How To Pack A Carry-On

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Packing for any type of travel is time-consuming, and at times, stressful. 

Depending on where you are traveling and what you are taking with you, a carry-on is the best way to go.  

By packing your carry-on sensibly, you eliminate the need for more luggage and are better able to keep track of what is needed for your trip. Read on to discover tips for how to pack a carry-on. 

Types of Carry-On 

From duffel bags and totes, to briefcases and backpacks, there are many types of carry-ons to choose from for your traveling adventures.  

Duffel bags are great for carrying a ton of clothes in a small bag, totes and briefcases are ideal for business, whereas backpacks are middle of the road and perfect for students.  

Regardless of the type of carry-on you choose, make sure it is compliant with the type of transportation you are using. Whether you are utilizing a train or an airline, you need to make sure that the carry-on used will fit in your seat, under your seat, or in the designated compartment.  

Space Savers

Space savers are great for making the most of your carry-on. With limited space available, having space savers to help multiply the space you do have can open up a whole realm of possibilities.  

Space savers, such as space bags, can take out the excess air between items in your carry-on, rendering you with more space for any extras you might need to pack.  

Organization Pouches

By purchasing some organization pouches to help divide up your personal belongings, you can create more space, while also keeping track of everything in your bag. 

Organization pouches come in a variety of styles and sizes. From see-through to canvas, you can find pouches for all of your needs. These organizers can help you with your makeup, clothing, toiletries, and electronic chargers. 

Only Take What You Need

Take a look at your trip itinerary, and figure out exactly what you need to take with you. 

By taking only what you need, you can diminish the bulk of extras you might not need otherwise.  

Pack Lightly

Packing lightly can help with keeping off the unnecessary extra weight of a carry on, while creating room for souvenirs and gifts from your travels.  

Capsule Wardrobe

Creating a capsule wardrobe can help you eliminate the need for taking clothes that are unnecessary. Capsule wardrobes are built around quality and sustainable clothing that can be mixed and matched to fit multiple scenarios and environments. Oftentimes, capsule wardrobes use neutrals to create the illusion of having an effortlessly put-together look all the time.  

Packing Tips

● Take A Look At The Weather 

● Layer Up

● Roll, Don’t Fold

● Heavy Items At The Bottom

● Travel-Friendly Clothing 

● Have An Extra Outfit Packed 

● Mini Toiletries 

● Electronics Together 

Take A Look At The Weather

It is important to consider where you are traveling, and take a look at the weather beforehand, to know what you should pack. If it will be rainy or chilly, consider taking an umbrella or extra jacket. 

Layer Up

Be sure to layer up. This will allow you to bring an extra outfit with you, while also making sure you stay warm on your mode of transportation.  

By wearing an extra outfit on your excursion, you can take away a majority of the bulk that might be weighing down and taking up extra space in your carry-on. You can wear that pair of shoes or jacket you didn’t have room for in your bag. This will ensure you are able to take everything you want to take with you.   

How Do You Pack A Carry-On

Roll, Don’t Fold

Are you a packer that has always folded your clothes?  

Stop!  

By rolling your clothing instead of folding it, you can create much more space to take what you really need with you. 

Rolling allows you to make the most of your room by creating an even space to make room for all of your oddly shaped objects. Take advantage of using your organization pouches as well, this will allow you to keep similar products together instead of loose and shifting around in your bag. 

Heavy Items At The Bottom

Keep your heaviest items at the bottom of your bag. Shoes, bottles, books, and large electronics in protective sleeves should be kept at the bottom of your bag. This allows the weight to be evenly distributed while also making it harder for smaller items to move around during the commute.

Travel-Friendly Clothing 

Make sure you pack travel-friendly clothing. Fabrics like jersey knit and spandex are more appropriate for traveling than cotton and linen.  

Pack clothing that is wrinkle-resistant, and easy to roll into a smaller size. This will give you the opportunity to pack more, while also making sure whatever outfit you choose throughout your travels is ready to go.  

Have An Extra Outfit Packed

Have an extra outfit packed in a small baggie inside the top of your carry on. Not just the top and bottom, but everything from the intimates and an extra pair of socks. You never know something could happen mid-excursion, or if your travels get delayed.  

By having an extra outfit packed, you can rest assured that you have at least one extra outfit in case something were to happen along the way. 

Mini Toiletries

Instead of bulky, full-sized toiletries, pack the mini versions. Stop by the dollar store, and you can find everything from toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash, to shampoo, conditioner, and combs. 

Oftentimes, mini toiletries come in small kits, allowing you to pack a carry-on more efficiently, by keeping like-items together in one place.  

Electronics Together

Keep your electronics together in a protective sleeve. By keeping your laptop, iPad, and chargers together in one place, you can better keep track of everything on your person, while also protecting them from the chance of getting broken.  

Recap

To recap, it is important to choose the type of carry-on that is best for you and your travel plans.  

Size matters when traveling with a carry-on. Ensuring that you can fit your carry-on with you on your mode of transportation will help you make the most of your trip while keeping everything within arms reach.  

Utilize space savers and organization pouches to create more room inside of your carry on, while keeping everything together in one neat space. This will help you keep track of all your items and create more room for extras you would like to take with you, or souvenirs and gifts you plan on bringing back home.  

Be sure to consider a few of the packing tips listed such as rolling your clothing instead of folding it to create more room for odd items, or keeping an extra outfit packed in a separate baggy near the top of your carry-on.  

Layer up and only pack what you need. Creating a capsule wardrobe will help you mix and match outfits, and look good while you do so.  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, packing a carry-on for travel does not have to be difficult or stressful. 

Simply take what you need, and leave anything that is unnecessary for your trip at home, making the most of your carry-on.  

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