Pack Like a Pro: Before & After

Learn how to transform your carry-on with my new easy-to-follow packing tips that will help you pack for any trip in 2025.

These travel tips will help you be organized inside your luggage.

Packing Tip 1: Accessories

To help your carryon luggage be organized, one side needs to have your extras and the other side is where to pack your vacation outfits.

Here is what I organize in one side of my suitcase:

• Shoes
• Pouches
• Outerwear
• Pajamas
• Bathing suits
• Undies
• Socks

Packing Tip 2: Organize your travel wardrobe in the other side of your suitcase.

Organization Tips for Packing Vacation Outfits

1. What are the best folding techniques to maximize space in a carryon? I fold like doing laundry, but a technique that helps me is to fold twice.
   • Another technique you can use when folding or with the rolling method is to make the surface of your stack flat. No leaning tower of vacation outfits.
2. How do you decide which clothes to fold versus which to roll? My goal is to be efficient, but my packing style is also smart for me. You decide while watching what techniques help you and make it your own.
   • Fabric type: my travel outfits for vacation are usually cotton knit or polyester so folding or rolling works.
   • So my next step is do what is easier for me. I fold because it is faster. These tips from this video should make your packing process smoother so you enjoy your vacation mode before you leave your house.
3. Are there specific types of clothing that are better suited for rolling or folding? Delicates should be folded. Blouses, dresses, delicate sweaters need to keep their form. We do not want to stretch them. Rolling can stretch an article of clothing over time.

As you practice when you pack for each trip, you will learn what works and what research is a bunch of bunk.

Travel Hacks for Carryon Luggage:

1. Rolled things do not always have to be packed in a rolled method like a belt.
   • Unfold your belt and pack it around the shape of your suitcase.
2. Rolling bedroom slippers; pack them flat in the laundry pocket.
3. Toiletry kit does not have to be packed all zipped up. If mine is bulky, I unzip it and pack it flat.
4. Pack in your tote bag or backpack if it helps give you more space in your carryon suitcase.