The Best Carry-On Packing Hacks to Save Space (and Stress)

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If you’ve ever been that person in the airport security line, frantically shoving a sweater into your bag while praying it zips, you are not alone. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. Over the years (and many almost-broken zippers later), I’ve finally figured out how to pack a carry-on so it feels less like a game of Tetris and more like a calm, confident prelude to adventure.

Here are my tried-and-true hacks that save space—and honestly, save my sanity too.

1. Roll, Don’t Fold (Yes, It Really Works)

I used to be firmly in the folding camp. My clothes were neatly stacked, pressed, and perfect…until I had to dig for one t-shirt at the bottom and everything collapsed in a wrinkled heap. Enter rolling. Rolling your clothes not only saves space but also makes it easier to see what you actually packed.

2. Use Packing Cubes Like Little Drawers

Packing cubes felt silly to me at first—I mean, aren’t they just smaller bags inside your bag? But hear me out. They’re life-changing. I use one cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and socks. Not only do they compress clothes down, but they also keep things organized when your living out of your suitcase.

3. Shoes: The Sneakiest Space-Hogs

Shoes are where most people (me included) overpack. My rule now is three pairs max: one pair of comfy sneakers for walking, one pair of versatile flats or sandals, and one pair of “dress-up” shoes if needed. I tuck small things like socks, chargers, or even a travel-size sunscreen inside the shoes to use up that dead space.

4. Decant Toiletries Like a Pro

Nothing eats up space like full-size shampoo and lotions. These days, I transfer everything into travel bottles and jars. Even better, I use contact lens cases for things like moisturizer or foundation—perfect for short trips when you don’t need much.

5. Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

If you’re traveling with boots, a chunky sweater, or even a jacket, wear them on the flight. It frees up valuable suitcase space, and you’ll be glad for the extra layer when the plane feels like an icebox.

6. The “Last-Minute Tuck” Trick

Here’s a hack I swear by: keep a small zippered pouch near the top of your carry-on. It’s perfect for tossing in things that you need easy acess to —headphones, a granola bar, your boarding pass. It saves you from unzipping the entire bag in the middle of the airport and looking like your luggage just exploded in public.

Packing a carry-on doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few tricks, a little discipline (three pairs of shoes, remember!), and maybe some packing cubes, you can breeze through the airport without feeling like your suitcase is going to burst open at any moment.

And honestly? The less you bring, the more you notice what actually matters: the places you’re going, the people you’re with, and the memories you’re about to make.

Question for you: what’s your best carry-on hack? (Because let’s be real, we’re all still learning!)

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