Are you team Carry-on or team checked bag?
I'm almost ALWAYS team carry-on. In fact, I honestly can't remember the last time I checked a bag!
I've packed for 10+ day trips with nothing but a carry-on and personal item, including trips to Spain, Las Vegas, and our recent 11-day road trip through Florida.
Why do I love traveling carry-on only?
✈️ Less stress. My bags stay with me the whole time.
💰 Less money spent on baggage fees.
👗 And honestly? I've learned that I never actually wear everything I pack anyway!
So today I'm sharing 6 of my favorite packing tips to help you make the most of your luggage space, plus a few products I personally use and love.
Whether you're team carry-on or team "I need my entire closet," there's something here for you!
By opening sightlines and adding modular storage, we gave the team room to grow without moving walls or budgets. The result feels airy, useful, and totally future-proof.
Carry-on Only Travel Tips:
#1: Use that space in your luggage between the pull-out handle effectively. You know the space I mean, right? The lumpy bits you usually just lay some folded shirts or pants over? Instead, pack small things like socks, and underwear in the crevices before putting your clothes over the top! You'll be surprised how much room you seem to gain by filling those gaps with small stuff first.
You know . . . this awkward space between the bars underneath.
#2: Pack outfits that can be worn multiple ways. Try limiting yourself to a few bottoms and several tops that you can mix and match. If you're a dress wearer, throw in a dress that can be worn with a top over it also for a completely new outfit!
#3: Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. I almost always wear a pair of tennis shoes on the plane, and then pack the rest in my carry-on in a packing cube. Using a shoe packing cube helps keep your shoes more tightly packed, and keeps your other items clean. I may have literally packed 6 pairs of shoes for my last trip in my carry-on (though I admit 5 of them were sandals 😉).
#4: Make the MOST of your personal item. Most airlines will allow you a carry-on AND a personal item as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. I like to use a travel backpack that's made for the ultimate storage and I pack all of my tech stuff in there as well as all of my toiletries, and sometimes a pair of shoes.
I also cram a couple of snacks in there, and bring an empty reusable water bottle stored in the side pouch that I fill up at the airport. If you're a purse carrier. . .use a small purse for and leave enough room in the top of your personal item to shove your purse into before boarding!
#5: To roll or to fold. . .it's up to you. But personally I prefer rolling my clothes. I've tried several ways of packing over the years, but I always find myself going back to the rolling my clothes method and I do think I get more in my luggage that way.
#6: Wear your jacket or sweater on the plane. Now if it's too warm out, you don't actually have to wear it. . .tie it around your waist, or shoulders, or even stick it through the handles of your personal item! But keeping it out of your luggage frees up a lot of space!
Now for a few items that help you pack even more effectively, especially if you like to pack as MUCH as possible into your bags.
VacBird Vacuum Bags with Portable Pump
These guys can hold a SHOCKING amount of clothes and you just use the little portable pump to suck the air out, helping you make even more space in your bags! If you use the link below and code SAVVY at checkout, you'll get an additional 10% of your order.
TSA Approved Liquid Bags
These guys are literally a life saver, and somehow seem to fit WAY more than just a quart size bag (even though they technically are!). Plus they're super affordable. I used these exact ones as stocking stuffers a handful of years back for my kids filled with fun travel size items to surprise them with a trip to Mexico, and they've lasted great since!
Lastly, this is my FAVORITE jewelry organizer, and I've tried a handful of different styles over the years. It keeps my necklaces from getting tangled, and makes all of my jewelry easy to access, plus it lays flat so it's easy to squeeze into any bag.
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