I'm a Pro Packer, and These Are 10 Smart Tips I Give My Overpacking Friends to Fit Everything in a Carry-on

Travel + Leisure

24-05-2025

As a travel writer who specializes in packing, I get a lot of questions: What are the best carry-on packing tips? How do you make everything fit? And what travel gear actually makes a difference? Over the years, I've refined a set of go-to practices that make carry-on-only travel not only doable, but seamless.
Anyone who's traveled with me knows my method doesn't change much. I always start with at least a rough packing list, and I never travel without my Away Bigger Carry-on (more on that below). I'm all about building a capsule wardrobe, and I never skip stocking up on travel-sized toiletries. Keep scrolling to learn more about my foolproof carry-on bag packing method and explore the travel essentials I never go anywhere without. Psst, don't miss your chance to get some of them for up to 40 percent off in the Memorial Day sales.
If you're not checking a bag, your carry-on needs to be reliable and roomy. I've tested a range of different styles and brands over the years, and I always come back to Away's Bigger Carry-on. I find it can comfortably fit four to five days' worth of clothes, a couple of pairs of shoes, and either my toiletry bag or my hairdryer. A durable hardshell like this one (or Samsonite's on-sale Winfeld 2 carry-on) also helps when you need to sit on it to zip it shut.
Packing cubes are non-negotiable. They keep your suitcase organized—especially if you group by outfit or clothing type—and compression cubes like Bagsmart's six-piece set go one step further by squeezing out air, so you can fit more without the bulk. It's one of the easiest ways to maximize space.
Your airport outfit should do double duty. Choose something you'll want to wear again during the trip or on your flight home, such as a breezy matching set that takes the guesswork out of planning an outfit. Personally, I like to wear my heaviest items on the plane—wide-leg jeans, sneakers, a sweater—to free up room in my bag. Think of them as bonus clothes you don't have to pack.
Aside from cold-weather destinations, one good layering piece is usually enough. A lightweight cotton sweater works for daytime or dinner and keeps you warm in transit without taking up too much space. I wear mine on the plane or roll it into my personal item bag.
Sneakers can be suitcase hogs, particularly when you're also bringing sandals or heels. I always travel in a pair suitable for both workouts and long days of sightseeing. The Adidas Ultraboosts are a favorite: supportive enough for the gym, sleek enough for sightseeing.
Those glass bottles are heavier and bulkier than you think, especially when you're packing more than a few. Plan ahead by decanting your essentials into lightweight travel-sized containers. The Cadence capsules are leakproof and TSA-compliant, and an organizer keeps everything upright. Stocking up on minis—like toothpaste and contact solution—makes things even easier, as does storing them all in a roomy, compact, and well-organized toiletry bag.
Once your toiletries are packed, put them in your personal item. A structured bag like MZ Wallace's Medium Metro Deluxe Tote (or this $32 lookalike from Amazon-loved travel brand Lovevook) keeps oddly shaped bottles from bulking up your suitcase—and it's helpful to have skincare within reach for mid-flight touchups. I use a roomy, quilted tote that doubles as a day bag during my trip.
Denim takes up a surprising amount of room. Unless you're traveling for weeks, one pair is plenty. For extra outfit options, pack flowy trousers instead. Dress them down with sneakers and a tee for a day of shopping, or up with a cardigan and sandals for a fancy dinner. Most trousers are lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, too.
When every item has to work overtime, fabric matters. Look for pieces that hold up after two (or 12) wears, like Everlane's Luxe Crew Tee or Quince's Fit & Flare Midi Dress. Natural fibers like cotton and linen breathe well, but if wrinkle resistance is your priority, rayon blends and knit jersey materials are your best bet. They come out of your suitcase ready to go. $268 $161 at Frankandeileen.com
The more versatile your wardrobe, the fewer pieces you'll need. Build your travel outfits around staples that work from breakfast to happy hour. A classic oversized button-down, whether you opt for Amazon's top-selling, $25 version or celeb-loved brand Frank & Eileen's Shirley Button-up, looks effortless with jeans by day and polished with slacks and heels at night.
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