3 Steps to the Perfect Carry-On Bag (Most Effective Packing Method!), by Travel Tips by Laurie on YouTube. 11 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your airline's carry-on size and weight limits, then look at the weather forecast for your destination so you pack for the real conditions.
Build the wardrobe around two pairs of trousers. For each pair, pick three tops that work with it, so six tops give you about six outfits.
Pack two pairs of shoes only: one comfortable walking pair and one for evenings or dressier plans. Wear the bulkiest pair on travel day.
Lay the tops and trousers out together and check that every top matches both pairs of trousers, so you can mix and match instead of packing single-outfit pieces.
Roll each outfit and pack it into a compression cube, then press the air out. Group by outfit or by clothing type so you can find things without unpacking the whole bag.
Swap heavy items for lightweight ones. Choose thin fabrics, bring one warm layer you can wear on the plane, and leave thick jumpers and heavy boots at home.
Decant toiletries into small leak-proof bottles of 100 ml or less and pack them in a clear bag in an outside pocket.
Fill the gaps in the bag with socks, chargers and small items, and keep your documents and liquids in outside pockets so you are not repacking at security.
Tips and common mistakes
Weigh the packed bag at home, because a bag can meet the size limit and still be over the airline's weight limit.
Stick to one colour palette so every top works with both pairs of trousers and both pairs of shoes.
Leave about a quarter of the bag empty so you have room for anything you buy on the trip.
Wash a couple of items in the sink halfway through the week to stretch six outfits over seven days.
Questions
How many outfits can I get from this method?
About six. Two pairs of trousers with three matching tops each gives you six combinations, and swapping shoes changes the look again.
Do I need compression cubes to make this work?
No. Rolling clothes tightly and using the bag's own straps works too, but cubes press out more air and keep outfits easy to find.
What if my trip is longer than a week?
Pack the same six outfits and plan one laundry session. A sink wash and an overnight dry keeps you going for a second week.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
