Travelling with just a carry-on luggage might seem like a challenge, but with the right strategies, it becomes second nature. It’s all about planning smart, packing efficiently, and choosing items that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also move through airports with ease and arrive feeling lighter—in every sense.

There’s something empowering about travelling light. No checked baggage fees, no lost luggage drama, and no waiting around at the carousel. But let’s be honest—packing for an entire week in a carry-on sounds like a logistical nightmare for many.

The good news? It’s absolutely doable. With a few clever tricks and a touch of discipline, you can breeze through the airport with just your trusty cabin bag and still look fresh all week long.

Here’s your ultimate guide to fitting a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on—without sacrificing style or essentials.

---

1. Choose the Right Carry-On

Let’s start with the basics: your suitcase.

What to look for:

• Maximum cabin size: Check your airline’s restrictions (usually around 55x40x20 cm).

• Expandable compartments: Handy if you need a bit more room.

• Spinner wheels & a lightweight frame: You’ll be carrying this through terminals and up hotel stairs.

• Compression straps: These help flatten your items and make room for more.

Top tip: Soft-sided luggage can sometimes squeeze into tighter overhead bins, but hard-shell cases offer better protection. Choose what suits your travel style.

---

2. Plan Your Outfits in Advance

Randomly throwing clothes into a suitcase is the fast track to overpacking.

Instead, plan out your outfits by day and build a capsule wardrobe using versatile pieces you can mix and match.

Stick to:

• 1 jacket

• 2 pairs of trousers or skirts

• 4 tops

• 1-2 pairs of shoes

• A dress or jumpsuit (optional)

• 7 sets of underwear & socks

Choose a neutral colour palette—think black, white, grey, navy, or beige—with 1–2 accent colours to keep things cohesive.

Style hack: Make sure each top matches at least two bottoms. The more combinations you can create, the fewer pieces you need.

---

3. Roll, Don’t Fold

It might sound simple, but the way you pack your clothes makes a huge difference.

Why rolling wins:

• Prevents deep creases

• Maximises suitcase space

• Easier to see everything at a glance

How to do it:
Roll each item tightly, then stack them like sushi in rows. For structured clothes (like blazers), fold gently and lay them on top.

---

4. Use Packing Cubes (Yes, They Work!)

Packing cubes are the unsung heroes of the carry-on luggage traveller.

They not only help with organisation, but they also compress your clothes, giving you more room for extras.

Suggested cube system:

• Cube 1: Tops & shirts

• Cube 2: Bottoms & dresses

• Cube 3: Undergarments, swimwear, PJs

• Shoe bag: To keep soles from touching your clothes

You’ll be shocked how much more you can fit—and how much easier it is to unpack when you arrive.

---

5. Limit Your Shoes (Seriously)

Shoes are bulky, heavy, and space-hogging. Stick to a maximum of two pairs:

1. One versatile pair you wear on the plane (e.g. trainers or ankle boots)

2. One pair packed (flats, sandals, or loafers depending on the trip)

Avoid heels unless absolutely necessary—they’re hard to pack and often end up unworn.

Place packed shoes near the wheels of your carry-on, and fill them with socks or rolled belts to save space.

---

6. Pack Multi-Purpose Items

One of the golden rules of light packing is making your items pull double duty.

Examples:

• A scarf that doubles as a shawl or blanket

• A jumper that works both for flights and casual dinners

• A swimsuit that can double as a bodysuit under a skirt

• T-shirts you can wear during the day and to sleep

This is where neutral colours and minimal prints really shine—so everything plays nicely together.

---

7. Streamline Your Toiletries

Don’t let bulky shampoo bottles ruin your space-saving mission. Most people overpack toiletries—don’t be one of them.

Smart alternatives:

• Decant products into travel-sized bottles

• Use solid toiletries like shampoo bars, soap bars, and solid perfume

• Skip hotel freebies—unless you know you’ll need them

• Carry only essential makeup and skincare

Keep liquids under 100ml and store them in a clear, resealable bag for airport security.

Bonus tip: Opt for 2-in-1 products like a moisturiser with SPF or a tinted lip balm.

---

8. Wear Your Bulkiest Items

If you’re travelling to a chilly destination or bringing heavier pieces (like a denim jacket or boots), wear them on the plane. It frees up luggage space and keeps you warm during the flight.

You can always take them off and store them under the seat once onboard.

---

9. Don’t Forget the Extras

While clothes are the bulk of packing, a few clever extras make all the difference:

• Laundry bag – Keep dirty clothes separate

• Mini steamer or crease-release spray – Great for freshening up wrinkled items

• Reusable tote – For day trips or extra shopping

• Ziplock bags – To isolate wet items or prevent toiletry leaks

If you're going somewhere with laundry facilities, consider packing fewer clothes and doing a mid-week wash.

---

Final Thoughts

Travelling with just a carry-on luggage might seem like a challenge, but with the right strategies, it becomes second nature. It’s all about planning smart, packing efficiently, and choosing items that serve multiple purposes.

Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also move through airports with ease and arrive feeling lighter—in every sense.

So next time you're heading out for a week, challenge yourself to ditch the checked bag. Your back (and your future self waiting at baggage claim) will thank you.

---

Ready to travel light?
Save this guide, and tag us with your best carry-on packing hacks. Happy travels!

• Share on:
WhatsApp Deel Tweet Pin it Messenger Email