10 Ways You're Wasting Precious Carry-on Space—and How to Fix Them, According to a Pro Organizer

Travel + Leisure

03-06-2025

In all my years as a travel writer and professional packer, I've become acutely aware of the bulky, heavy, or just unnecessary items that take up far too much space in a suitcase, duffel, or backpack. I avoid excess layers, full-size toiletries, and, my ultimate packing nemesis, the classic travel pillow at all costs—especially if I'm traveling carry-on-only. That said, I'm not a minimalist; I believe in traveling comfortably and having everything you need with you in a smart, efficient way. So, instead of multiple coats, I pack one versatile piece of outerwear. I opt for travel-friendly beauty products instead of full-sized bottles, and if I'm taking a red-eye flight, I'll use this nifty head strap instead of an unwieldy pillow. These efforts ensure I have all the space I need in my suitcase, allowing me to sneak in a couple more outfits as necessary.
Below, I'm sharing 10 products that are sneakily taking up space in your luggage (and making it that much harder to pack lightly), as well as what you should be packing instead. $72 at Amazon $72 at Keepyourcadence.com
Toiletries used to be the most stressful part of the packing process for me. I wear contacts (so I always have solution on me), and I have a specific hair and skincare routine; I don't like to veer too far from the ritual when I travel. The thought of paring everything down was so overwhelming, I'd occasionally check a bag just so I could bring full-size face wash and conditioner with me. I've since fixed that habit by creating an arsenal of TSA-sized products like face wash, contact solution, and toothpaste that I can toss into my toiletry bag and investing in a couple of Cadence Capsules, which are perfect for shampoo or body lotion. Now, my toiletries all fit in a small Dopp kit that I keep in my personal item bag or carry-on suitcase.
The day or two before every trip, I'll do a light audit of the tech products I'm packing. I'll charge my headphones and collect the necessary cords and adapters depending on what country I'm visiting. To save space and cut down on the amount of tech I need to pack, I use multi-functional products, like a universal adaptor and charger and multi-charging cables; both methods are tremendously helpful in keeping my tech gear to a minimum when traveling.
I love jeans as much as the next person—as evidenced by the number of pairs in my closet—but they're not exactly travel-friendly. Denim is heavy and relatively voluminous when packed in a bag. To save room in my suitcase, I'll wear my go-to pair of jeans on my travel day, and pack pants made of a lighter fabric, like these Quince linen trousers. Bonus, they'll also keep you cool on hot summer days.
A hardshell sunglasses case might not seem like a significant addition to your bag, but every inch of space counts if you're trying to pack wisely. So instead of continuing to use that bulky case you've been carrying for years, opt for a sunglasses pouch. It's lighter and easier to pack in small spaces in your bag, but it still provides plenty of lens protection.
My closet at home is filled with down coats, wool coats, leather jackets, capes, faux fur, windbreakers…you name it, it's in my collection. When I travel, though, I try to stick with just one piece of outerwear. If I try to pack an extra coat in my suitcase, I'm basically getting rid of half of my suitcase's real estate with just one item. While it depends on the season and the destination, I'll usually bring something I can wear while in transit, like this leather bomber jacket. It's casual but feels appropriate for dressier situations and transitions well in varying temperatures. It also gets bonus points because it's the type of jacket you can wear on the plane without overheating. $135 at Amazon $135 at Allbirds
Since shoes can quickly fill your suitcase, I follow a two-to-three pair rule of thumb. If I'm traveling in the winter, I'll stick with two versatile styles: a wear-anywhere boot and a sneaker. If it's the summer, I'm likely wearing sneakers on the plane, and packing a wedge and a light sandal in my bag. And of course, every pair I pack is comfortable—you won't catch me wasting space on a shoe that pinches or gives me blisters. $90 $70 at Amazon $90 $70 at Zappos $90 $70 at Colehaan.com
It's been at least a solid decade since I've used a typical neck pillow—you know the thick, super cushiony ones that you only use for a couple of hours on the plane. I've tested a few alternatives over the years, but I've recently found that a head strap is the best solution for overnight flights—and it takes up almost zero space in my bag when not in use. It fits around the airplane seat's winged head support, and you can adjust it as needed to comfortably hold your head upright (read: no more neck aches from your head flopping around during the flight).
Toiletry bags are another travel item I'm well-versed in; I've tested dozens of styles from the biggest brands in the industry. While there are a few I alternate between, I've discovered a flat, rectangular bag fits more seamlessly into my suitcase and generally takes up less space. I can pack around and on top of it, and I'm never worried about squishing it when I zip up my suitcase. This stylish option from Amazon has a packable rectangular shape and durable PVC material that's waterproof. The clear design is ideal for spotting what you need instead of rooting around inside to find your medication or toothbrush.
There's no need to pack a curling iron, hair dryer, and hair straightener when there are plenty of do-it-all tools on the market. I swear by the Dyson Airwrap when I travel. I got my first Dyson Airwrap—I now own two, one for the U.S. and one for frequent travels to the U.K.—in 2020, and I've never looked back. I take it on every single trip because it functions as a hairdryer, smoother/straightener, voluminizer, and curling iron. Plus, it doesn't take up much space in my bag; I usually stick the main device and a couple of my favorite attachments in a packing cube.
Shopping on a budget? Amazon shoppers swear by this lower-priced five-in-one hair styling tool that can curl, volumize, straighten, and more. It offers a convenient carrying case that holds the wand and attachments for easy packing.
As a fan of a hardback book, it pains me to say that they aren't a traveler's best friend. I usually have at least one or two in my bag when I'm traveling, but this is the year when I heed my own advice and invest in an e-reader. It's much lighter than a book (or books ), and I'll no longer have to worry about finishing a good read while in transit (which occasionally results in picking up a new title at the airport and adding even more bulk to my luggage).
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