Pack Smarter, Not Larger: My Top 3 Tips for Packing in a Carry-On ✈️
Ever felt the dread of hauling an overstuffed suitcase halfway across the world, only to realize half your outfits never left the bag once you got home?
Trust me, I’ve been there. But worry not—I’ve cracked the code on how to ditch all those wardrobe extras and finally break free from the “but what if I need it” mindset.
Whether you're jetting off for a quick weekend escape or an extended getaway, these tips will help you master the art of carry-on packing. Get ready to travel lighter, easier, and with WAY less baggage (literally and figuratively!) 😉
1. Pre-Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Let’s kick things off with a game-changer: planning your outfits ahead of time. I know, I know—some of you might be thinking, “But I’m a mood dresser!” Trust me, this step is essential if you want to save space and avoid the stress of overpacking.
The fear of the unknown and the “what if” mindset is the #1 culprit when it comes to overpacking. When you’re not sure what you’re bringing, it’s easy to second guess yourself and throw in extra items “just in case.” Instead, if you plan ahead, there’s no second guessing whether or not you have all the items you need to keep you covered (literally).
I tackle this by using my Packing List Template to map out my daily activities for the trip, then jot down the perfect outfit for each occasion.
Whether it’s a beach day, a fancy dinner, or an impromptu adventure, having your outfits planned out in advance ensures you pack exactly what you need—and nothing more. By eliminating the unknown and identifying any wardrobe gaps before you even start packing, you can confidently skip the extras. For instance, if you’ve got six dreamy dresses but only two events to wear them, it’s time to rethink that selection. And for all my mood dressers out there, don’t worry—just plan your backup options in advance!
2. Stick to a Color Scheme
When it comes to packing smart, the goal is to get more outfits out of fewer pieces of clothing. So how do we pack less? Simple: channel your inner capsule wardrobe guru by packing clothes that mix and match effortlessly. By sticking to a cohesive color scheme, you can create multiple looks without overstuffing your suitcase. Think neutrals like grays, blacks, and whites, or go bold with a bright, monochromatic palette like pinks and oranges for that perfect vacay vibe.
Versatility is key here—Every piece you pack should work well with the others, allowing you to maximize your outfit options with minimal items.
This also applies to your accessories: choose ones that complement your color scheme, like a brown leather belt, purse, and shoes that can be paired with any outfit. And remember, your different outfit categories should share key pieces—like all your nice dresses matching perfectly with one chic pair of shoes. By coordinating your wardrobe this way, you’ll be able to pack less while still having plenty of stylish options.
3. Compression Packing Cubes: Your New BFF
Compression packing cubes are literally my favorite packing product of all time. (This is pretty much just a compression cube stan account.) This is because compression packing cubes physically make your items smaller by compressing out all the air trapped inside fabrics and eliminating empty space in your clothing pile, so your items take up way less room. So if you pack 10 shirts in your suitcase on their own vs. packing those same 10 shirts inside compression packing cubes, they’re physically going to take up less room. 🤯 This means you can pack more of what you need (or just enjoy the extra space for souvenirs!) without having to upgrade to a larger bag.
Compression packing cubes also help keep you super organized. When I traveled to Ireland for 12 days, I used different cubes for different parts of the trip. This meant that when I arrived at a hotel for just a couple of nights, I only had to unpack one cube to access the outfits I needed. No more rummaging through a jumbled mess of clean and dirty clothes—just grab, go, and enjoy your trip!
Bonus Tip: Pack for the Real You
One last piece of advice before you head off on your trip…pack for the person you are, not the aspirational version of yourself. If you’re not a dress person at home, don’t suddenly expect to wear one every day on vacation. Pack a couple if you’d like, but keep it realistic. The same goes for high heels or fresh pajamas for every night—if that’s not your norm, don’t overpack them. The key to smart packing is staying true to yourself and your habits, so you can fully enjoy your vacation feeling comfortable and at ease.
Like these tips?
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