Carry On Like a Pro 5 Smart Steps to Pack Everything Without the Stress

Ditch the baggage fees and master the art of carry-on packing once and for all.

There was a time when checked luggage came standard with your airline ticket no extra cost, no second thought. But let’s be real: how are you supposed to travel anywhere without taking your essentials along?

If you’re heading out for a week, you’ll want enough outfits to last the entire trip.

And what if you’d like to pack a couple of extra shoes or bring back a handful of keepsakes? Sadly, in the past few years, airlines have slapped on baggage fees ranging from $25 to a jaw-dropping $100 per suitcase.

These days, travelers are trimming the excess, aiming to breeze through airports with only a carry-on in tow all in a bid to sidestep those pesky extra charges.

Traveling with only a carry-on also spares you the hassle and the wait at baggage claim.

But how do you manage to fit all your essentials into a single carry-on? It all comes down to mastering the art of strategic packing.

Here’s How To Do It In Five Steps:

1) Pack Small Things First

Start by tucking away the smaller essentials underwear, swimsuits, socks, and other lightweight layers. The ideal hideaway for these compact items? Nestle them into the grooves formed by the suitcase’s handlebar frame. You’d be amazed at how much can disappear into that overlooked space.

2) Layer The Rest

Contrary to popular belief, layering your clothes beats rolling every time. It maximizes space and minimizes creases. When done right, it allows for more garments without the rumpled aftermath. Let’s be honest no one’s itching to pull out an iron mid-vacation. Keep each item as flat as possible, folding them once if the fabric allows. Button up shirts and cardigans to help them lie neatly in place. Then, continue the stack—layer by layer, smooth and streamlined.

3) Shoes On Top

Despite the buzz around rolling, layering your clothes is a far superior method. It lets you pack more and protects your garments from unsightly wrinkles. After all, who wants to waste precious travel time with an iron in hand? Aim to layer each piece as flat as possible. If a single fold will do, stick with it. Button up shirts and sweaters to help them maintain their shape and lie smoothly. Once you’ve started, just keep building the stack crisp, compact, and ready to go.

4) Bulky Items And Bags

Wear your heaviest pieces during the flight—think that chunky sweater, your sturdiest jeans, and those space-hogging boots. Doing so frees up valuable room inside your suitcase. If you plan to bring a handbag, consider laying a flat one over your packed shoes. It’s a smart way to include it without adding bulk. After all, no one wants to lug a cumbersome tote while exploring new sights.

5) Makeup, Products, Medicine, Electronics and Jewelry

Stash your makeup, skincare, and hair products in the small zippered pocket on the exterior of your suitcase for easy access. You’re also permitted a second personal item—such as a compact purse—that fits snugly beneath the seat in front of you. Use this space wisely: pack your wallet, identification, medications, jewelry, laptop, electronics, and any essentials you’ll want close at hand throughout the journey.

A suitcase used to be included in most airline ticket fees. After all, how the heck are you going to travel without bringing stuff with you?

If you’re going to be gone for a week, you’re going to need at least a week’s worth of clothes.

And what if you want to bring shoes or bring souvenirs home with you? Unfortunately, in recent years airlines decided to charge their customers between $25 and $100 dollars for a suitcase.

So people are trying to consolidate these days and get away with bringing just a carry-on bag when they travel to avoid additional fees.Advertisement

Bringing just a carry-on also saves you time from waiting on the bag pick-up line.

But how do you get everything you need into one carry one bag? By learning how to pack it correctly!

Here’s How To Do It In Five Steps:

1) Pack Small Things First

You’ll first want to pack items like underwear, bathing suits, socks, and your thinner items. The perfect place to store these items is in between the ridges of your suitcase created by the handlebars of your suitcase. You’d be surprised at how much you can fit here.

2) Layer The Rest

Layering your clothes is way better than rolling, despite what you’ve heard. You can fit more items by layering. Your items are less likely to get wrinkled this way. No one wants to iron while they’re traveling. Your items should be layered as flat as possible. Try to fold your items in one fold if you can. Buttoning up your sweaters and shirts helps thems items to stay flat. Then just keep layering.

3) Shoes On Top

Place each shoe in a plastic bag so that your clothes stay clean. You can reuses bags each time you travel by keeping them in your empty suitcase. Then pack your shoes on top of your layered clothes. Fit your shoes like a jigsaw puzzle to maximize space.

4) Bulky Items And Bags

You should wear your bulkiest items on the plane like that big sweater or jacket, your jeans, and boots. This will prevent them from taking up so much space in your suitcase. You can also add a flat handbag on top of your shoes if you know you’re going to need it. No one wants to carry a big bag around when they are sightseeing.

5) Makeup, Products, Medicine, Electronics and Jewelry

Place your makeup, hair and skincare products in the small zipped compartment on the outside of your suitcase. You’re also allowed to bring a second bag like a purse that is small enough to fit under your seat. Use this bag for your wallet and ID, medication, jewelry, laptop, other electronics, and things you’ll want to have on hand.Advertisement

These steps should allow you to get everything you need in your carry-on and purse and will save you money on baggage fees that can be better spent during your travels.

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Article Sources: Source: One Good Thing By Jillee

Carry On Like a Pro 5 Smart Steps to Pack Everything Without the Stress

If you’re heading out for a week, you’ll want enough outfits to last the entire trip.