I'm a Pro Packer, and I Still Use These 12 Old-school Tricks to Fit Everything in a Carry-on

Travel + Leisure

08-07-2025

While there are certainly some exceptions to the rule—like longer trips or journeys where you'll be carrying larger-sized liquids—traveling with just a carry-on is typically the best way to go. When you're not lugging a checked suitcase around, you don't have to worry about arriving at the airport before the bag check-in cut-off. Plus, the chances of your luggage getting lost or left behind decrease, and maneuvering up and down stairs or along cobbled streets is significantly easier.
Of course, packing lightly is easier said than done, especially if you're prone to packing as much as humanly possible. As a recovered overpacker myself—and someone who now writes a packing list newsletter—I've found that there are several tried-and-true tricks you can employ to ensure you never have to check a bag. Below, I rounded up 12 old-school packing tricks to use whenever you travel, and they're all on sale.
Let's start with the basics. If you're adamant about not checking a bag, you'll need to own a high-quality carry-on suitcase. There are a number of solid styles and brands on the market, but this Samonsite model has received thousands of five-star reviews, with many shoppers noting its expandable features and durability.
Packing cubes, in some form, have been used for decades. Eagle Creek is often credited as the first brand to launch or popularize modern packing cubes in the 1990s, and there's a reason they've continued to stick around. Packing cubes, and compression packing cubes in particular, are a great way to organize your belongings and cut down on bulk.
I typically follow a 'no more than three pairs of shoes' rule when I travel, and that counts the shoes I'm wearing while in transit. The other shoes inside my bag, usually a pair of comfy sneakers or maybe a pair of boots, can't just take up space, though. They need to pull their weight. I like to stuff them with socks, underwear, rolled-up swimsuits, and non-precious pieces. This not only saves space, but it also protects the shape of the footwear while they're in the suitcase.
This mainly applies during the winter or if you're traveling somewhere cold, but sweaters, puffy vests, and coats take up a significant amount of space in a suitcase. To lighten the load, wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane. Sure, you might have to take off a layer or two if it gets too hot, but it's a small price to pay for the convenience of traveling with just a carry-on. The lighter, more travel-friendly pieces, like this versatile matching set, work better packed in the suitcase.
When you're going carry-on-only, every little bit counts. With that in mind, try to find multi-use products. Whenever I travel somewhere tropical, whether it's to Miami or Anguilla, my suitcase always feels a little lighter because I pack pieces I can wear in multiple ways—like this sarong that could also work as a skirt or top, if tied correctly.
You can bring fewer items if they're designed to last a few wears. Case in point: denim. Denim is a relatively bulky, heavy fabric, but you can wear the same comfy, wide-leg jeans for several wears without them looking too dingy. The same concept applies to a denim button-down. Bonus: They're both super versatile and can be worn with a variety of other pieces.
Packing a toiletry bag can be a daunting task. I used to despise the process, and I would get frustrated when trying to downsize my skincare and beauty routine, occasionally opting to check a bag so I could bring larger products with me. Since picking up a few reusable travel-sized containers, though, I'm no longer worried about how I'm going to transport my shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion; I simply refill them for each trip and tuck them in my Dopp kit.
It's easier to only pack a couple of pairs of shoes if you find ones that are versatile, comfortable, and aligned with your personal style. For me, this means I usually pack only one pair of sneakers, and I choose ones that are they're functional enough that I can wear them to the gym or for a long walk, but they're also cute enough that I can wear them with non-athletic wear.
You might be traveling for a month or longer, but that doesn't mean you have to pack four or five weeks' worth of clothes. Just toss a laundry bag in your suitcase. That way, you'll be able to easily transport your dirty clothes to a laundromat or other laundry facility at your destination. Once they're clean, you'll have a fresh new wardrobe to wear during your trip.
Possibly my favorite old-school packing trick is to simply wear neutrals. My suitcase always includes a white T-shirt, an oversized white button-down, and a gray, navy, or cream sweater. This strategy allows me to mix and match the tops with different bottoms, and the pieces are subtle enough that I don't feel self-conscious about rewearing them. Therefore, I can pack fewer items without running out of things to wear.
Since I prefer to pack quality neutral and lightly colored clothing over quantity, I'll always pack a Tide stain remover pen. While it's not a foolproof method for keeping my clothing fresh, it certainly helps in a pinch. On a recent trip, a rogue stain nearly forced me to abandon wearing one of my VIP pieces, but the stain remover I brought with me saved the day.
Admittedly, I rarely use this trick. As a travel writer, my laptop is pretty much always with me, no matter where I go. Still, if you can swing it, leave your electronics behind and forgo your laptop for a book (or e-reader, like the Kobo Libra Colour). This will save some of the precious real estate in your personal item bag, allowing you to pack a few more items of clothing if necessary.
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