I'm a Professional Organizer, and This Is The Only Way to Pack a Carry-on Suitcase

Travel + Leisure

3 days ago

No matter how many trips I take a month, I never look forward to packing my suitcase. Yes, even as a travel writer. And yes, even as someone who writes a packing list newsletter on Substack. Packing is a process that, if done correctly, requires forethought and careful decision-making, especially if you want to go carry-on-only. When the game plan is to pack lightly, every item should have a purpose, every inch of luggage real estate should be maximized, and you should always start with at least a rough packing list. In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm simultaneously going over what I'm going to need for an upcoming trip to Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii (so far, I'm thinking mostly packing comfortable loungewear and a few bathing suits).
While every trip requires a slightly different packing formula—and every traveler will pack according to their own personal style—there are a few best practices I use that have removed most of my own packing apprehension (and ensure I never overpack or underpack).
Below, I've outlined the ultimate way to pack a carry-on suitcase, including tips on traveling with bulkier clothing, shoes, and toiletries.
The first rule of packing footwear is to narrow down your selection. Shoes take up a significant amount of suitcase real estate, so packing as few pairs as possible is the best way to start the process. I typically travel with two to three pairs of shoes, including a pair of cute, comfortable sneakers or boots (basically, whatever my bulkiest shoe is) that I wear in transit. The other two, usually some sort of dressier shoes, whether sandals, heels, or flats, will be placed in a travel shoe bag (or an extra packing cube). This ensures the shoes stay separate from everything else in my suitcase and don't transfer any dirt to my clean clothes.
I don't care if you roll or fold your clothes—I do a bit of both, to be honest—but I do care that you use a set of packing cubes to keep everything organized. The length of my trip determines how I pack each cube. If it's a longer trip, anywhere between four to seven days, I'll have one packing cube for tops, one for bottoms, and one for dresses. For shorter trips, my pre-planned outfits will be packed in the packing cubes together (this makes it incredibly simple to find each piece and get dressed when you aren't doing a full unpack at your destination).
There's one exception to the packing cube rule, though: jeans. I've found that neither rolling nor folding my jeans in a packing cube is space-efficient. Instead, I'll place them on top of everything else in my suitcase before zipping or buckling the side shut. Denim is also a hardy material that doesn't easily stain or wrinkle, so I'm never too worried about my jeans not being safely tucked away in their own packing cube. Speaking of wrinkles, it should come as no surprise that they're inevitable while traveling. I'll occasionally bring a small portable steamer to freshen up any pieces that tend to get creased.
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, I always recommend packing your socks and underwear together. When I travel, I pack them in a separate packing cube, even adding in my pajamas if there's room. You can certainly use a regular packing cube—it gets the job done—but there are also versions specifically designed for this type of packing role. These styles are longer and thinner, and they work perfectly for taking advantage of those awkward spaces in your suitcase that don't quite fit a standard-sized packing cube. I'd recommend looking for one with either a mesh top (so you can see what's inside) or one with compression features (to reduce bulk).
Toiletries are one of my least favorite things to pack—but they are also the most satisfying to organize. I travel with a full skincare and beauty routine that includes more than a handful of products, so my packing process is always thoughtful and intentional. (Otherwise, I can easily end up with two or three filled-to-the-brim toiletry bags.) I start with taking inventory of any travel-sized products I have on hand (this is where those Sephora samples come in handy), and then noting which products I'll have to size down into toiletry bottles.
I keep travel toiletries of certain products that are hard to downsize, like small toothpastes and bottles of contact solution, in my bathroom, which definitely makes things easier. Usually, the only products to consolidate into smaller containers—I like these silicone bottles or these handy Cadence Capsules—are my shampoo, conditioners, and any leave-in hair products. I then gently place everything into my Dopp kit. Currently, I've been alternating between an insulated bag like this one and a clear version that slides into my tote bag.
If you can, I'd recommend packing lightly when it comes to jewelry and other accessories. I've trimmed my own selection down to include just a few versatile earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, and, because I travel so often, I keep them in a small jewelry travel case, even when I'm home. That way, when I'm packing for a trip, I can just stash the case in my personal item bag and be on my way. I also tend to keep my more valuable pieces at home, bringing more affordable options that I wouldn't be devastated to lose while in transit or at my destination. If you are someone who travels with more accessories, go up a level from a jewelry case and get a hanging jewelry organizer—this one has 14 various-sized zippered pockets for convenience.
Packing for winter or any destination that requires multiple layers is a challenge. Still, there are a few solutions to this travel conundrum. For starters, I'd suggest putting time and effort into finding versatile outerwear and heavier clothing. For example, try to bring only one heavier coat that you'll wear while traveling, so you don't have to stuff it in your suitcase. Or, you could also find a packable lightweight jacket that doesn't take up a ton of room in your suitcase. The same rule applies to sweaters, sweatshirts, and sweatpants. Look for versatile options that you can mix and match throughout your trip, and that will stand up to multiple wears. The fewer items you need, the less bulk you'll have to wrestle into your suitcase.
Compression packing cubes and vacuum bags will also be your friends when traveling somewhere cold. Both help cut down on the aforementioned bulk from extra fabric and layers, allowing you to fit a few more items into your luggage. Just keep in mind that this could make your bag heavy if you stuff too much inside—so make sure to keep a luggage scale on hand while packing.
Organization is one of the most crucial aspects of packing in general, but it's particularly important when compiling all of your electronics—your devices, cords, chargers, etc. These are usually items you'll want to keep close by at all times, as they're often valuable and used frequently throughout your travels.
I keep the number of electronics I pack minimal—a phone charger, laptop, laptop charger, and large Bose headphones—so I put the smaller items in a pouch, like this one. I also know travelers who swear by zippable organizers featuring several smaller pockets and pouches to keep cords from tangling and make it easier to find what you need.
Before you can decide which type of electronics organizer works best for you, jot down which items you travel with regularly and think about how and where they'll be packed. For instance, I like to have my laptop in its own case, whereas I prefer my various chargers to be kept together.
If there's one piece of advice I'll leave you with, it's this: always bring an extra packing cube or travel-sized laundry bag in your suitcase. Even better if it's a waterproof cube or bag. As you discard worn clothing (or wet swimsuits), you can place them in this dedicated cube or bag to keep them separate from your clean, dry items. Plus, it makes the unpacking process simple: when you get home, just toss the collection of dirty clothes in your laundry basket. From there, you only have to put away any remaining clean items and store your suitcase.
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