How to Fit a Week’s Worth of Clothes in a Carry On

Wearing: White Blouse | Denim Shorts

I have a pretty fun travel week ahead: tomorrow, I’m headed down to Charlottesville, Virginia with all of my Philly friends for the weekend, and then Tuesday I’m flying out to Arizona for an incredible press trip with Visit Mesa and Visit Phoenix (it will be my first time ever in the state of Arizona, so excited!) While I know the typical “spring break” period for college and grade schools have passed, I’m so excited for my grown-up spring break adventures!

One thing you should know about me? I am a carry on queen. Checking baggage is kind of the worst; the fear of my luggage being lost is real, and, you know, I’d prefer to not pay $50 to check it. Save money when you can, right? Here’s some tips and tricks on how I manage to fit a week’s worth of clothes in my carry on!
 

Use the largest carry on and personal item possible.

First things first: how efficient is your carry on bag? I’d recommend something that has room to expand and a lot of compartments. Often times you’ll see a 19″ or 21″ option for carry ons — always, always go for the 21″! I went with a 19″ one last year and ended up giving it away since it didn’t hold much!

As for your personal item, skip the purse and go for an oversized tote. Often times I end up packing my laptop, toiletries and medicine in my “personal item” just in case I end up having to check my luggage at the gate. 

Use the Roll Packing Method.

Once you start roll packing, you won’t want to stop! By rolling your clothes instead of folding them, you’ll be able to fit a lot more pieces than normal. I actually roll my clothes in my dresser instead of folding them as well due to how much I need to fit in my drawers! You’ll be surprised by how much additional space you’ll end up with using this technique. You can view a video here on how to do it!

Limit Your Shoes.

Ladies: I know shoes are going to be your downfall with this. I get it. I’m a lowkey shoe hoarder as well, but shoes are going to take up the most room in your suitcase. I try to sit down ahead of time and pack 3-4 pairs of shoes max. I know. That sounds nuts! I usually pack a pair of heels/wedges, one pair of sandals, one pair of closed toe shoes, and a pair of lightweight gym/athletic sneakers. I usually end up traveling in the gym/athletic shoes, and since those are on my feet and not in my suitcase, I already end up with more room!

Pre-Pack your toiletries.

This might sound a little extra, but I have a tote that’s full of all the (travel-sized!) toiletries I need ready to go at all times. I keep this completely separate from the toiletries I use on a regular basis. I’m not gonna lie, I always end up procrastinating while packing. Having my toiletries pre-packed helps save a ton of time!

What toiletries do I tote along with me? Toothbrush and toothpaste are always a must, face cleanser, lotion, dry shampoo, shampoo/conditioner, contact lens case/solution, sunscreen, and last but certainly not least, deodorant. Of all things to forget to pack, I think deodorant is probably the worst thing to leave at home! 

I scooped up a few travel-sized Secret Clinical Strength Deodorants in both Clear Gel and Invisible Solid. What I love about this deodorant is that it goes well with all of the fun little spring/summer outfits that I’m packing — and won’t rub off on my clothes during the day! I’m planning on bringing it to Arizona with me next week where it’s supposed to be in the 90’s all week — most likely I’ll be putting it on multiple times a day! It has two times the sweat protection vs. an ordinary antiperspirant, making fashion sacrifices a thing of the past.

My Spring Break Packing List

Want to know what I’m bringing with me next week? Here’s what’s sitting in my suitcase!

+ I’m wearing a jacket, cropped denim, t-shirt, sneakers and hat to the airport. I’m also having Rent the Runway ship a top and 2 dresses to my hotel, freeing up some space in the carry on!

How do you fit it all in a carry on?

Thank you to Secret for partnering with me for today’s post!

Photos by Anna Meyer. Thank you to The Apollo for letting us shoot on your rooftop!