I don’t know about you, but I think there’s something kind of insulting about being charged $25 dollars to check a bag on a flight I paid $400 for. If you’re one of the many people who are also annoyed to have to pay for the privilege of having your bag ransacked by TSA and thrown into a cargo hold, there’s never been a better time to travel with just a checked bag. If you’re planning on sticking it to the airlines, here are my top tips to get the most out of your carry on.
1. Roll Your Clothes
My biggest tip is definitely to roll your clothes. Folding clothes is all fine and well for your dresser, but when you roll them they compress to save space. Plus, rolled clothes are less likely to crease, which is an added benefit. The right way to roll an item of clothing is to lay it out flat and then fold it into some variety of rectangle, then roll tightly into a compact tube. If you want to get hyper efficient, use hair ties to secure bulky items to make sure they don’t unroll during travel. I suggest placing your rolled clothes at the bottom of your bag, since it’s pretty unlikely you’re going to need to change outfits mid-flight.
2. Eliminate wasted space
Got a big, bulky item? Store it at the bottom so the weight of other things will compress it! Bringing some shoes? Fill them with socks! While you’re at it, place those at the bottom and store smaller things on top that can fit into the odd nooks and crannies. The key is to take advantage of every corner so that your total space is maximized. Get creative. Heck, get weird. No one else is going to be looking into your bag except maybe a TSA agent who has definitelyseen weirder.
3. Wear your bulky items
If you’re travelling with big sweaters or jackets, wear them instead of packing them. These things take up a lot of room, and it’s just as easy to tie a jacket around your waist as it is to cram it into an overstuffed carry-on. Plus, sweaters make great travel pillows in a pinch.
4. Get pouches….but not too many
I love pouches, bags, and organizing containers of all kinds, and they can be a total lifesaver in tight luggage. Not only will it reduce frustration, but pouches can also compress things into tighter spaces and reduce the bulk. Large soft goods that are wrangled into a packing pouch and zipped can make everything a little easier. Just don’t go overboard, and be sure you stick to thin, durable pouches that don’t add too much bulk or weight.
5. Have a plan
You might have the most beautifully packed bag in the world, but no amount of #travelhacks can overcome a packing list that’s full of redundant items, things you won’t actually use, and plain old junk. Making a packing list can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.