Four Tips for Packing Your Carry-On

Coming back from fall break, you probably had the struggle of all travelers: figuring out what to pack. Whether you are getting ready for a weekend getaway, holiday break or trip abroad, packing your carry-on can be a hassle. The way back is especially hard since you accumulate more things than you started with. 

We at The Edge know how to pack all of your belongings efficiently so that you are ready for your next adventure. Below are some tips on how to pack your carry-on in a single go.

Source: Travel + Leisure

1. Selecting Your Bag

First and foremost, you have to figure out which bag to use as your carry-on. It may not seem like a big deal, but picking the proper luggage makes a significant difference.

You need to be sure that the bag is small enough to follow the standard carry-on size (22” by 14” by 9”), but big enough to hold all your travel essentials. In short, follow the Goldilocks Rule: not too big, not too small but just right!

For a short-term trip, a soft-cover tote bag or weekender bag would suffice. They are typically designed to be lightweight, comfortable and to equally distribute weight. Go to Travel + Leisure to check out their recommended list of tote bags!

For a long-term trip, a hard-cover, rolling carry-on is the prime choice. They are durable and mobile and typically come with various compartments. Travel + Leisure has a list of recommended rolling carry-on bags that are accessible, functional and stylish!

A great bag for any occasion would be the Carry-on Closet. Created by Solgaard, this amazing bag comes with a built-in shelving system to keep all of your belongings organized. To sweeten the deal, the carry-on comes with a USB port for all your charging needs. This bag would definitely be most recommended by The Edge. 

2. Checking Off Your List

Have you ever forgotten to add an item to your luggage and didn’t realize it until the last minute? We at The Edge have experienced that more times than we care to admit. Before and after packing, we recommend having a checklist of your carry-on contents to avoid any last-minute panic. Keeping track of what items you have saves you both stress and time. 

To figure out what you should bring, think about what items you will be using the most on your trip. For beach trips, you want to bring your favorite bathing suit and plenty of sunscreen. For a family wedding, you want to dress to the nines and wear your finest dress or suit.  For spring break, you want to bring an emergency kit with Tylenol and Liquid IV for morning-after headaches. Regardless of the occasion, make sure you have all the basic trip essentials listed on your checklist but do not overpack. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it!

Source: Pinterest

3. Organizing Your Bag’s Contents

Everyone has their own style of organization. Some people are very meticulous, arranging their items by size, durability and even alphabetical order. Others simply toss their belongings in a bag, cram it shut and call it a day (we pass no judgment here). Regardless of your preference, we highly recommend maintaining some level of organization when packing your carry-on, particularly if you are traveling for a week or longer. 

If you plan to bring any toiletries items that contain gels or liquids, make sure they’re 3 ounces or less, or you'll have them confiscated by airport security. You should also place them in a clear bag to avoid any checkpoint delays and any spills on your clothing. For clothing, we find that rolling into bundles or Spacesaver bags helps save a lot of room.

Source: Pinterest

4. Plan Ahead of Time

One of the most crucial steps in any travel preparation is timing, especially when packing your carry-on. As college students, we are already strapped for time. Between attending classes, partaking in extracurriculars and managing relationships, it’s difficult to remember breathing, let alone preparing your bag. Don’t add more stress to your life by procrastinating on your luggage — that’s what homework assignments are for! 

DM us @theedgemagazine on Instagram if any of these packing tips help you for your next trip!