Packing Tips | How to Pack for a Week in a Carry-On | California Travel Tips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips shares her best packing tips using the rolling method. This tutorial will show you what to pack for a week in a carry-on. A separate video will show you what to pack in your second allowance bag, which is a backpack.

If you want to avoid checking your bags, buy a suitcase that's 45 linear inches, which is the total of the length, height and width of the bag.

What I Pack for a Week in My Carry-On:
A good rule is to pack 6 tops, 4 bottoms, 2 dresses, 3 shoes (tennies, dressy ballet flats and sandals), 2 bathing suits, 10 undies and 4 bras for a weeklong trip. Keep everything in 2-3 coordinating shades. In place of one top, bring a cardigan for cool nights, even in California. It's also great for dressing up an outfit and doesn't take up much space.

1) Roll up jeans and heavier garments first.
2) Put shoes in first, soles against the wall, followed by the rolled jeans and lighter items.
3) Camis add a pop of color and are great for layering or sleepwear.
4) Pack underwear and jewelry in your shoes. It will save space.
5) Pack several sizes of Zip bags. The 2 1/2 gallon size can double as packing cubes. Just sit on them and force out the air for the most space. You can pack an entire outfit in each bag for quick access each morning. Others can be used for dirty underwear, wet bathing suits, ice packs, or protection for your camera in wet weather. Put a dryer sheet in each Ziploc bag to keep clothes smelling fresh.
6) Follow the 311 rule. All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. Store your liquids in the front pocket of your carry-on so it's easily accessible during security check.
7) Use tissue paper to roll up your silk, cotton and linen clothing. It helps prevent wrinkles.
8) I always pack a pair of black yoga pants and black tank top. They can double as PJs. Take advantage of the hotel laundry service.
9) Pack a versatile black dress, which can be worn to the beach, used as a coverup at the pool, or worn for a casual night out.
10) If you end up buying too much stuff at your destination, pack up all your dirty clothes and send it home by UPS. Then you'll have more room in your case!

[amandalong]

thank you! this should help for my flight next month!

[Cookiescupcakesandcardio]

So handy for traveling!  I always forget to stuff my shoes..and I love the mint box idea!

[desireeross]

I seldom check baggage and have packed enough for three weeks including my laptop in my carry on. Careful planning and packing is the key

[JesseAndMike]

That was really great!   Awesome tips for packing! :D Liked!

[elizabethmarqueskogan]

Very helpful, thank you! Never thought of wrapping underwear in bags and into shoes. Clever.

[CookingAndCrafting]

Yey! I feel like a pro. I've used the rolling system before, but just sort of fell out of it. But always do the tissue paper with things I just don't like that wrinkled. Most hotels have irons, but not so much in Europe. I always take ziploc bags and just plastic bags in general (like from Walmart), as I almost always have clean clothes and like to keep them separate from the dirty clothes. 

Hmm packing essentials. I feel like I pack way too much when I travel, but I almost always use everything I pack, save an outfit. I always pack an extra one "just in case" something happens and I need to change clothes. Or I get stranded somewhere because of a missed flight, etc.

[ElizabethBSoCal]

Good tips. Never thought to stuff my shoes with smaller items. ~Elizabeth

[joanhavis]

Thanks for the packing tips. I love seeing how you packed your dresses

[RedroomStudios]

well that was pretty impressive but perhaps not realistic for most people!  the only time I feel confident taking a carry on is for a long weekend. I dont think I would make it through a full week with that little stuff.  My toiletries bag is way bigger than what you showed here especially when I have to bring a can of shaving cream and an electric trimmer for my beard.  I also usually bring 2 full sized beach towels. I'd rather be over packed and have plenty of choice rather than limited.  for me the only consideration for luggage size is whether the airline I am flying on is going to charge extra for checked baggage. I often choose to fly Southwest Airlines because they allow 2 free checked bags per passenger in addition to having the cheapest prices to start with....

[missmayflower]

Two pairs of jeans?  Jeans are heavy and don't dry fast.  Better to make one pair light, quick dry so you can wash them in the hotel sink and hang to dry overnight if needed.

[cathleenfrey]

I doubt there's a week worth of clothing in there.