5 carry-on luggage hacks
It’s hard to imagine fitting everything you will need for a vacation in 14-by-9-by-22 inches — the maximum size allowed for a carry-on bag on an airplane.
But with some smart planning, and by treating your luggage like a game of Tetris, it can be done.
Here are five of our favorite carry-on luggage hacks to make the most of your limited space and prevent the need to pay extra for checked bags.
1. Plan outfits intelligently:
Pick clothes that you can mix and match. Pick the same color scheme and only one pair of shoes — the pair you wear on the plane.
2. Choose solid beauty products:
A big challenge with carry-on-only luggage is the liquid limit. Choose solid versions of cosmetics instead, such as a bar of soap instead of body wash and even a shampoo bar. Or call ahead and find out what your hotel provides.
J.R. Liggett’s Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar is inexpensive at Walmart.com. Break off a small piece, just the amount you’ll need for the duration of your trip. J.R. Liggett’s Old Fashioned Shampoo Bar, $8.13 (plus Cash Back), Walmart.com
3. Organize items in clear zip baggies:
These take up no real extra space and can keep your carry-on from looking like a tornado zone after a few hours. Group small, like items in different bags to provide extra, inexpensive pockets. Ziplock Freezer Bags, $6.88 (plus Cash Back), Walmart.com
4. Roll, don’t fold:
The verdict is in, and it saves space to roll your clothes. You may even be able to roll your shirt around your undergarments and then tuck that inside a sock, to keep it in order. If your socks are too small, keep rolls in place by securing with hair ties, your belt or your scarf.
5. Consider vacuum bags:
You can also pack clothes in vacuum-sealed bags, which take up less space than folding and keep your clothes from getting jostled around and extra wrinkly. Five-Pack Vacuum Pack Storage Bags, $12.79 (plus Cash Back), Target.com
