Do THIS to Save Space in Your Carry-On Luggage (Minimalist Packing Tips), by Away Together w/ Nik and Allie on YouTube. 8 min 47 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 47 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Lay out a capsule wardrobe: about 5 tops, 2 bottoms, one warm layer and one pair of shoes you wear on the plane. Stick to one colour scheme so everything matches.
Swap cotton for merino wool or other quick-dry fabrics. They stay fresh longer, dry fast and take up less room than bulky cotton items.
Roll soft items like t-shirts and underwear and pack them into the gaps between cubes. Fold stiffer items like jeans flat at the bottom of the bag.
Group small items into packing cubes by type, then press the air out as you zip. Cubes keep the bag tidy and make it easier to find things.
Decant toiletries into 100 ml bottles and pack them in a clear TSA-approved bag. Take only what you use daily, not full-size bottles.
Put chargers, adapters, cables and earphones in one small tech pouch so they do not scatter through the bag.
Plan one laundry session mid-trip. Hand-wash in the sink or use a local laundrette so you can pack five days of clothes for a week.
Leave out the extras experienced travellers skip: multiple pairs of shoes, bulky towels, hair dryers and just-in-case outfits.
Tips and common mistakes
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to free up space in the bag.
Check your airline's carry-on size and weight limit before you pack, as they vary a lot.
Keep liquids and electronics easy to reach so security checks take seconds.
Do a test pack a week before you fly and remove anything you did not use on your last trip.
Questions
Do packing cubes actually save space?
They do not compress clothes on their own, but they keep items grouped so you pack tighter and avoid empty gaps. Rolling clothes inside a cube saves the most room.
How many outfits do I need for a week in a carry-on?
Around five days of clothing is enough if you plan one laundry session. Choose pieces you can mix and match so each item works with everything else.
Is merino wool worth it for carry-on travel?
Merino resists odour and dries quickly, so you can wear items several times between washes. It costs more than cotton but lets you pack fewer clothes.
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.
