Packing is always a puzzle, but let’s add an extra layer of challenge: pack in just a carry on! This is inspired by an upcoming trip where our flight was changed from direct to indirect, and I went into a temporary panic. I do not want to risk losing my luggage (it’s happened before), so carry on only it is! (And I’m posting this in advance of my trip to help any friends who need it - here ya go, Mena!)

Make a list or two

Know what to expect as far as activities, weather, travel, and anything else related to your itinerary.
Identify what kinds of outfits you will need (active, dressed up, inclement weather appropriate, beach or pool side, etc), and approximately how many.
Make a packing list so you’re less likely to forget to pack something. I like having the list on my phone because I can have a master list template to copy as needed, and because I can edit it as things pop into my head.

Go minimal with layers and shoes

Have these pieces do double, triple, quadruple duty. You don’t need more than one coat, and you don’t need different shoes for every outfit. (You might need different shoes for different activities.)
Shoes will take up a lot of space, so minimize the number. Pick a pair of shoes per category of activity. If shoes work for more than one activity, fantastic!
Wear your biggest layer, shoes, and bag on your travel days so you don’t have to pack them.

Plan mix and match outfits

Unless your itinerary is extremely precise, some things will probably change. If your outfits are somewhat interchangeable (with some pieces wearable many times), it’s easier to roll with any spontaneous circumstances.
You’re more likely to get multiple wears out of bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts) and layers (jackets). I always pack more tops. (Though I’d recommend Numi undershirts to help you stretch wears for other tops!)

Triple check your toiletries

Make a list of the toiletries you need so you don’t forget anything (like contact solution or sunscreen).
Carry-ons are subject to the 3-1-1 rule, which primarily affects toiletries and makeup! - https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
- Don’t forget to account for any makeup that falls into the liquids category! Think foundation, mascara, brow gel, and liquid makeup. (Lipstick, powders, and the like are okay.)
Is there anything you can find/purchase at your destination? Example: a fresh sunscreen at your sunny destination, or hotel soap, body wash, or shampoo and conditioner.
Make it travel size: buy a mini version of your products, or decant into containers.

Use packing cubes!!

I won’t go on and on about them again, so here’s the post I wrote just about packing cubes.

Here are my other packing posts: general tips, a weekend away, a week away, cold weather, summer vacation.

And the final tip…

Start packing in advance so you have time to edit everything if it doesn’t all fit into your carryon the first time.
If it’s a shorter trip, this is less necessary because you shouldn’t have to pack as much. But if it’s for more than a few days, give yourself a little extra time beforehand to be sure that you’ll fit everything you need.
The relevant platitude for this tip is “be kind to your future self”!

Do you have any tips for packing into just a carryon?

Packing Tips: Carry On Only!