Every traveler knows that excess baggage comes with a fee. And no one wants to spend money on that. After all, the money that you will spend on excess baggage fees could be money you could add to your travel fund.
Aside from that, you will have to queue while waiting for your luggage to come out of the conveyor. This increases the risk of your luggage being lost.
That said, we have listed down six smart ways to help you pack a week’s worth of stuff in your carry-on luggage:
1. Mix and Match Outfits
In order to fit one week’s worth of clothes in your carry-on, it is a good idea to bring outfits that you can mix and match.
Erin Holmes has come up with a simple equation of 2 x 5 = 10. This means that for 10 days of travel, you can bring two bottoms and five tops. For example, you can pack a pair of pants, shorts, two shirts, and three t-shirts.
The same thing goes for your footwear and underwear. Bring a pair of flipflops and rubber shoes, plus five underwear.
However, here are some considerations:
- The clothes you wear during your flights are not included.
- Ladies can add a dress in luggage and some brassieres.
- Bring a pair of swimwear in case the weather is good and you are going to the beach.
2. Bring What You Only Need
Some of us tend to overpack because we have a lot of “just in case” moments. The key to smart packing is having a packing list.
The few days before the trip can be extra stressful, which makes it easy for you to forget some items. But you can avoid it by having a packing list.
In addition, the list will remind you to only bring what you need. But of course, that will depend on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Say, you are going to a tropical country in the middle of summer for some beach and island hopping. Of course, you will need a decent pair of swimsuits, sunblock lotion, and a bath towel that’s light and can dry quickly.
However, it is a different case if you are going somewhere for business purposes. You are definitely not going to wear your swimsuit in a conference hall. That will be ridiculous.
3. Pack Travel-size Toiletries
Another way you can fit your stuff in a piece of carry-on luggage is by bringing travel-sized toiletries.
According to Jessica Plautz of Travel + Leisure, “Throwing a sample-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash and moisturizer (and a face mask and some makeup while you’re at it) in your toiletry bag saves space and time.”
All you need to do is to know where you can get sample-sized items. Some salons and dentists provide sample-sized items. You can also take advantage of the free toiletries available in your hotel.
So, the next time you saw someone giving away free samples of shampoo and conditioners, ask for as many samples as you can.
4. Use Plastic for Accessories
If you are bringing jewelry and accessories during your travel, remember to wrap them in plastic to maximize space in your carry-on.
Author and blogger Patrice J. Williams recommends that you use a press and seal wrap when packing your accessories.
Lay everything on a flat sheet of plastic wrap, layer it with another piece, press it, and you are done! The plastic sheet seals around your pieces of jewelry and accessories perfectly.
Using press and seal wrap is a cost-effective way of keeping your accessories without getting it damaged or tangled. Not to mention that it helps you save space.
5. Roll Your Clothes
Whether you should fold or roll your clothes is debatable. After all, you are looking for ways on how you can maximize the space of your carry-on luggage. Some may even argue that you need to fold your clothes first before you roll it.
If you are contemplating whether it is best to roll your clothes, here is what cleaning expert Melissa Maker has to say, “Rolling reduces the amount of weight and pressure on a garment, thus reducing wrinkling.”
That said, rolling your clothes means that you less likely need to iron it. Nonetheless, folding or rolling your clothes is a matter of personal preference.
6. Use the KonMari Method
Should you decide to fold your clothes, remember that you can save some space by using the KonMari method.
According to the proponent of this method, Marie Kondo, you should only fill half of your luggage. That way, you can still have space for souvenirs and other things you would like to bring from your trip.
You can do this by doing the following:
- Only pack what you love
- Fold your clothes the KonMari way
- Pack travel-sized versions of toiletries that you actually use
What’s cool about this tactic is that you can pack your stuff even if you do not own packing cubes.
Traveling is all about enjoying and seizing the moment. Not worrying about how much an excess baggage fee would cost. So, if you are in for a one-week adventure, then make sure to check back on this post for some smart packing tips.
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