How to Pack Like a Pro: 14 Carry-On Only Tips from a Seattle-Based Organizer

Growing up as the daughter of a pilot—and now married to a (different!) pilot (what would a therapist say about that? 🙃)—I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in airports. I learned early on that efficient, carry-on-only travel wasn’t just convenient... it was essential. Especially when flying standby, where your seat isn’t confirmed until the boarding door closes, keeping your luggage with you becomes a non-negotiable.

But over time, I found that even beyond the logistics, traveling light just feels better. No wrestling heavy suitcases up staircases. No anxiously waiting at baggage claim. No overpacking “just in case” and regretting it when your suitcase bursts at the seams.

As a Seattle-based professional organizer, I’m all about simplifying systems to make everyday life (and travel!) less stressful. So today, I’m sharing the carry-on packing strategy I use for every trip—along with 14 tried-and-true packing tips to help you travel lighter, smarter, and with a lot less chaos.

14 Travel Packing Tips to Help You Go Carry-On Only

1. Choose the right suitcase.
Make sure your carry-on fits the overhead bin requirements for most major airlines (and check international ones—some have smaller limits). Use a hard-shell bag with a structured shape and pack it with the expanders zipped closed. Trust me—we fill the space we allow ourselves.

2. Pick your personal item with purpose.
Use a tote or backpack that fits under the seat, zips securely, and ideally has a sleeve to slide over your suitcase handle. Use it for tech, snacks, chargers, travel docs, Kindle, and anything you’ll need mid-flight. (I have the older version of this AWAY bag and I love it.)

3. Reuse your packing list.
Create a digital checklist you can copy and tweak for every trip. I add a bullet point for each day of the trip with notes about activities and weather—it makes choosing outfits much easier.

4. Pack for your actual itinerary.
Let the weather forecast and your plans guide you—not the "just in case" voice in your head. If you’re not attending a wedding or going hiking, you don’t need to pack for either.

5. Plan your outfits.
Lay them out ahead of time to avoid overpacking. Choose outfits that mix and match, and use apps like Whering if you want a digital visual. Choose favorite combos that repeat pieces and minimize one-offs.

6. Be choosy about shoes.
They’re bulky and heavy. I stick to two pairs max in the suitcase, then wear the bulkiest one on the plane.

7. Layer smart.
A cozy sweater can work as a wrap, blanket, or pillow in-flight—and frees up room in your bag.

8. Skip the cube craze (mostly).
If packing cubes help you, great—but I prefer zippered suitcase compartments. Use cubes only for small items like underwear to keep things tidy without wasting space.

9. Liquids: be strategic.
Use a reusable quart-size pouch and clear silicone bottles that are easy to refill and squeeze. Label them to avoid mystery shampoos.

10. Ditch liquids where you can.
Solid bar soap, dry shampoo powder, or lotion sticks are great swaps. And check what your hotel or rental already provides—no need to double up.

11. Use zippered pouches for organization.
Group medications, tech accessories, cords, and chargers in their own designated bags so you’re not digging around mid-flight. Here are my favs.

12. Go digital with your reading.
I love physical books, but for travel, my Kindle wins every time. It’s slim, backlit, and holds my entire TBR.

13. Pack like a puzzle.
Think in 3D. Use every nook and layer items to avoid elevation gaps. Pack shoes in cloth or plastic bags and fit them into empty corners.

14. Create a home travel hub.
Keep all your travel accessories—outlet adapters, foreign currency, packing cubes, toiletry kits, etc.—in one place at home so you're never scrambling last-minute.

Travel Light, Travel Calm

Whether you're packing for a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip abroad, the key is to be intentional. Packing light gives you more flexibility, less stress, and fewer decisions to make while you're away—which means more energy for what really matters: enjoying the journey.

If you’ve got a favorite carry-on packing tip, I’d love to hear it! Email me at kari@refine-organizing.com.

And if you’re in the Seattle area and need help simplifying more than just your suitcase—like your closet, calendar, or digital life—I'd love to work with you!

Warmly,

Kari

Professional Organizer • Certified KonMari Consultant
Refine Organizing | Seattle & Pacific Northwest

Want more tips like this, plus behind-the-scenes looks at how I organize real homes (and real lives)?

Sign up for my newsletter right here and get practical inspiration delivered to your inbox.