How to pack all you need into one carry-on bag

Embarking on a trip across the country, or internationally can be a lot of fun when you are planning for it, until you start asking yourself some really important – and pesky – questions about luggage. A lot of my friends ask me how I manage to pack everything I need for a trip into one backpack. They are usually asking these questions while struggling beside me, wheeling two or three bags. Not knowing how to pack all you need can make your trip tedious. The answer is simple, I pack what I need *for the trip, and nothing more. It can be really tempting to pack all you think you *will need into your bag for that one week trip, but trust me, it is usually  not necessary. I cannot recall how many times I packed my jogging outfit complete with running shoes when going home to visit my mother, with the plan that I would definitely run every morning. Wrong, every time.

So, after my many experiences with packing wrong – heavy – and having to pay baggage fees at the airport or bus terminal every single time, I learned the hard way. Here are some of the things I learned and some other suggestions for you, so you can pack all you need for your entire trip into one carry-on bag and never have to worry about baggage fees again.

Get the right bag

The first thing you need to do is get the right bag like I did. Aiming to pack everything into one bag would be a defeated purpose if that bag is the size of a trailer bed. You want a bag that is light and durable, and most likely waterproof. You want something that is rugged, but looks fashionable too. If you are a student, what you really need is a backpack with dozens of compartments for your laptop, notes and other knickknacks. If you work or are in business, then you need a carry-on suitcase with compartments for your laptop and two rollers. Once you’ve gotten your bag, half the problem is solved.

Pack the necessities first

The first thing you put in your bag are your necessities: toothbrush, medication, underwear, combs – if you have an afro, like mine. You should also pack a camera (if you would need high-res pictures, if not your cellphone would be fine), laptop, cash and adaptors (you definitely need this if you would be traveling to a different country. You can never tell the kind of sockets you would find in some places).

Pack in the basics

Do not pack in your chiffon gowns, even if you think they are light. You will naturally follow them with the matching shoe, the matching purse, then the matching jewelry and then you would sneak in an alternate outfit, just in case and before you know it you may be needing a new carry-on suitcase. You would not believe how useful a T-shirt and a pair of jeans or chinos can do on a trip. Put in the basic clothes, not more than two sets – you would be wearing another set anyway, so why stress.

Roll instead of fold

I have found out that rolling your clothes into a tube is a far more space economical way to pack than folding. When you fold, it tends to take a lot more space and what’s more, rolling your clothes saves on wrinkles that come with folding. For belts and ties, you save space placing them along the sides of the bags than rolling them. Panties, handkerchiefs, socks etc can be stuffed in the sides and tiny spaces. Granted, your packing may not look like the ad for Samsonite or LV, but you would definitely have all the stuff you need in one bag.

Do not pack just-in-case clothes

Like I told you with my story of the jogging outfit, just-in-case clothes are unnecessary burdens. They only end up swelling the contents of your bag, and you hardly ever get to wear them.

Do not pack toiletries

Except you have a particular affinity for a particular deodorant spray, cream or soap that is impossible to find at your destination, do not pack toiletries. It is better to buy them when you arrive. If you would be staying with friends or family, you can share theirs too – well, not the deodorants though. Save on space by packing less toiletries.

Pack your accessories – but not too much

Believe me, and I am speaking especially to females reading this post, accessorizing on the most basic clothes can deliver the most exciting combinations that would serve better than packing a manicured outfit.

Wear your heaviest outfit for the trip

When you have decided what you would be carrying in the bag, get out the heaviest set of clothes among them and wear it on the trip. Rather than take up all the space in the bag with that woolen blazer, thick pair of jeans or ankle-length boots, wear it on the plane – why would you be traveling with a woolen blazer anyway? This saves a lot of space in your bag.