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I travel about once a month, and I’m a committed carry-on-only traveler. I take pride in being able to travel light, and after my plane lands I enjoy smugly gliding past the masses waiting for their bags by the luggage carousel. However, I often struggle to fit everything I need into my carry-on, so I sometimes wonder if there’s a way I can pack my carry-on more efficiently.
I asked professional organizer Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space, for tips. Duckworth confirmed that I do a pretty good job packing my carry-on. Nevertheless, she had several suggestions that would help me pack better and stay more organized in the future.
Credit: Jamie Davis SmithPut heavier items near the wheels.
Even though I can fit a lot into a small carry-on, I never give much thought to where I place items in my bag. According to Duckworth, that’s a mistake. “Heavier items, like shoes or chargers, go near the wheels of the carry-on so the bag balances well when upright,” she explains. No one likes a bag that tips over, so this is sage advice. From now on, I will be more careful about placing heavier items on the bottom.
Credit: Jamie Davis SmithPut small items inside your shoes.
To fit as much as possible into my carry-on, I often squeeze smaller items, such as sunglasses and a jewelry pouch, between larger ones. However, Duckworth says there is a better way. “I tuck socks or smaller items inside shoes to use every inch of space,” she says.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1aekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeBecause I typically pack an extra pair of shoes, Duckworth made me realize that I am wasting space by not using them efficiently. During a test run, I discovered that packing my socks and other small items in my shoes frees up valuable space.
Credit: Jamie Davis SmithUse packing cubes.
I use Monos compression cubes to flatten my clothing and make space in my bag. However, I sometimes mix different types of clothing, such as underwear and tank tops, in the same cube. Duckworth thinks this is the wrong approach. Instead, she recommends using packing cubes to keep separate categories of clothing — and not just to compress what’s inside.
“It makes it easier to find what you need without tearing your whole bag apart,” she says. Put “tops in one, bottoms in another, undergarments in a smaller one to make unpacking at your destination a breeze,” she says. Being more mindful about what I put in my packing cubes makes a lot of sense and will help me find what I need more easily once I reach my destination.
Credit: Jamie Davis SmithLeave a little space.
When I use a carry-on, I tend to keep packing items in my suitcase until it’s full. Inevitably, this leads to problems because I can’t close my bag when it’s time to switch hotels or because I don’t have room to pack a souvenir I love when it’s time to go home. As tempting as it may be to fill a carry-on to the brim, Duckworth advised me to leave a little space. “Whether it’s for a souvenir or just for ease when closing your bag, having a little breathing room makes all the difference,” she says.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1jekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeAlthough I protested that this might not be possible, she cautioned me to be more intentional about what I bring. For example, she pointed out that even though I use a different moisturizer in the morning and at night at home, I should only pack one when I travel, as they essentially do the same thing. She also advised me against packing “just in case” items, such as clothing for dinner at a nicer restaurant I’m not sure I’ll need. She also suggested using an expandable suitcase like the Away Carry-On Flex as my go-to bag. “Extra room is always a positive,” no matter how you get it, Duckworth says.
Put in-flight items in the right place.
Because I prefer to travel light, I tend to pack items I want to use during my flight in my nearly full carry-on. This means that I am usually frantically trying to dig items out of my suitcase while others are boarding. Duckworth says there’s a better way. “I always make sure my in-flight must-haves like headphones, lip balm, a snack, and a book are in my personal item so I’m not digging through my suitcase mid-boarding,” Duckworth says.Although I am reluctant to carry a bigger personal item, doing so will make my travel days easier and less stressful. Alternatively, Duckworth says using a suitcase with a large front pocket that’s easy to access is a good choice for stashing in-flight items. Another simple solution Duckworth suggested is stashing items you need during your flight in a large plastic zipper bag and placing them on top of the other items in your suitcase. “Anything you can grab quickly is the best option,” Duckworth says. “The goal is to pack light, stay calm, and arrive like a person who has it together — even if you were throwing things in your bag at midnight.”
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