smallest cube, and pajamas and workout clothes in the medium cube. In my Away rolling carryon suitcase, all of that fits in one half of the suitcase, and the other half holds toiletries, hair tools and shoes. Voila! It is possible. I packed enough for a five day trip in a carry-on recently.
SHOP PACKING CUBES
5 – Find a Great Toiletry Bag (of course, we have recommendations!)
MEGAN’S TIP : My quest to find the perfect cosmetic travel bag has finally ended. This CALPAK bag is a game changer. There are two sizes. I have the large, but in retrospect the smaller would have been sufficient. First of all, I love that it is clear and I can see exactly what’s in it. I use one side for make up and the other as a mini medical kit.
Pro tip: I love trying the hotel shampoos. It gives my hair a “break” from what I’ve been using and it’s one less thing to remember.
CHRISTA’S TIP : I recently started using these clear bags from Amazon for my toiletries and I like it so much better than using one big bag. I use one for makeup, one for liquids and one for other random stuff. And they’re only $12 for all three!
Pro tip: I keep my toiletry bag packed and ready to go between trips. I refill it when I get home so it’s ready to go.
SHOP TOILETRY BAGS
6 – Invest in a Quality Carryon Bag or Tote Bag (We Love Ours!)
MEGAN’S TIP : The MZ Wallace large Metro tote is my go to carry-on bag. It weighs nothing, fits everything and zippers closed. It also doubles as a great beach bag, lunch bag, and hold everyones “stuff” bag while out and about touring. MZ Wallace bags also come with three different sized pouches that you can use to organize inside the bag. I use one for a mini-medical kit and another for chargers.
CHRISTA’S TIP : I have been traveling with my Tumi backpack for years and never leave home without it. It holds everything — chargers, iPad, crossbody bag, headphones, phone, light sweater, and snacks. It fits under the airplane seat easily, has the “trolley strap” to slide over my luggage handle, and has lots of pockets to stay organized. It’s definitely an investment, but totally worth it for something you’ll use often and keep for years and years.
SHOP CARRYON BAGS/TOTES
Bonus Packing Tips
CHRISTA’S TIP : My packing became easier when I found my go to travel outfit. It became one less thing to think about! It’s always a variation of a jacket, joggers, t-shirt and sneakers. And the jewelry I wear to travel is simple, and usually the only jewelry I bring. The crossbody fits in the backpack so I can take everything on the plane with me.
MEGAN’S TIP : If you’re going on a road trip, you have a little more flexibility and for me that means higher likelihood that I’ll overpack. Sticking to the plan per day helps prevent that.
And, both of us agree, the biggest tip we can share is DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE TO PACK. To pack efficiently, you need to take your time and plan what to bring (and maybe do a little shopping if you need anything). Start early and you’ll be so glad you did.
Pack Like a Pro
Toiletry Bag // Weekender Bag // Refillable Pouches // Toothbrush // Passport Holder // Laundry Bag // Power Strip and Charger Case // Backpack // Packing Cubes // Rolling Bag
Read about our 6 favorite travel bags to find just what you need! And find everything we love to make our travels a breeze on our Shop | Travel page.
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