Carry On Packing Tips
Packing is something I take very seriously, but can sometimes not do well. I always fear I'll feel unprepared (can we make FOFU - fear of feeling unprepared - a thing?) or wishing I had packed this item or that item for whatever occasion I couldn't possibly plan for. I never thought I could pack for a trip in a carry-on. Even those three day weekend trips. What if it rains? What if we go hiking? Do I need a swimsuit?
Anyone else with me?
Then I started traveling for work two or three times a month. I learned to appreciate speedy entrances and exits in the airport more than the extra pair of shoes, rain coat, hair dryer, etc. I packed just in case. During this time, I picked up a few tried and true tips to help me back what I needed while still feeling fashionable.
Make a List
I start by making a list of everything I think I would want to being by item -- shoes, tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, outerwear, etc. Then I make a list by day and see if the items I'd like to bring even make an outfit for any given day, event or activity. If it doesn't get added to a day, I don't pack it. List making helps to avoid any impulse items and helps to double check all items you were needing or wanting to pack truly make it in your suitcase.
Eliminate Outfits by Shoes
Once you've made your lists, eliminate any outfits that can only be paired with one pair of shoes. When considering how to allocate your carry-on, remember shoes take up the most space. If an outfit can only be paired with one pair of shoes or the shoes only go with one outfit, you're better leaving the shoes and the clothes behind.
Most of the time I eliminate heels. When I'm traveling I almost always opt for comfort. Sometimes this is unavoidable when traveling for weddings (I have five this year y'all!), but I try to pack a pair I can wear for both the rehearsal dinner or other wedding themed festivity and for the wedding. Neutral colors always make for the most versatile options.
Embrace Your "Basic" Side
I don't mean taking Instagram pictures with your Starbucks while fake laughing.
I mean choose a basic color scheme and stick with it for the trip. My go to is blue, white, black and gray. My wardrobe is made up mostly of these colors anyways, so it takes very little time to choose options once I know the weather of my destination. In the long run you won't wear as much as you think you will and choosing a color scheme allows you to mix and match your clothing for maximum outfits. It's okay to wear the same pair of pants multiple times.
This trip I threw in a few red pieces as well since we're headed somewhere tropical and I have a couple dresses for special wedding occasions.
Stop Rolling Your Eyes at People Who Say "Roll Your Clothes"
Maybe it was because I didn't feel particularly skilled at rolling my clothes, but I had the most difficult time buying into this one. It truly is a space saver especially if you can pack items vertically in your bag or in your storage cubes (I just purchased a set and I'm pretty excited for future organization on trips). By rolling your clothes you not only save space in your suitcase, but time and energy with removing wrinkles upon arrival.
Invest in a Pre-check Service
Trust me when I say the money and the time invested are totally worth it for a pre-check service. The ease of passing through security without removing shoes, liquids or electronics is well worth it in my book. Plus, I can't be the only one who gets a bought of anxiety when I'm trying to grab all my items off the conveyor belt without shoes on and then try to find a place to put it all back together. And you can never seem to pack it as well the second time.
Brian and I leave for Cabo tomorrow and you can bet I'm using the tips above to get the most out of my carry-on. Do you have any packing tips that make packing in a carry-on easier? If so, share below in a comment!
Happy traveling!
xx,
Linds
