Opting for a carry-on bag instead of a full-sized suitcase is one of the best ways to save money and time while traveling, but it’s also not without drawbacks. It can be tricky to fit all of your belongings into such a limited space, especially when packing for cold destinations or trips of more than a few days. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to save space in a carry-on so that you can still travel light without sacrificing on comfort or style. Read on for some of our go-to tricks.
Roll, Don’t Fold
One of the most well-known packing techniques, rolling instead of folding clothes is a great way to save space in suitcases of all sizes. By compressing air out from between layers of fabric, it allows you to fit more items into a limited space and can also help to minimize wrinkles. Stay organized by placing your rolled-up items into packing cubes, or use vacuum bags to make everything even more compact.
Travel-Size Toiletries
This one should theoretically go without saying, as most airlines have limits on how much liquid passengers can take on the plane, but when packing toiletries, one of the best ways to save space is by opting for travel-sized bottles. To reduce the chances of a shampoo explosion and eliminate the need for bulky containers, you may even consider swapping traditional toiletries for solid versions, such as shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets.
Choose Multi-Purpose Items
Limited space means a limited number of items, so get more bang for your packing buck by choosing pieces that can be worn for a number of occasions. Prioritize versatile clothing in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched, wearing your largest items on the plane. For example, if you’re traveling somewhere cold, an oversized scarf can be used to stay warm in your destination while serving as a makeshift blanket during your flight.
