Don’t you hate when you get your luggage back and it looks like it’s been tied to the landing gear and dragged down the runway?  And, that’s if you’re lucky enough to get it back at all.

That’s why I always carry on, even if I’m gone for two or three weeks at a time.  I do this not only to save my luggage but also because time is valuable and I don’t want to spend mine waiting in baggage claim.  Do you?  It may seem impossible but, if you’re strategic in how you pack, you don’t need to bring luggage the size of a refrigerator box when you travel.

So, what’s the secret to packing for a long trip without the benefit of a Mary Poppins magic handbag?  Let me enlighten you with seven expert packing tips (and a few of my favorite travel products to make your life easier).

1.  Get Some Good Luggage

Not all luggage is created equal.  That’s why it’s important to find a piece that helps you maximize space while keeping you organized.  I travel with the Rimowa Original Cabin Plus and I absolutely love it!  It’s extremely durable, has two compression dividers to help pack more in less space, and glides so easily that it can get away from you if you’re not careful.  Plus, it’s zipperless which makes it waterproof and tamper-resistant (which was a must when I was looking for a new suitcase.)  Admittedly, it’s a bit expensive.  But, the high price tag gets you a lifetime warranty from a company that’s been making top-quality luggage for over 100 years.

For a more reasonably priced alternative, try my previous suitcase – a SwissGear Sion (which was a carry-on champ!)  This suitcase fits an ungodly amount of stuff despite its small size.  I once packed winter clothes for two weeks and still had space for tons of souvenirs!  It’s all I used for 12+ years until my Rimowa upgrade and it never let me down.  Not bad for an $88 carry-on!

2.  Plan What to Bring

Always start with a packing list.  It ensures you bring exactly what you need and, more importantly, helps you avoid leaving anything behind.  Because there’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and realizing you forgot your cellphone charger at home (Noooooooo!!!)

Expert Tip –

I recommend downloading Packpoint to help you develop a customized packing list based on your destination, weather, and anticipated activities.

Once you have a list of what you need to bring, it’s time to plan your outfits.  This is when you’ll discover that neutrals are your new best friend.  With them, you can mix and match to create different looks without packing a ton.  For instance, bring a couple of neutral cardigans that can be worn with multiple shirts.  Have two pairs of shoes – one brown and one black.  Choose colors and patterns that can be worn in many different ways.  Then, you can jazz it up with jewelry, scarves, hats, or other accessories.

3.  Fight the Urge to Overpack (the carry-on key!)

It’s easy for things to snowball.  Suddenly you’ve packed 14 outfits and every piece of jewelry you own for a 7-day vacation.  I get it, options are nice.  But, do you really need to bring all of that “just in case you need it”?  Probably not.

Instead, lay out everything you think you need to bring and cut it by half.

*Gasp*  Half?!?

Yes, half.

Be ruthless.  Trust me, your back will thank you later.

Plus, packing to capacity leaves little to no room for souvenirs or clothing you may want to purchase while you’re away (and isn’t that half the fun?)  Remember, less is always more.

4.  Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags

Using packing cubes and compression bags is a great way to fit more in your suitcase (and it also helps to keep you organized… bonus!)  For trips that last up to two weeks, I use my Eagle Creek Packing Cubes.  These breathable, pliable cubes not only organize my clothing, but my cords and toiletries too!  They even have a Clean Dirty Cube that’s waterproof on one side to help you separate dirty clothes or wet swimsuits while traveling.  Brilliant!

Expert Tip –

It helps to roll your clothes so you can fit more, as well as easily see what you have to wear without unpacking everything.

On longer trips when I really need to maximize space, I use Compression Bags.  These things are pure magic!  They easily take a stack of clothing and compress it down to half its size by either using a vacuum or simply rolling the air out (which is what I do.)  They’re easy to use and will help you pack twice as much in half the space.

5.  Utilize the Space You Have

Speaking of space, make sure you’re using every square inch available to you.  Remember Tetris?  Same concept.

Stuff socks inside your shoes, wrap hair ties around your brush, roll underwear inside your bra… you get the picture.  Don’t let any usable space go to waste (this is where creativity comes in handy!)

If you’re using the SwissGear suitcase I mentioned above, don’t squander the bottom area near the wheels.  It’s easily overlooked but a great spot for socks, a pair of shoes, or a rolled sweatshirt.

6.  Wear What Takes Up the Most Room In Your Suitcase

Wearing what takes up the most room in your bag is another one of the best carry-on luggage packing tips I can offer you.  I’m not saying you should be like the guys who decided to wear everything in their suitcase to avoid baggage fees (and no, one of them was not Joey Tribbiani.)  But, a few key pieces will save you tons of room in your bag.

Dying to show off those new boots on your next vacation?  Wear those beauties on the plane!  Headed somewhere you might catch a chill?  Outfit yourself in a thick winter coat (you can always put it in the overhead compartment if you get too hot).  You get the idea…

7.  Carry a Decent Sized “Personal Item”

Airlines allow you to bring a carry-on-sized suitcase and one personal item (like a purse.)  And when it comes to your “personal item,” size matters.

I always bring a small purse or fanny pack that can easily be stuffed inside my suitcase, and then use a weekender bag as my “personal item.”  This allows me to carry additional necessities like my camera gear and extra clothing without taking up room in my suitcase.  A few bags I recommend include the Nomatic 30L Travel Bag, Lo & Sons Catalina Supreme Tote, Tumi’s Venice Duffel, or Away’s Large Everywhere Bag.  All of them will give you plenty of extra room for your belongings, keep you organized, and easily fit under the seat in front of you.

And there you have it!  Seven simple carry-on luggage packing tips that will completely change your life.  Say goodbye to oversized suitcases and hello to breezing off the plane with your belongings in hand!

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