How to pack your carry-on luggage
Depending on what luggage you travel with, your baggage can determine how easy you find your travels. Savvy travellers, who often pack light, get through security faster and have an easier time on the plane. Carry-ons don’t have to be used as supplementary baggage for your next trip, you can, in fact use it as your primary bag. It will force you to travel light, save you time at baggage collection, any extra luggage fees - plus, your bag cannot be lost by the airline.
Here's a guide to not only packing light, but packing right!
Choosing a bag: Even for carry-on, size matters. Most airlines now have restrictions on the size and weight of your bag. Check with the airline as to what your allowance is. In any case, opt for a bag that is light and has lots of room inside without being too flimsy. You want something sturdy and durable but that doesn’t weigh you down before you’ve packed it. A bag that has wheels and a handle will allow you to get around with ease and quickly if need be.
Getting dressed: Wear your heaviest items on the plane – think denim, heavy shoes and a jacket, if you intend to pack one.
Wearable luggage: This sounds strange but if you want to maximise your carry-on packing space – this is especially useful if you are only travelling with carry-on – then you might want to consider buying some wearable luggage like a bum bag or cross-body bag that sits flat against you. You can put items in here like passport, phone, money and cards and a couple of little items which will free up some space in your bag. Every bit counts!
What to pack: You’ll want to ensure you pack all of your essential items in your carry-on bag. This is not only important to ensure nothing gets stolen, but if your bag is lost at least when you land you will have enough essential items to comfortably get by until alternative arrangements are made or your bag is returned to you. Essential carry-on bag items include: passport, return flight details, accommodation and transport information, cash and cards, pen, home house key, key electronics such a phone and tablet or laptop along with the chargers, change of clothes, mini bag to house your at-seat essentials so you don’t have to get up and down to the overhead compartment, headphones, medication, glasses and possibly a snack and bottle of water.
Perfect packing: Roll your clothes as not only will it allows you to fit them into corners and in between items when packing, but they surprisingly come out almost wrinkle free. Layering is the key technique of master packers. Think of your bag as being divided into three horizontal layers. Place shoes and any other bulky or hard items (like a travel hair dryer) in first as the bottom layer. Fill in the space between these items with smaller things like underwear, T-shirts, toiletries etc. The second layer is for larger clothing items and the third tier is for anything you might to access on your way to your destination. Then the majority of your toiletries (packed in your clear bag) should go in this layer, too. Also anything else that might break or spill – think make-up – should be on top so other items don’t squish them.
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