7 Tips To Simplify Packing Your Carry On

top  |  jeans  |  belt  |  slides  |  hat  |  suitcase + similar  |  couch  |  white blanket

When it comes to packing light and tight, you could say I consider myself a bit of an expert. Haha. Flying with 5 kids and only using carry on luggage is no joke. Over the years I’ve figured out a few packing hacks that have been complete game changers when it comes to packing. So since I was just packing up for Hawaii, I thought I’d share while it was fresh on my mind. Whether you have a flight or a road trip coming up, these 7 tips will simplify your  packing and make it feel like a breeze!

#1 DO YOUR LAUNDRY FIRST

This one might seem a little strange, and like the last thing you want to be thinking about when you are trying to prep for a trip. But I promise it is at the top of my tips for good reason. First of all, if the laundry is done it gives you access to your full wardrobe. You can pack the items you actually want + see what you have to work with, instead stressing over limited things. The second reason I always try to do this, is so when I get home I only have trip laundry to do, and not everything I failed to do before we left! Major bonus!

#2 STICK TO A LIST

I swear these days I can’t function without multiple to do lists. While I’m only packing for Joe and I this time around, this is the MOST helpful tip of all when packing for your whole family.  I usually go through and write down all the activities for the particular trip, so I know exactly what I need. This not only makes sure my mom brain doesn’t miss anything, but also makes sure I’m not packing things we don’t need.

#3 ROLL YOUR CLOTHES

Saving space in a suit case is kind of like a puzzle. I sometimes find myself taking things out and rearranging them to make it work. After a lot of trial and error there is one thing that is the ultimate game changer. ROLL DON’T FOLD! You will always always fit more if you roll your clothes. Trust me on this.

#4 USE PACKING CUBES

Packing cubes are a girls best friend. If you haven’t tried them yet, believe me they are a need for your next trip. First of all they save SO much space! You can cram a ton into each of the cubes. But besides being space savers, they help you keep things organized. I like to categorize my items into different cubes…swim, pajamas, tops, etc. It makes it quick and easy to find things once you get there, and throws in an easy way to separate dirty clothes while on your trip.

#5 WEAR YOUR HEAVIEST ITEMS

If you are flying, this is the biggest tip I can give. Wear your biggest, bulkiest items on your body, so they aren’t taking  up your whole suitcase. Items like jeans, cardigans, jackets, sneakers, and hats. They take up so much unnecessary space in your suitcase. If you are wearing them, you have all that space freed up for your other items.

#6 PICK VERSATILE ITEMS

If you are packing a full outfit for each day of your trip, with no multi-use pieces, you will quickly find yourself over packed. Take into consideration the weather where you are headed, as well as the different activities you will be doing. For example. since we are going to Hawaii, I want more light and breathable items. A perfect way to be multi-functional is to choose some dresses I can wear as pool cover ups, but dress up for dinner too. If I’m going somewhere I need jeans, I try to pick a good pair that holds its fit for more than one wear. That way I can wear them on the plane, and then again once or twice on the trip. Always think ahead about if you can dress it up or down so you aren’t bringing unnecessary extras.

#7 PICK ONE PAIR OF SHOES

Shoes are the biggest space hogs in your suitcase. As you saw in my earlier tip, wear your sneakers on the plane. That alone will save you a ton. For your other pair of shoes, think slim and versatile. For this trip, I plan on bringing one pair of nicer sandals/flip flops that will go with everything. Something I can wear to the beach or pool, but turn around and pair them with a dress for date night.

Whether you are headed on a romantic island getaway or a family road trip, I promise by using these tips the stress that comes with packing will be so much lower. So I wanna know where you are headed on your next getaway, and your biggest packing tip!

photos : aubrey taiese