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Learn how to pack quickly and efficiently.
As a freelance travel journalist—and the founder of a packing list newsletter—I frequently have moments where I land from one trip and immediately turn around and head somewhere completely different. Most recently, I had 24 hours to unpack from a ski trip to Whistler, do laundry, sleep, and repack my bag for a 10-day trip to India. While I’m sure this turnaround time can seem intimidating to some, I’ve developed a few tips and tricks that make the entire packing process significantly faster and easier—even when I’m only bringing a carry-on.
Having a solidified luggage and travel essential lineup is essential to nailing the art of packing efficiently. From a packing cube set to wide-leg pants and comfy sneakers that go with everything, here are my best hacks for packing everything in a carry-on, in about 15 minutes or less.
Best Time-saving Carry-on Packing Hacks
- For organizing clothing: Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set, $17 (originally $25)
- Keep electronics in one spot: Vera Bradley Cotton Large Pouch, $26 (originally $45)
- Pants that go with everything: Willit Linen-blend Wide-leg Pants, $37
- Comfortable, reliable shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam x Cruz V3 Running Shoes, $86 (originally $95)
- Always know where your passport is: Zoppen Passport Holder, $14 (originally $16)
Related: I’m a Former Overpacker Who Finally Went Carry-on-only—These 13 Essentials Made It Possible
Keep a go-to carry-on suitcase nearby
Away The Bigger Carry-on
I’ve tested all manner of suitcase brands and styles over the years, but I always go back to my Away The Bigger Carry-on. I reach for it time and time again, whether I’m going on a short weekend trip or a longer adventure abroad; it holds the most (out of any other carry-on I’ve tested), and I’ve never had any issues with the wheels or the telescopic handle. Knowing the exact bag I’ll use removes decision fatigue, saving me a few extra minutes when I’m packing.
Use a favorite personal item bag
Bagsmart Expandable Tote Bag
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Your personal item bag is just as important as your carry-on suitcase. If packed properly (with the space used wisely), it can make all the difference. You want something you know is strong and supportive enough to hold a decent amount of items—and you want a bag you don’t have to think twice about. I typically use the MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote Deluxe, but this water-resistant, wipeable Bagsmart version is similar in style and functionality.
Organize everything into packing cubes
Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set
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Using packing cubes may seem like an additional time-consuming step in the packing process, but hear me out: These organizational tools actually save you time. Packing cubes serve as the foundation of my packing system. Using this set from Bagail, tops go in one, bottoms in another; it becomes a template to repeat, without any overthinking. When I (rarely) forgo using packing cubes, I feel unorganized, and I end up overpacking and having to start from the beginning.
Use travel pouches for electronics and accessories
Vera Bradley Cotton Large Pouch
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Organization is truly the key to a swift packing system, and I always use designated travel pouches, including this Vera Bradley style, to quickly assemble my essentials. Because I travel so often, I know exactly what I need to bring and where it needs to go. Chargers and other electronics in one pouch, snacks and vitamins in another. At this point, it’s a well-oiled machine.
Keep important documents together
Zoppen Passport Holder
Continuing the theme of organization resulting in efficient packing, I’ll occasionally use a passport organizer—mainly on international trips. Before I pack my suitcase, I’ll already have the most important items (my passport, wallet, cash, visas, etc.) safely stored away. I just toss the travel organizer into my personal item bag, and I’m all set to head to the airport.
Build a capsule wardrobe of do-it-all tops
Fshaoes Oversized Button-down Shirt
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If you struggle with figuring out what clothing to pack every time you travel, you need to embrace the idea of a capsule wardrobe. For tops, I usually go with neutral colors and versatile silhouettes. An oversized white button-down, a white T-shirt, and a black tank top are my go-tos. I know they’ll serve me well, no matter where I’m headed, and they’re easy to mix and match with the rest of the contents of my suitcase.
Bring a pair of bottoms that go with everything
Willit Linen-blend Wide-leg Pants
To complete your capsule wardrobe, you’ll need at least two pairs of pants you can routinely rely on. In the warmer months, I always bring linen pants like this wide-leg pair in a lighter and a darker version. Not only are they the perfect (read: comfortable and breathable) travel-day pants, but they work in nearly every scenario; they’re incredibly easy to dress up or down.
Find a wear-anywhere dress
Chouyatou Button-down Maxi Shirt Dress
I used to think way too hard, for way too long, about which dress, if any, I’d bring on trips. Now, I don’t waste any time. For spring and summer (or any warm-weather destination), I immediately put this machine-washable button-down dress in my suitcase. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and another piece that can be quickly elevated with the right shoe or jewelry. I even own it in a couple of colorways—that way, even if I have a tight trip turnaround, there is always a clean option ready to go in my closet.
Know your shoe M.V.P.s
New Balance Fresh Foam x Cruz V3 Running Shoe | Rihero Dressy Flat SandalsSave 23% |
Speaking of shoes, I always recommend packing no more than three pairs of shoes per trip. This keeps things simple, lightweight, and efficient. I start with these comfy sneakers—the ones I’ll probably wear while in transit—and add a pair of sandals (like these ones) or block heels, depending on the trip (and season). And since I have my capsule wardrobe nailed down, I already have a decent understanding of the footwear each outfit requires.
Have grab-and-go toiletries on hand
Biotrue Contact Solution | Crest 3D White Brilliance Travel-size ToothpasteSave 45% |
Now onto toiletries. This used to be the most time-consuming part of my packing process, but now, it only takes me about two minutes. I mainly credit this increase in speed to having all kinds of travel-sized toiletries on hand. Mini bottles of contact solution and travel-size toothpaste—plus whichever Sephora samples I’ve collected—go right into my toiletry bag. No more spending time downsizing products into TSA-approved containers.
Keep toiletries in an accessible organizer
Vtopmart 4-pack Large Stackable Storage Drawers
I’d be remiss not to mention another important part of my toiletry packing system: these clear, stackable drawers. Whenever I acquire new travel-sized products, I pop them into their coordinating drawer. Mini contact bottles (plus my extra contacts) go in one. Another is dedicated to small bottles and samples of shampoo and conditioner. Another one houses my tiny perfume samples. Then, when it’s time to pack everything, I can quickly “shop” from my organized drawers.
Use a spacious toiletry bag
Kusshi Neoprene Makeup Bag
Like with my carry-on suitcase and personal item bag, I like to pre-decide on my toiletry bag. Otherwise, I waste too much time mulling over which style I want to use (choice overload is real). Right now, I’m routinely using the Kusshi Neoprene Train Case, a machine-washable, roomy toiletry bag with a couple of handy mesh and zip pockets.
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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
