I'M A PROFESSIONAL PACKER, AND THESE ARE MY 12 HACKS FOR FITTING 2 WEEKS’ WORTH OF BELONGINGS IN A CARRY-ON
With a bit of planning and the right clothes, shoes, and luggage, it’s completely possible.
I have good news and bad news, but we’ll get the bad out of the way first. As a travel writer and founder of the packing site, Just Packed, I feel the need to disclose that, unfortunately, packing will never be the easiest part of your trip. Some people may disagree, but I firmly believe that it should always be an intentional process, one that requires pre-planning and an understanding of how your destination and personal style will impact the contents of your suitcase. On the bright side, there are many ways to make packing more streamlined — whether you’re traveling for two days or two weeks.
While I’ll typically take advantage of the free checked bag that comes with airline status, there are some scenarios — like a Caribbean adventure where the seaplane has luggage restrictions, or a multi-city European excursion with endless cobblestones and elevator-less accommodations — when it doesn’t make sense to bring more than one small suitcase. And yes, this includes trips where you’re traveling for weeks on end (although a full month may be pushing it, at least for me). When I’m traveling light, I use these 12 hacks to get the most out of my carry-on suitcase real estate.
Related: A Flight Attendant's 9 Hacks for Saving Space When Packing a Carry-on — From Just $11
A “Bigger” Carry-On
$295
Rule no. 1 when traveling sans checked bag: Make sure your carry-on is as spacious as possible. Working in the travel space, I’ve tested nearly every major suitcase brand on the market — from the companies that claim their technology is the first of its kind to the ones with unbelievably high price tags on their luggage. Yet I continue to repeatedly return to my Away Bigger Carry-On. I can say with full confidence it holds significantly more (at least two to three additional outfits) than any of my other carry-ons.
I’ve taken this bag everywhere — from Jackson Hole and Big Sky to London, Edinburgh, and the Loire Valley. I’ve continuously tested its limits, even doing the classic “sit on top and zip” tactic to ensure it closed properly. Never once has it let me down.
Spacious Personal Item
$88
Over the last several years, I’ve been on a mission to find a perfect personal item bag. I’ve tried duffels, backpacks, zip-up totes, and oversized sachets, searching for a very specific combination of functionality, spaciousness, and style. Because not only do I take a laptop with me everywhere I go, but I like to carry a book, sunglasses, a small purse, and my toiletry bag in my personal item (the latter always seems to take up too much room in my suitcase). I’m also picky about the overall aesthetic of the bag; I want it to feel sleek and fashionable.
My hunt came to an end when I discovered the MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Deluxe. With six interior pockets, five exterior pockets, a luggage sleeve, a zip top, and a detachable crossbody strap, it — quite literally — does it all. The celeb-favorite brand (Blake Lively and Bella Hadid have been spotted carrying MZ Wallace totes) uses its own fabrication, which is somehow the most forgiving and supportive material I’ve ever experienced in a bag. If you’re not ready to invest in a bag at this price point, you can also find a more affordable option at Amazon that looks deceptively similar to my go-to but at a fraction of the price.
Compression Packing Cubes
$17
There’s a reason most frequent fliers, myself included, never travel without packing cubes: They’re the secret to an organized suitcase. Compression packing cubes, in particular, are critical for saving space and flattening down clothes as much as possible. This set from Bagail comes in sets of four, five, or six; I usually use four cubes to pack everything and then bring an additional one to keep dirty clothes separate from everything else.
Cadence Capsules
$108
For me, the worst part of carry-on-only packing used to be making sure I had all of my beauty and hair products. I’m a stickler for skincare, and my hair doesn’t fare too well if I don’t keep up with my regular routine… so everything must go (only in smaller sizes). While there are plenty of TSA-approved containers on the market, Cadence capsules are my tried-and-true solution. I fill the already-labeled capsules with the essentials — face wash, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, etc. — pop them together (they’re magnetized), and tuck them into my dopp kit. They’re also super easy to wash upon return; and if you’ve ever used the cheap, plastic travel-sized bottles, you know that’s not always the case.
Double-Duty Button Down
$65
The button-down shirt is one of the most under-appreciated staples in a travel wardrobe. It somehow manages to look elevated and casual at the same time, effortlessly transitioning from day to dinner. This style from Madewell is the right amount of boxy without being too oversized; conveniently, it can double as a beach or pool coverup. As far as material, cotton will be your best bet. It’s breathable and machine-washable, two very important characteristics of a travel uniform. Right now, you can get this oversized top starting at $65 in a spring-ready blue and white stripe pattern.
You can also grab this staple practically anywhere, including Amazon — one of its best-selling oversized button-down shirts is just $30 and comes in 26 different shades. More than 500 shoppers purchased it last month, proving that it’s a basic that belongs in your closet.
Versatile Travel Pants
$128
If you’re not a jeans person, or your travels require pants that can take things up a notch, an excellent pair of trousers will be your MVP. The Way-High Drape Pant from Everlane is the type of clothing item you’ll wear on a regular basis in every season — even when you’re not on the go. They’re elegant and simultaneously relaxed, and if you get them in navy, black, or light khaki, they’ll go with most (if not all) of the tops in your suitcase. (Not convinced? Take a cue from Meghan Markle, who travels in a similar pair of comfortable, flattering wide-leg pants.)
Do-It-All Pair of Shoes
$30
If you’re not careful, a pair of shoes can single handedly take up a quarter of your suitcase. To avoid that scenario, I get by with one pair. Not just any shoes will do, though. They have to be comfortable enough to walk in, but still acceptable for dinner in a relatively nice restaurant. If I’m traveling somewhere cold and snowy (most recently, Park City), I always wear my lace-up La Canadienne Andy Boots. They’re waterproof and warm, and the lugged outsole can handle slippery terrain.
For warmer climates, a solid pair of sandals will get you through the entire day — and night. Classic Birkenstock slides are my go-to from the late spring through summer. Pro tip: Be sure to wear them in before you hit the road; brand-new Birkenstocks are known to cause a bit of rub and irritation right out of the box. And while Birkenstocks can be a bit pricey, you can get the look for less at Amazon, thanks to these comfy cork sandals with more than 43,000 five-star ratings.
Packable Travel Pillow
$25
I’ll be the first person to admit a travel pillow isn’t necessary on every trip, but the Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow is a lifesaver for longer trips when you have limited suitcase space. Its secret lies in its design. Advertised as a pillow with a washable cover, the travel accessory comes with a removable insert that can be replaced with a couple of days’ worth of clothes. So if you just couldn’t fathom leaving home without another dress, tank top, and pair of shorts, use them as stuffing for the pillow. The airline won’t know the difference, and you’ll increase your travel wardrobe without having to check a larger bag.
Related: You Won’t Believe the Sneaky Way I Get 3 Days’ Worth of Extra Clothes Through TSA
Day-to-Night Dress
$75
Just like with jeans, shoes, and jackets, a singular dress can get you through a two-week trip — but only if you choose wisely. I always opt for solid colors, usually in a neutral tone, and it’s a direction that’s never steered me wrong. This past fall and winter, I brought a Ralph Lauren turtleneck midi dress on most trips, including a short stint in London and a weekend out west. Come spring and summer, I’ll pack the elegant, lightweight Ariana dress from Madewell that can easily be dressed up or down. Bonus points: It’s machine-washable.
Oversized Leather Jacket
$110
Identifying the right jacket to bring on your travels can be tough. To save space in your carry-on, you’ll have to wear it — so it probably can’t be too heavy. It will also be your only piece of outerwear, so it has to keep you protected from the elements. Trust me: This is something I’ve thought about for a long time. This past year, I finally solved the problem by investing in a slightly oversized leather jacket. Somehow, it always feels appropriate for the weather and the situation, no matter if I’m in Savannah for a work trip or New York City for a reunion with my college friends.
One-Piece Swimsuit
$112
Leaving for a trip without a swimsuit is a major faux pas — a fact I quickly found out upon pulling up to a hotel with the most beautiful infinity pool I’d ever seen. At the same time, a bathing suit doesn’t quite have the same utility as the rest of your clothes. You may wear it once or twice, max? When you’re traveling with just a carry-on for an extended period, though, every item needs to pull its weight equally. To solve this conundrum, consider a multi-purpose one-piece. The Amalfi from Andie has been my favorite for the last couple of years, as it can also serve as a tank top with linen pants, a maxi skirt, or denim shorts. It even has built-in bust support.
Classic Denim Trousers
$158
I love jeans as much as the next person, but I hate how much room they take up in my carry-on. They’re heavy and always bulkier than you think. Still, denim is great for travel. It doesn’t really wrinkle, it can be worn several times before it looks dingy, and its versatility is unmatched. My solution, while not rocket science, is effective: Bring one pair of perfect, dependable jeans. Through trial, error, and endless research, I found that dark blue jeans with a slightly wider leg, specifically this pair from J.Crew, check all the boxes. The darker wash allows them to be worn in dressier situations, and they easily pair with the aforementioned button-down and one-piece.
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