How to Pack Only a Carry On
Do you ever feel like it’s all too much? Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
How to Pack Only a Carry-On
There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination, only to find out the airline lost your luggage.
Thankfully, this is one stressor that can be mostly eliminated by only bringing a carry-on.
If you are screaming in your head right now, "That's impossible! I can't possibly fit everything in a carry-on for a long trip." -- This blog is for you!
Getting Started
A great place to start is by thinking through the cost-benefit analysis of checking a bag, versus only packing a carry-on. And, I don’t just mean paying for a bag to be checked through to your destination.
Take a few minutes to write a cost-benefit analysis:
Checking a bag:
Pros:
Cons:
Only Packing a Carry-On:
Pros:
Cons:
This exercise often highlights the value of making the most of our time and minimizing our stress, in comparison with traveling with every physical item we desire.
You may not be able to fit everything you want in your carry-on, but you can fit everything you need.
Is the extra time waiting for your checked bag, and the stress of working with the airlines when your bag goes missing, worth it?
Once you’ve made the decision to go with the carry-on, print out your carry-on Packing List and go from there!
Happy Spaces Tips & Tricks
Packing Tips:
Pick a color theme so that all your clothes can be mixed and matched.
In my opinion, bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts) can be worn more than once. If you are traveling for 9 days, you only need to pack 5 bottoms.
Dresses are simple, look great, and are space efficient.
Choose two sweaters that will work with all your outfits. Wear one sweater on your travel days and pack the other.
Pick your shoes carefully and wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. If it's winter, wear boots and pack your sneakers and sandals (if there is a pool/hot tub at your destination).
Be realistic about how much you need. Do you need more than two jewelry options? How many days are you really going to work out?
It's ok to have a travel uniform. Find a pair of pants and a shirt you really like and buy multiple.
Use packing cubes. They will make your clothes more compact and are a great way to stay organized.
The limit on the size of liquid toiletries for carry-ons is frustrating. Keep in mind, you can buy the large suntan lotion at your destination. Even though it may be overpriced, it's likely less than the cost to check your bags.
You may be surprised by how large a bag you can fit under your seat. If you don't need the legroom, take advantage. I typically pack toiletries, medication, a sweatshirt (in a packing cube), a laptop, and chargers in the “personal item” bag that goes under my seat. To save your back, invest in a tote bag with long handles, that can attach to your roller bag. Your roller bag, holding all your clothing and shoes, can be smoothly stored in the overhead compartment.
If you are traveling for more than 9 days, choose lodging that has laundry facilities or find an independent laundry facility close by.
If you are traveling with kids, I know the idea of packing a carry-on for each family member and then dragging the luggage through the airport and then on and off the plane can be overwhelming. Remember, it's not all or nothing. If you are a family with two parents and three kids, you may want to pack the basics in 2 carry-ons and check the rest. This way, if the luggage goes missing, you would have what you need for two to three days.
Don't underestimate your kids. Most little kids can carry a backpack with what they need and want for the plane ride. As long as you buy luggage that rolls easily, school-age kids can be responsible for rolling their carry-on.
There are certain types of travel where only packing a carry-in is not realistic, such as ski trips. It may be beneficial to still pack a carry-on with your core clothing needs and pack your equipment and activity-specific items in your checked bag. At least if you can't ski, you can hang out in the hot tub, while you wait for your bags!
If you are traveling on a vacation package, there is often no fee for checking a bag. You may want to consider packing all your "needs" in your carry-on and checking a bag of extras, such as sun-tan lotion, after-sun gel, water bottles, and snacks.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
We understand how challenging and scary it can be to start something new. If you feel excited about implementing this strategy, but worry that it’s just too much to start on your own, the It’s All in the Planning Started Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.