I can fit 2 weeks' worth of clothes for a long-haul holiday in just a carry-on suitcase with clever packing hack

The Sun

a day ago

AS the holiday season draws near, many of us find ourselves grappling with the intimidating task of packing for our travels.
Whether it's a weekend escape or a two-week adventure abroad, the challenge of fitting everything into a carry-on bag can often seem impossible.
3
3
However, one TikToker, known as ' arabellastokes ', has taken the internet by storm with her ingenious packing hack that promises to transform the way we travel.
For many, packing for even a weekend in a carry-on bag feels like an impossible mission.
The endless debates over which outfits to take, the struggle to cram toiletries into a small space, and the constant worry of forgetting something essential can make the process overwhelming.
But TikToker Arabella shared how she successfully packed for a two-week trip to Japan - a country renowned for its diverse climates and unique fashion culture - all in the same compact suitcase.
What she packed:
Two jackets
Eight tops
One dress
Five pairs of trousers
Two pairs of trainers
Socks
Underwear
Makeup
Curling iron
Toiletries
Passport
Headphones
Laptop
Arabella's packing tips combine clever folding techniques with the use of packing cubes, which can be purchased in a set of eight from Primark for just £8.
Packing cubes have become increasingly popular among travellers due to their ability to maximise space, minimise wrinkles, and provide easier access to belongings while on the move.
They help separate and compress clothing and other items, simplifying the packing and unpacking process, and may even save you from incurring carry-on luggage fees.
Her video, shared on 16 April, garnered 2.1 million views and 628 comments.
One viewer wrote: 'How to be you? Haha. I will stay for only 11 days but I brought almost a month of clothes.'
I tried 5 viral packing hacks to see which was best at fitting EVERYTHING into a carry-on case & the best was free
Another commented: 'My toxic trait is thinking I can do this too.'
A third added: 'My toxic trait is thinking I could do this but then ending up with a checked luggage half of my husband's checked luggage, a carry-on and personal item full.'
Meanwhile, someone else remarked: 'That was really impressive… trying to convince myself that I can limit myself to a carry-on for Italy!'
Others were quick to point how heavy the carry on would be with all those items in.
A TikTok comment read: "This is 100% more than 7kg and you won't be able to use this as cabin carry on though, no?"
She replied: "It depends on your airline! I've personally never had to weigh a carry-on."
3
Each airline has it's own policy and guidelines regarding the weight of a carry-on item. Passengers are required to check before they travel.
People were also keen to find out what suitcase she had as it was aesthetically gorgeous.
But unlike her cheap packing cubes, the carry-on came with a heft price tag.
She had the Beis Small Carry-On Roller in Beige, which retails at £223.
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list.
'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.'
3. Try a hack or two
She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip.
"Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver.
'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
"These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
"I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived."
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
"Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it."