Tap here for all details from this travel tips video: Shop my links: My t-shirt: bit.ly/MyTravelShirts My bracelets: amzn.to/3OPhaj5 My suitcase green: amzn.to/43Q7uLp Blue suitcase: amzn.to/3THKxFI Luggage wheel covers: amzn.to/43Q7zib Gray backpack 15.6: amzn.to/3Hl05cK Wide leg pants (32" long): amzn.to/3U9h6Oq Shirts are all: bit.ly/3MODUyG Joggers (size 10 is L): amzn.to/3U4umDS Shorts (I have 7): amzn.to/3URZEP9 Sandals: bit.ly/3HmKidl Waterproof sandals: bit.ly/3vVST4v White sneakers: bit.ly/3SVPKcx Cashmere (Nordstrom brand): bit.ly/3Ppgsd2 Compression cubes: shoptripped.com/Laurie-Spring24-NatPark Royal blue blouse (oversized): amzn.to/4b1Pa4H Beach hat: bit.ly/3wqzokt Top 5 items for every travel category for Laurie: bit.ly/BestInEveryCategory4Travel Supportive shoes for travel: bit.ly/SupportiveTravelShoes Tiny items that make a huge impact: bit.ly/SmallTravelHacks Outfit ideas for Europe this summer: bit.ly/SummerOutfitsEurope
Good afternoon, I love Chico slacks. I received notification on Facebook about a sale on some of their clothing items. I ordered 12 items for about sixty dollars. Watch for this on your Facebook page. I cannot find the link right now.
Thanks for your tips. Years ago, before I went on a small group tour of the UK, the tour guide told us to lay all the clothes that we wanted to take out on the bed and then take away half of the items! That seemed very extreme at the time but I tried it and realised that I really didn't miss the options that didn't come with me. Ever since then, her advice has stayed with me and I usually find that I take much less than most other people and can get around a lot easier because of it.
I tried all packing methods. I was able to pack more in a packing cube than just folding or rolling my clothes loose in a suitcase. Bulky items I pack in a 2.5 gallon ziplock and sit on it to compress it flat. I have packing cubes both regular and compression, but on my last trip, I used ziplock bags and stacked everything on one side of my suitcase. Had room for toiletry bag, other side a few pairs of sandals, beach bag that packed flat, etc.
@shaleighreynolds3494 it depends on the clothes. But for the most part, I roll. If it's a collared shirt, I fold. If I am packing a bulky item like a hoodie or jacket that I want to compress, I fold instead. I have used a 2.5 gallon ziplock to compress by sitting on it while sliding closed. It does the trick of compressing my clothes.
Good plan. I use the Ziplocs for shoes/sandals since I don't want them to get sand in the bag or dirty the clothes. The YOREPEK backpack that i like to use for weekend to week-long trips has two outside pockets, probably designed for water bottles, that I sometimes use for shoes. Packing cubes with the clothes rolled are how I usually pack.
What I do for dirty laundry is to turn them inside out so I know that item has been worn/soiled this is especially helpful when visiting multiple places
I use those thin plastic shopping bags you get every where to put the dirty clothes in. I take at least 2 and roll up the dirty clothes in them, especially the underwear. There’s no worry about them getting the others dirty and I can just throw them in the wash pre sorted. Great use for those plastic bags.
I find it depends on the type of case I am using. For example, I always assumed compression cubes were the best, but for the rolling underseater I use as my 'just in case' motel bag that lives in my car, it turned out that I could fit more in by rolling than by using packing cubes. One thing I've learned is that I need to pack a lot earlier than I expect, and do a few packing trials to see which ones work best with the specific case. My next flight, I'm going to see if I can get away with that "neck pillow" that is hollow and holds clothes.
Agreed. I flew EasyJet to Spain and bought the Cabin Max suitcase for my free, under seat bag (45x36x20 cm aka 17x14x7 inches). And I tried the packing cubes but couldn't fit much. So I rolled my clothes and got a lot more in.
I use the first organization method you mentioned: 1 bottom and 2-4 tops in complementary pallettes. I have some clothes that I only use for travel, and I keep these travel capsules always packed, which makes packing easier.
When I find a top that is lightweight and does not wrinkle, I set that aside for trips. The thing is they fold or roll small and reduce weight in luggage. A trick from a Rick Steve's video is to weigh clothing on like a food scale. Challenge is to keep as light weight as possible especially packing for Asian countries.
The brilliant thing about the suitcase which is shown, is that the clothes can be rolled then zippered in like a giant packing cube. These cases are not widely available in the UK unfortunately.
I use all three and decide which is best for the material and length of the particular item of clothing and love my cubes for organizing. I really like a neat pack so I plan, try, rearrange. Also, think about heavy near the rollers, light near the top, so the case rolls easier and doesn't fall over when you stop.
I do a hybrid of cubes and rolling, just socks/unders, swim and sleepwear, and maybe a dress cubes. I have chosen to simply pack less and wash clothes more frequently and for me it works
I rolled all my linen pants, then put in a regular packing cube, and totally amazing, no more wrinkles than you might expect in linen. No folding lines.
I'm not a minimalist packer at all but your tips have helped me slim down my suitcase and pack so much less than I used to. I'm still a work in progress but I'm learning! Thanks for all your tips. They are so helpful!
Hi Laurie! I have been following you forever! Thanks to you, I now travel with only a Samsonite undeŕseat spinner with packing cubes. I'm 82 years old now, and this works well for me. Again, many thanks for all your tips.
HINTS: ***SENIOR TRAVEL: Laurie has great ideas, her compression cubes and other ideas make for a very heavy suitcase that can be problematic for many seniors. We have an international size 19" suitcase. It holds less than Laurie’s suitcase, but the end product is easier to deal with if you’re a senior. Instead of using a tote bag for a personal item, I am now going to get a small 15 inch underseater. We usually travel direct so I check my bag at the gate, not needing to pay. A tote personal bag can get heavy carrying it to the baggage area, where you need to leave or get picked up. Having an underseater with wheels will make it easier for me. I can put this in the luggage overhead bin. If you travel with medicine, make sure to watch Laurie's video on traveling with medicine. (Laurie: an idea is to do a video on tips and tricks for traveling when you're over 65.) ***LAUNDRY: I have a great packing cube that is two sided. One side says clean laundry, other side, dirty laundry. I put dryer sheets on each side, starting with the clean clothes all on one side. Then as you travel, you fold the dirty clothes and put them on the dirty clothes side. This keeps things organized, and fresh smelling. This tip works the best when you are traveling and only staying in one place one or two nights at a time. Remember to bring a couple extra plastic bags along as you can shove some dirty laundry in the bag and put it in the corner space in your suitcase. I try to wash every 5-7 days.
@@brendakrause5639 - I hand in my carry on at the gate, so then the underseater becomes the carry on so I put it in the overhead bin and not under the seat.
@@nancycara7947 - I agree. Amazon has TPRC Smart Under Seat Carry-On Luggage with USB for $48-52 depending on color and it is 14”Lx15”Hx8.5”W. The inset wheels save room. They have a strap on back to slide on the carry on handle. They make some bigger but this is the biggest I would go.
Thank you, Laurie! I love how you present😊 You are so casual, down to earth suggestions, and concise. You give logical, affordable , accurate, information !
Thank you for all of your great tips! I also noticed that the smaller compression cubes worked better for me than the larger ones. The way I fold my clothing to fit in the compression cube is to lay the cube down, then fold each item the very size of the cube. Lay it aside and do the next, that way they fit from corner to corner in the cube. Also, a couple of days before a trip, I start taking everything I plan to take to the dining room table. That way I can see everything, and the flat waist-height table makes it easy to fold your items nicely.
Something I use when I have to take some items that can wrinkle is an Eagle Creek folder, it has a folding board that makes it easy to fold everything to the exact dimensions of the folder. I also find the smaller cubes more convenient than the larger ones.
My friend’s (checked) bag burst open one time. They did their best to pull everything together in a giant plastic bag, but it was a hot mess and she lost a few items. When she got her stuff, the plastic bag had also started to come undone. She was most mortified by the fact that her underthings scattered every where. She travels a lot and has been through some stuff, but says that incident is the one that gives her anxiety about flying. Now almost everything I pack in a checked or carry-on suitcase goes into a bag of some sort! And I have TSA approved suitcase covers for those pieces that could end up checked. If the bag splits, hopefully it will stay together better. For my carryon, I wait until I’m thru security and have everything I want/need in my personal item, then put the cover on. In addition, it’s another way to personalize my bag to be easily identifiable on the luggage carousel. I fold clothing in compression cubes, and roll it in regular cubes. I found giant, heavy-duty, ziplock- type bags on Amazon and bring one for dirty laundry.
I use a colorful luggage strap that I wrap around the suitcase so it'll stay together. It's also easy to see if it's a checked bag. No one else has a black suitcase with the same striped strap. I also attach a luggage tag inside my bag just in case the one on the outside breaks off or in the case of one SW flight, if one of the baggage handler STEALS it. It was a leather Torrey Pines luggage tag that was also attached with a heavy duty zip tie. The bag went back and forth to Europe but one trip from Dallas-LA and it suddenly is missing? Stolen😡
Thank you so much for your tip to sign up for TSA cares. Usually, the TSA line is very stressful for my daughter, who wears a brace on her leg and has metal in her leg. We picked up a wheelchair at the door and the attendant took us directly to TSA, where it seemed like they knew she was coming. This made a HUGE difference, and we are so thankful for this advice. She will definitely do it again!
Following you has really changed the way I travel now. In the past, I always checked a bag. I would overpack! Several of the pieces I would never wear. Now I only pack in a carryon bag. It is so much easier! Thank you for all your great tips and hacks!
There’s one more option for packing shirts that works best for me, or if you don’t want to deal with wrinkles. Eagle Creek makes a “garment folder.” It’s kind of like a compression device, only neat and tidy. You fold your shirts neatly to the size of the folder, stack them up, and then the flaps of the folder squish them down flat, so that when you open it back up, everything is neatly pressed. One other nice thing about it is that when you get to your destination, all your shirts unpack in one go, neat and tidy and freshly ironed. (If you’ve already covered this in a previous video and rejected it as an option for reasons I don’t know, I apologize for bringing up old news.)
Hi, Laurie. Just so you know... I don't comment very often, but since I discovered your channel I've been watching very regularly... almost like clockwork. I haven't yet mastered packing in just a carry-on and a personal item, but I aspire to that! (Of course, right now I'm only traveling once a year, and that around Thanksgiving when cold weather clothes are needed, so not much chance to practice.) I've learned so much, and I'm still learning! Thank you!
We’re doing an 8 day cruise next April and I want to do carry on only because it was such a pain hauling our big case last time. I keep watching all your hacks and learn something every time. Thank you!
I use large size zip lock bags to organize what goes together. You can squeeze out the air and get it very flat. Things don't slide around in the suite case. Lotions and medications stay organized and there is more protection from leaks. I have been known to use brown packing tape to keep bottle caps closed and reduce leaking.
BTW, one fun thing about the Away suitcase is, it has its own laundry bag. Although I tend to wash out the day's clothes in the sink every night, so I don't go home with much laundry.
I have found packing cubes very useful not just for packing but at my destination too. I just pull them out and put them in the drawers. Or in some places where there weren’t enough drawers for my stuff and my husband’s I put my stuff, in the packing cubes, on shelves or the floor (only had to do this once).
I've never seen this mentioned but pony tail holders are key if you roll. Why? Well, rolling can be nice and easy to grab each item as you want it. But, after things move around a bit, the rolls unroll and you get a mess. So, some cheap pony tail holders when you roll only take a second and keep things neat and easy to manage.
I have not flown since 2011 so I am "studying" and enjoying all your great tips. You cover EVERYTHING for our 11-day in May to Canadian Rockies & 7-day Caribbean. Thank for helping de-stress me.
Yay! Hello, Laurie! Great examples of the packing methods. I do like to manage different pieces by folding, rolling or by compression methods! Thanks for sharing and God Bless you and your family!
Thanks for all of your packing info! We are going on a 3 week trip to Ireland/Scotland with only carryon and backpack- very intimidating when you normally travel by car and carry the kitchen sink! But thanks to all of your suggestions I believe that we will be able to pull it off!
I avoided using the vacuum type bags on cruise vacations because I wouldn’t have access to a vacuum to pack for the trip home, but last year went to Alaska and was able to use them to greatly reduce the size of my bulky warm clothing as they now come with a hand pumped vacuum device which is small and lightweight enough to stick into my carry on bag. Yes, you may also use a vacuum if you have access. This enabled me to bring a few pieces that kept me warm and cozy without increasing my luggage. I plan to use them again on my upcoming trip to Norway and the Arctic Circle. Since I bought 2 sets of the bags, I packed the second hand pump in case of breakage, but they are quite sturdy and I had no problem.
Hi Laurie! I love this video - very helpful!! I like how you talk about the benefits of each packing method as you go through them. It’s making me think how I can combine the different methods to pack my suitcase more efficiently. Thanks!!
Thank you dear Laurie! I tried all 3 methods after pressing and let them sit in cubes for a week…. They are All surprisingly not a wrinkled mess. You rock!❤️
Thank you for your video. For business, I generally very carefully flat fold my clothes. Casual clothes will just be fitted around business clothes. I recently took a 2 week business trip with 4 pant suits and 6 blouses, and 3 casual outfits, carefully flat folded them in my carry-on suitcase and still had room for toiletries, etc. Laptop, notebooks, etc. went in the personal item bag. But for casual trips, I will use a combination of packing cubes, flat folding and rolling.
Timely video for me as I’m going on a 10-day trip soon. I use ziplock bags (2.5 gallon and 1 gallon) and put rolled clothes into those. Keeps everything nicely organized. If you press the air out, they act as compression cubes. I think merino wool is so great for travel - it allows you to take a lot less clothing. And I have a gallon size grab bag of clothes ready to go just in case I’m forced to check my carry-on!
Laurie I have found I use a combination of the methods that works best for me. rolling my bottoms then putting a packing cube after them with my undergarments, PJ's, and socks, Then thinly folding the top on top of everything. Thin shoes tucked along the suitcase wall or bottom. Love those cute striped pants I bet they are so comfortable.
I generally use only a carryon but I do take a fold up, waterproof w/zipper tote bag and put my dirty clothes in it (fabric softener sheet too). If I have room to put it back in my suitcase, I don't have to worry about spoiling clean clothes. If I've bought too much and no longer have room for dirties, no problem. I already have an ID tag on it, I just zip it up and check it on the trip home! If it gets led astray, I have plenty of clothes at home until it arrives!!!! And it helps keep my hotel/cruise stateroom tidy!
On vacation at this very moment. For two weeks in FL I packed and repacked a few times before we left home. All my tees go with any of my bottoms. I was able to fit 9 tee shirts in a packing cube when they were folded Konmari fashion, in thirds and standing up so I could see the edges of each, making it easy to select the shirt I want. Folded in the more traditional flat fold that you would see on display in a store, I was able to fit twice as many shirts in the same cube. My bag is heavier, and I have to flip through to find the shirt I want, but I went with the good old flat fold. I also think folded tees are less wrinkled that rolled.
I found with kids, to put each days worth of clothes - shirt, socks, underwear, etc) in a zip lock baggie (put day of week on baggie) and compress air out. Kids don't have to worry about matching and they put dirty clothes back in the empty bag at days end.
Hi Laurie…I enjoyed this video. The jury’s still out on which way I’m packing…that decision will be made this week when I start gathering my outfits together. Keep those videos coming…and thanks.😊
What a great video!!!! These videos are really helpful. I'm so thankful for you and others being willing to share tips and tricks so we don't have to struggle trying to figure things out on our own! 💜
Hey Laurie! Thanks for all the tips! I just did 8 days in London with a carryon and a backpack. Worked out great. I have always used the compression bags by Tripped per your recommendation. Amazing what you can pack. I used my TravelPro Maxlite 5 and a Falanko backpack. Going on a cruise in a week and hoping I can do the same but the snorkel equipment is posing problems. Oh well! Thanks again!
Love all your tips! I did a trip last month and was able to take baby steps to cut down on what I take. Traveling again in May and hope to take a few more steps! Worst thing I have to pack are my bras, they are pretty good size and quite expensive!
I love packing cubes so much. What I do is hang all the clothes I want to bring and leave it there for a week or so. Then, when is closer to my trip I must take a couple of things. It works great! Thanks for this video!
The best way I’ve found is bulky stuff folded first (like trousers), second fill the level with lighter stuff (light shirts), folded, lastly roll and stuff into the remaining crevices the small stuff, (underwear etc)… But as a bloke, I’m not bothered about creased clothing… I’m there for a vacation not to impress anyone else.
Just got back from Europe and used a combination of packing cubes and compression packing cubes for the first time! Loved how organized I was! And on our return home, our luggage stayed in a connecting country airport for two days. It was just delivered. Phew! Luggage was really beat up. I need to figure out how to repair the fabric on it now.
Hi Laurie!! I'm loving your videos and have been binge watching to soak up as much as I can before a girls trip that includes a 12 hour flight, 10 hour layover then another 8 hour flight. Thank you for the great information that you and your husband have shared with us.
I, too, love the Parks compression cubes, but I begin with the draping method for dresses and pants. I alternate those items coming out one side, then the other. Then I put anything fragile or in the cubes. The last step is to pull the draped items around the center items. . . It holds them from shifting. I have also done this with my husband’s suits - but I drape those in first coming out the front. No wrinkles. No ironing.
Laurie thank you. This is so kind and I always love your videos. I am right this moment trying to shove things in a smaller suitcase haha I think I will roll and call it good. I do think compression cubes are the best and such a delight regardless. I love being able to move out of the suitcase a bit but have my clothes protected. Ciao a tutti ❤️
I'm a light packer. For a recent 10 day cruise I had 2 pairs of shorts, one pair of black dockers (goes with EVERYTHING and if they get dirty, no one will notice) 3 polos, 3 Hawaiian shirts, 11 pairs of undies,10 Ts, 10 white sox, 4 dress sox, one pair of pool shoes, one pair of slides and one pair of 'jammie shorts'. PLUS wearing jeans another T and my one pair of sneakers.
Hi there, Thanks for your great videos. I use compression cubes too and after i unpack I use the large one for dirty laundy then i simply toss it in the washer with the clothes. I also have a hack. I decided that the hanging toiletry bag wasn't for me but in now use it to hold my underwear and bras and hang it on the rod in the closet because I don't like to use the drawers in hotel rooms.
Tetris! I loved Tetris. Thanks for the video, as always. I'm a dense packer so I've never used (needed) compression cubes, but I may give them a try, as I have a pattern for them and I can customize the size. I'm always the one who packs the truck when I move, so I appreciate your recommendations to utilize all the spaces. :)
When I go to the Middle East I travel with dresses which don’t wrinkle so I roll. Cruises I roll something’s and fold others. I do love a good packing cube.
Definitely, smaller packing cubes provide more flexibility when packing… I have been traveling carry-on only for years now and finally realized the less I pack the better it is!!! 😅 Love all your tips! Many blends always!
Thanks Laurie, although I swear by compression BAGS by Samsonite (and I don’t roll the air out but find it easier just to lay on them to get air out with my body weight) and I don’t pack in just a carry on, and I pack 7 pairs of shoes, this video saved me! I literally did what you said and laid all my outfits out for my 14 day transatlantic cruise to Spain (plus 4 days in Spain and 2 travel days) and was able to eliminate 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of leather leggings, 1 bathing suit, 1 cover up, 1 dress, and an entire compression bag for the trip! Now both the checked luggage and carry on close without the expansion and with room to spare in both! Although I didn’t remove a lot of items, your video forced me to unpack everything and get a visual of what did need to be eliminated and THEN repack everything in a more organized way!
HellIo Nathan & Aullie ! I'm still an under seater with 3 compression cubes & two pair of shoes, with pouches (after standing the luggage up) Then Totes umbrella in one side pocket. I leave the flat outside pocket empty and one side pocket empty for "just in case". Then my Samsonite backpack has one compression cube, pouches and handbag on top (the one you recommended) Just packed for a visit to see my mom and pretended I was flying to Italy ~ As "senior" travelers we've discovered we can travel with less. And I'm still Army roll, but tried flat folding for jeans & linens this last trip. THANK YOU Laurie for all the invaluable tips, hacks & tricks. Oh....and this year I pack my Medicare card 😉🤨😑
I use a mix of “rolling” & folding in the medium, large and one longish cube. The “rolling” is more like the burrito fold the Kon Marie teaches. But I use that technique for my daily clothing. So I’m pretty fast at it. And my mamma is happy I’m organized 😁☺️ The thicker clothes I fold such as sweat shirts or sweaters or jeans. I do not use compression cubes because I use check in. I manage the weight of my suitcase to be under 45 pounds. I also make sure I weigh my suitcase before I pack. So I know the difference I have to work with.
Hi, lori. I've traveled a lot and I've tried all styles, but I still like to fold. What I do is put all my underwear, my p. J's and all my tops on one side of the suitcase and on the other side of the suitcase. I put all my dresses, my slacks, 1 pair shoes and 2 of my toiletry bags.
Another problem is when you are only allowed 7kg in a carry on bag. The case on its own weighs between 2-3kg empty…how are you supposed to fit in clothes, underwear, shoes, toiletries, medication etc and be within the limit?
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie That’s wonderful for you, I thought the 7kg limit for carry on was worldwide and was wondering how you managed to get all of your things under the limit!
@@daisy8297 Meanwhile most international airlines have weight limits to carry-on and personal item. Carry-on bags are usually limited to 10 kgs (22 lbs) in economy class + 1 personal item usually limited to 2 kgs (4 lbs). So total 12 kgs (26 lbs) should not be exceeded. Some budget airlines even do have less limits. So, checking the airline's rules for cabin baggage is definitively worth it. At international code share flights (booked via US airline, but operated through international airline) there is often weight limit with international airlines. And with international airlines there is often just 1 personal item allowed. Note, for example backpack + crossover bag/shoulder bag means 2 personal items.
Thanks for the video - great advice. Method of packing is great - packing T-Shirt lengthwise like a hot dog and and filling suitcase lengthwise is just perfect for me. I'm going on a 9 day Alaska cruise in October only with carry-on, because I have an international flight to LAX with a short time frame to connecting flight to Seattle. I don't want to get in risk of missing luggage. So, due to weight limits on my international flight (code share with Delta) operated by AF 12 kgs (26 lbs) in total for carry-on and one personal item, I do not use packing cubes. As toiletry bag I just use a ziploc bag. Result of my test-packing - I'm a bit of "over-planning" person - 7 kgs (15,5 lbs) carry-on (it's just a 20'' carry-on suitcase very light) and 2 kgs (5 lbs) personal item (very light shoulder bag). Here is a tip for bulky clothes: I even can bring with me my beloved woolen cardigan (hand-knitted by my granny) - putting it in a zip pillow cover. So, I have an additional pillow for flight and it does not count as personal item and it fits easily between handles of carry-on. Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺
Thank you for this video. I never understood the hype about packing cubes, now I know. I do not travel light. I wish I could have one bag just for hats and another just for shoes and purses. Hoping to travel with two checked bags and a carryon for a 16 day cruise. Wish me luck!
Laurie, I was determined to follow all your packing advice 2 years ago for my UK trip, but I still ended up with 2 suitcases to manage on my own. Doubt I'll ever make another big trip like that, but if I do I am taking 3 t shirts, 3 leggings and underwear in a tote. Done.
We did a 6 week road trip in 2020. I worked out beforehand where we would be able to do laundry. It turned out we do washing about every 5-6 days, so we packed enough outfits for 6-7 days. Worked out well. Another benefit of merino tops is that merino doesn't need washing every time you wear it, it has natural deodorant properties, another big plus when you're travelling.
I’ve been traveling for 40 years and learned my own way of packing. I lay pants out in a stack. Roll the stack. Put them in a packing cube. Same with tops. Then my undies go in another cube. Fast and simple packing. Easy to remove and repack
Hi Laurie, I love watching your travel hacks. I use compression bags that you can just bring on vacation with you. There is a Ziploc type travel pack that you can roll the air out and then they go flat. It’s incredible. How much space you get from those you may want to try them sometime you have to get the high-quality kind and I believe it’s Eagle Creek. I almost think might want to give it a try. It’s available at a high-end store here in Charlottesville, Virginia call peace, frogs. I’m not promoting them by any means. Just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to buy it directly.
When we travel for more than a week we take old clothing that was going to be retired and throw it away before returning home. Makes things so much easier. Then there’s room for souvenirs.
@kaydeal775 It's VERY doable, and you got this! If you have time before you go, live out of your packed bag at home for a few days. It's great practice for a shakedown.
As long as you’re willing to do laundry, you can go almost indefinitely on what you’d take for a week. It gets a bit challenging if you’re going to multiple destinations with drastically different weather, but with experience, you’ll find layers that work. I even managed carry-on on a snowy trip that included a wedding and five days of hiking.
I use all three methods. Some clothes are better folded (especially with pockets), while others are better rolled. Then I stuff them into a compression cube to keep everything tightly packed. I use two cubes - for going: small for socks, underwear, swim and pjs, large for clothes; for coming back: small for clean clothes, large for dirty clothes. Easy to wipe down after dumping it all into the laundry basket. I like to use an underseat luggage and/or a backpack, since those are less likely to get checked at the gate!
Ok so I was 90% packed for our trip but I am re evaluating and I took out two items. Then I saw this video! Timing was right on. I use packing cubes and ranger roll for most items but pants and shorts I find folding better.
I didn’t hear this tip or see it in the comments. Having traveled a good deal for my job, I learned to alternate the waste band on my pants/shorts/drawers to keep a more even stack. Works well for bulkier men’s pants.
Great video! I will have to try your technique on folding and compacting for our next big trip in July (river boat cruise in Portugal). My goal is to only have a carry on and personal bag (backpack). We’ll be gone for 2 weeks. I will wash undergarments in our sink and if push comes to shove, can use the laundry service on board, but will avoid that if possible as it’s pricey! Thank you for all of your advice! I have introduced others to your channel because I consider you a great resource! Keep up the good work! 😊. Oh, and I am very familiar with Tetris! 😂
I got all the different sizes of packing cubes. It makes my travel less stressful. I never mix my dirty shoes on our clean clothes. I put my shoes on a packing cubes for shoes, sandals and slippers and put them on the other side of my suitcase with the small folding laundry baskets.
Great video and tips, I’m flying to Europe in a few weeks and normally we take 2 check bags but this time I’m trying to go with just two carryons and maybe one checked bag.
I've never tried cubes, but I've found a combination of fold and roll seems to work well: fold to fill the main space, then roll to fill around the edges and odd spaces. Or I'll roll multiple items, like shirts or base layers, together.
I use packing envelopes. I have 3 sizes and use all 3 in my carry on (I find them more streamlined than cubes). They each hold a ton. I can't stand rolling. My suitcase would always be sloppy vs organized if I rolled. I never have had to iron anything since I've used my envelopes (>10yrs). I would never be happy with stuffing things in cubes like in this video. I do a ton of traveling.... international vacation pleasure, as well as visiting family overseas. I agree with using the small bags, because I get a lot in them as well. I don't travel with a curling iron or hair dryer, and I'm careful with how many pairs of shoes I bring. I don't bring a jewelry case, and I don't bring much makeup. Everyone's needs are different depending on their lifestyle .... so try different things depending on your own use. You'll figure it out!! 👍
Loved Tetris!!! It is definitely a game of Tetris for my liquids bag, my suitcase, and for moving. I loved that game soo much growing up! About 10 years ago my hubby and I were at Cedar Point for my master's graduation celebration vacation and noticed they had an all things 80s store, but it was closed. We were leaving several hours before the park closed and as we were passing said store, it was still closed. As I was peering in the window, I mentioned that I really wanted to find that Tetris mug that was on display because that was my absolute FAVORITE game growing up (besides Monopoly - lol). The timing of everything couldn't have been more perfect because on of the park managers was passing by and said to hold on one second and she would see what she could do. She opened the store just for us and allowed us to browse the entire store at our leisure. It was the best graduation gift EVER and yes, I did come home with that display Tetris mug. 💖 🎁 🎓
Having had a whole cup of coffee spilled on me from shoulder to lap, I now add a pair of black nylon track pants, a bra and a jacket to that packing cube in my personal item knapsack. If it happens again, I've got this!
We pack two carry only on for a family of five for a 7 days in Disney world. Rolling was the way! We rolled everything so small that it fitted vertically. I was really afraid TSA would want to open it cause it was so tight.
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Good afternoon, I love Chico slacks. I received notification on Facebook about a sale on some of their clothing items. I ordered 12 items for about sixty dollars. Watch for this on your Facebook page. I cannot find the link right now.
Thanks for your tips. Years ago, before I went on a small group tour of the UK, the tour guide told us to lay all the clothes that we wanted to take out on the bed and then take away half of the items! That seemed very extreme at the time but I tried it and realised that I really didn't miss the options that didn't come with me. Ever since then, her advice has stayed with me and I usually find that I take much less than most other people and can get around a lot easier because of it.
I tried all packing methods. I was able to pack more in a packing cube than just folding or rolling my clothes loose in a suitcase. Bulky items I pack in a 2.5 gallon ziplock and sit on it to compress it flat. I have packing cubes both regular and compression, but on my last trip, I used ziplock bags and stacked everything on one side of my suitcase. Had room for toiletry bag, other side a few pairs of sandals, beach bag that packed flat, etc.
But do you role or flat pack in the cubes?
@shaleighreynolds3494 it depends on the clothes. But for the most part, I roll. If it's a collared shirt, I fold. If I am packing a bulky item like a hoodie or jacket that I want to compress, I fold instead. I have used a 2.5 gallon ziplock to compress by sitting on it while sliding closed. It does the trick of compressing my clothes.
Never heard of a 2.5 gallon ziploc but will add to my shopping list. Thanks!
@@seastarbutterfly they sell them at Target and Walmart
Good plan. I use the Ziplocs for shoes/sandals since I don't want them to get sand in the bag or dirty the clothes. The YOREPEK backpack that i like to use for weekend to week-long trips has two outside pockets, probably designed for water bottles, that I sometimes use for shoes. Packing cubes with the clothes rolled are how I usually pack.
What I do for dirty laundry is to turn them inside out so I know that item has been worn/soiled this is especially helpful when visiting multiple places
Yes, great tip!
I use those thin plastic shopping bags you get every where to put the dirty clothes in. I take at least 2 and roll up the dirty clothes in them, especially the underwear. There’s no worry about them getting the others dirty and I can just throw them in the wash pre sorted. Great use for those plastic bags.
Bottom drawer of the dresser or a pile in bottom of closet.
I have collapsible hampers I got years ago at Walmart.
Nice video but what method took up the least amount of room? It looked to me like they are all the same. I watched it twice and still don’t know.
I find it depends on the type of case I am using. For example, I always assumed compression cubes were the best, but for the rolling underseater I use as my 'just in case' motel bag that lives in my car, it turned out that I could fit more in by rolling than by using packing cubes. One thing I've learned is that I need to pack a lot earlier than I expect, and do a few packing trials to see which ones work best with the specific case. My next flight, I'm going to see if I can get away with that "neck pillow" that is hollow and holds clothes.
Agreed. I flew EasyJet to Spain and bought the Cabin Max suitcase for my free, under seat bag (45x36x20 cm aka 17x14x7 inches). And I tried the packing cubes but couldn't fit much. So I rolled my clothes and got a lot more in.
I use the first organization method you mentioned: 1 bottom and 2-4 tops in complementary pallettes. I have some clothes that I only use for travel, and I keep these travel capsules always packed, which makes packing easier.
When I find a top that is lightweight and does not wrinkle, I set that aside for trips. The thing is they fold or roll small and reduce weight in luggage. A trick from a Rick Steve's video is to weigh clothing on like a food scale. Challenge is to keep as light weight as possible especially packing for Asian countries.
That's a great idea!
He's one of the best!
The brilliant thing about the suitcase which is shown, is that the clothes can be rolled then zippered in like a giant packing cube. These cases are not widely available in the UK unfortunately.
I use all three and decide which is best for the material and length of the particular item of clothing and love my cubes for organizing. I really like a neat pack so I plan, try, rearrange. Also, think about heavy near the rollers, light near the top, so the case rolls easier and doesn't fall over when you stop.
That's a great method because some travel outfits can be so different for certain vacations.
I do a hybrid of cubes and rolling, just socks/unders, swim and sleepwear, and maybe a dress cubes. I have chosen to simply pack less and wash clothes more frequently and for me it works
I rolled all my linen pants, then put in a regular packing cube, and totally amazing, no more wrinkles than you might expect in linen. No folding lines.
I'm not a minimalist packer at all but your tips have helped me slim down my suitcase and pack so much less than I used to. I'm still a work in progress but I'm learning! Thanks for all your tips. They are so helpful!
We are all a work in progress when it comes to only packing in a carry-on bag.
Hi Laurie! I have been following you forever! Thanks to you, I now travel with only a Samsonite undeŕseat spinner with packing cubes. I'm 82 years old now, and this works well for me. Again, many thanks for all your tips.
HINTS: ***SENIOR TRAVEL: Laurie has great ideas, her compression cubes and other ideas make for a very heavy suitcase that can be problematic for many seniors. We have an international size 19" suitcase. It holds less than Laurie’s suitcase, but the end product is easier to deal with if you’re a senior. Instead of using a tote bag for a personal item, I am now going to get a small 15 inch underseater. We usually travel direct so I check my bag at the gate, not needing to pay. A tote personal bag can get heavy carrying it to the baggage area, where you need to leave or get picked up. Having an underseater with wheels will make it easier for me. I can put this in the luggage overhead bin. If you travel with medicine, make sure to watch Laurie's video on traveling with medicine. (Laurie: an idea is to do a video on tips and tricks for traveling when you're over 65.) ***LAUNDRY: I have a great packing cube that is two sided. One side says clean laundry, other side, dirty laundry. I put dryer sheets on each side, starting with the clean clothes all on one side. Then as you travel, you fold the dirty clothes and put them on the dirty clothes side. This keeps things organized, and fresh smelling. This tip works the best when you are traveling and only staying in one place one or two nights at a time. Remember to bring a couple extra plastic bags along as you can shove some dirty laundry in the bag and put it in the corner space in your suitcase. I try to wash every 5-7 days.
I can't see how an understated with wheels can fit underneath especially with 8" of leg room. Even tighter in middle seat.
@@brendakrause5639 - I hand in my carry on at the gate, so then the underseater becomes the carry on so I put it in the overhead bin and not under the seat.
Many underseaters out there now with wheels that fit….saw someone with it on my last flight.
@@nancycara7947 - I agree. Amazon has TPRC Smart Under Seat Carry-On Luggage with USB for $48-52 depending on color and it is 14”Lx15”Hx8.5”W. The inset wheels save room. They have a strap on back to slide on the carry on handle. They make some bigger but this is the biggest I would go.
Several under seat wheeled options available that align with budget friendly airlines.
Thank you, Laurie!
I love how you present😊 You are so casual, down to earth suggestions, and concise. You give logical, affordable , accurate, information !
Thanks so much!
Thank you for all of your great tips! I also noticed that the smaller compression cubes worked better for me than the larger ones. The way I fold my clothing to fit in the compression cube is to lay the cube down, then fold each item the very size of the cube. Lay it aside and do the next, that way they fit from corner to corner in the cube. Also, a couple of days before a trip, I start taking everything I plan to take to the dining room table. That way I can see everything, and the flat waist-height table makes it easy to fold your items nicely.
I will show that the next time! Great idea
Something I use when I have to take some items that can wrinkle is an Eagle Creek folder, it has a folding board that makes it easy to fold everything to the exact dimensions of the folder. I also find the smaller cubes more convenient than the larger ones.
Did you have many wrinkles?
My friend’s (checked) bag burst open one time. They did their best to pull everything together in a giant plastic bag, but it was a hot mess and she lost a few items. When she got her stuff, the plastic bag had also started to come undone. She was most mortified by the fact that her underthings scattered every where. She travels a lot and has been through some stuff, but says that incident is the one that gives her anxiety about flying.
Now almost everything I pack in a checked or carry-on suitcase goes into a bag of some sort! And I have TSA approved suitcase covers for those pieces that could end up checked. If the bag splits, hopefully it will stay together better. For my carryon, I wait until I’m thru security and have everything I want/need in my personal item, then put the cover on. In addition, it’s another way to personalize my bag to be easily identifiable on the luggage carousel.
I fold clothing in compression cubes, and roll it in regular cubes. I found giant, heavy-duty, ziplock- type bags on Amazon and bring one for dirty laundry.
I use a colorful luggage strap that I wrap around the suitcase so it'll stay together. It's also easy to see if it's a checked bag. No one else has a black suitcase with the same striped strap. I also attach a luggage tag inside my bag just in case the one on the outside breaks off or in the case of one SW flight, if one of the baggage handler STEALS it. It was a leather Torrey Pines luggage tag that was also attached with a heavy duty zip tie. The bag went back and forth to Europe but one trip from Dallas-LA and it suddenly is missing? Stolen😡
Thank you so much for your tip to sign up for TSA cares. Usually, the TSA line is very stressful for my daughter, who wears a brace on her leg and has metal in her leg. We picked up a wheelchair at the door and the attendant took us directly to TSA, where it seemed like they knew she was coming. This made a HUGE difference, and we are so thankful for this advice. She will definitely do it again!
Oh I am so glad that this time it was smooth going through airport security!
Following you has really changed the way I travel now. In the past, I always checked a bag. I would overpack! Several of the pieces I would never wear. Now I only pack in a carryon bag. It is so much easier! Thank you for all your great tips and hacks!
It’s tricky to know what you will not need. I’m considering checking luggage for a river cruise…..
There’s one more option for packing shirts that works best for me, or if you don’t want to deal with wrinkles. Eagle Creek makes a “garment folder.” It’s kind of like a compression device, only neat and tidy. You fold your shirts neatly to the size of the folder, stack them up, and then the flaps of the folder squish them down flat, so that when you open it back up, everything is neatly pressed. One other nice thing about it is that when you get to your destination, all your shirts unpack in one go, neat and tidy and freshly ironed. (If you’ve already covered this in a previous video and rejected it as an option for reasons I don’t know, I apologize for bringing up old news.)
I have heard great things about that.
Godsend if you need less casual clothes and can hold a lot of stuff
I used them when going on a cruise for nicer tops and my husband had the larger size for dress shirts, works great. Just place flat on top.
My husband loves using the Eagle Creek garment folder. He uses it every time we travel.
Hi, Laurie. Just so you know... I don't comment very often, but since I discovered your channel I've been watching very regularly... almost like clockwork. I haven't yet mastered packing in just a carry-on and a personal item, but I aspire to that! (Of course, right now I'm only traveling once a year, and that around Thanksgiving when cold weather clothes are needed, so not much chance to practice.) I've learned so much, and I'm still learning! Thank you!
Playing Tetris all those years has helped me be able to pack my car, my purse, my suitcase, etc., in the most effective way. It paid off!!! 😉😊
And people claimed games were useless XP
Tetris! That’s exactly how I think of it. 🤣
We’re doing an 8 day cruise next April and I want to do carry on only because it was such a pain hauling our big case last time. I keep watching all your hacks and learn something every time. Thank you!
I use large size zip lock bags to organize what goes together. You can squeeze out the air and get it very flat. Things don't slide around in the suite case. Lotions and medications stay organized and there is more protection from leaks. I have been known to use brown packing tape to keep bottle caps closed and reduce leaking.
BTW, one fun thing about the Away suitcase is, it has its own laundry bag. Although I tend to wash out the day's clothes in the sink every night, so I don't go home with much laundry.
I have found packing cubes very useful not just for packing but at my destination too. I just pull them out and put them in the drawers. Or in some places where there weren’t enough drawers for my stuff and my husband’s I put my stuff, in the packing cubes, on shelves or the floor (only had to do this once).
I've never seen this mentioned but pony tail holders are key if you roll. Why? Well, rolling can be nice and easy to grab each item as you want it. But, after things move around a bit, the rolls unroll and you get a mess. So, some cheap pony tail holders when you roll only take a second and keep things neat and easy to manage.
Thanks for these ideas!
I have not flown since 2011 so I am "studying" and enjoying all your great tips. You cover EVERYTHING for our 11-day in May to Canadian Rockies & 7-day Caribbean. Thank for helping de-stress me.
Ooh sounds amazing! I think I would have to check a bag for that drastic weather.
Yay! Hello, Laurie! Great examples of the packing methods. I do like to manage different pieces by folding, rolling or by compression methods! Thanks for sharing and God Bless you and your family!
Your a cute little dog seems to walk back-and-forth across most of your videos while you’re making the video.
He’s precious and just wants to sit in my lap.
I've always rolled my clothes. I never thought about rolling clothes length wise to make it fit like that, so great tip! Definitely will use this
Rolling them lengthwise seems to make them smaller.
Thanks for all of your packing info! We are going on a 3 week trip to Ireland/Scotland with only carryon and backpack- very intimidating when you normally travel by car and carry the kitchen sink! But thanks to all of your suggestions I believe that we will be able to pull it off!
Yes, you can do it!
Once I went to carry-on luggage and compression cubes, I have never gone back to anything else. I love it.
I learned about compression cubes from Laurie’s videos. I love them!
I avoided using the vacuum type bags on cruise vacations because I wouldn’t have access to a vacuum to pack for the trip home, but last year went to Alaska and was able to use them to greatly reduce the size of my bulky warm clothing as they now come with a hand pumped vacuum device which is small and lightweight enough to stick into my carry on bag. Yes, you may also use a vacuum if you have access. This enabled me to bring a few pieces that kept me warm and cozy without increasing my luggage. I plan to use them again on my upcoming trip to Norway and the Arctic Circle. Since I bought 2 sets of the bags, I packed the second hand pump in case of breakage, but they are quite sturdy and I had no problem.
Good info! Thanks!
You can get travel ones that you roll to get the air put of special one-way vents. They work great, but they don’t last forever.
I was going to ask how she would pack for an Alaskan cruise, good to know these exist.
Hefty 2.5 gallon bags that you sit on to compress work great, too. No pump needed since my weight is always with me. 😂
Your room steward has a vacuum and for a tip will let you use it
Hi Laurie! I love this video - very helpful!! I like how you talk about the benefits of each packing method as you go through them. It’s making me think how I can combine the different methods to pack my suitcase more efficiently. Thanks!!
Your tips, tricks and ideas always help when a packing issue comes up. Thank you 😊
Thank you dear Laurie! I tried all 3 methods after pressing and let them sit in cubes for a week…. They are All surprisingly not a wrinkled mess. You rock!❤️
Hi Laurie,
We are traveling to Rome in a few weeks and I've been watching your EXTREMELY helpful videos.
Thank you so so much!
Thank you for your video. For business, I generally very carefully flat fold my clothes. Casual clothes will just be fitted around business clothes. I recently took a 2 week business trip with 4 pant suits and 6 blouses, and 3 casual outfits, carefully flat folded them in my carry-on suitcase and still had room for toiletries, etc. Laptop, notebooks, etc. went in the personal item bag. But for casual trips, I will use a combination of packing cubes, flat folding and rolling.
That is amazing! My husband made a video for me about packing men’s suits. Is there a special way you pack those?
Thanks for the tips. I leave on vacation in 4 days. I still need to plan my outfits & organize everything.
Have a great trip!
Timely video for me as I’m going on a 10-day trip soon. I use ziplock bags (2.5 gallon and 1 gallon) and put rolled clothes into those. Keeps everything nicely organized. If you press the air out, they act as compression cubes. I think merino wool is so great for travel - it allows you to take a lot less clothing. And I have a gallon size grab bag of clothes ready to go just in case I’m forced to check my carry-on!
My friend used merino wool t-shirts on our Tulum vacation and it looked great!
Laurie I have found I use a combination of the methods that works best for me. rolling my bottoms then putting a packing cube after them with my undergarments, PJ's, and socks, Then thinly folding the top on top of everything. Thin shoes tucked along the suitcase wall or bottom. Love those cute striped pants I bet they are so comfortable.
I generally use only a carryon but I do take a fold up, waterproof w/zipper tote bag and put my dirty clothes in it (fabric softener sheet too). If I have room to put it back in my suitcase, I don't have to worry about spoiling clean clothes. If I've bought too much and no longer have room for dirties, no problem. I already have an ID tag on it, I just zip it up and check it on the trip home! If it gets led astray, I have plenty of clothes at home until it arrives!!!! And it helps keep my hotel/cruise stateroom tidy!
Hi Laurie! I love your videos! I find the rolling method with my son's clothes because his clothes are made with a thinner material.
On vacation at this very moment. For two weeks in FL I packed and repacked a few times before we left home. All my tees go with any of my bottoms. I was able to fit 9 tee shirts in a packing cube when they were folded Konmari fashion, in thirds and standing up so I could see the edges of each, making it easy to select the shirt I want. Folded in the more traditional flat fold that you would see on display in a store, I was able to fit twice as many shirts in the same cube. My bag is heavier, and I have to flip through to find the shirt I want, but I went with the good old flat fold. I also think folded tees are less wrinkled that rolled.
Way to goooo! Enjoy
I found with kids, to put each days worth of clothes - shirt, socks, underwear, etc) in a zip lock baggie (put day of week on baggie) and compress air out. Kids don't have to worry about matching and they put dirty clothes back in the empty bag at days end.
Hi Laurie…I enjoyed this video. The jury’s still out on which way I’m packing…that decision will be made this week when I start gathering my outfits together. Keep those videos coming…and thanks.😊
Oh boy Laurie, just in time for my yearly Jamaica trip! ❤
What a great video!!!! These videos are really helpful. I'm so thankful for you and others being willing to share tips and tricks so we don't have to struggle trying to figure things out on our own! 💜
Yesssss!
Hey Laurie! Thanks for all the tips! I just did 8 days in London with a carryon and a backpack. Worked out great. I have always used the compression bags by Tripped per your recommendation. Amazing what you can pack. I used my TravelPro Maxlite 5 and a Falanko backpack. Going on a cruise in a week and hoping I can do the same but the snorkel equipment is posing problems. Oh well! Thanks again!
Love all your tips! I did a trip last month and was able to take baby steps to cut down on what I take. Traveling again in May and hope to take a few more steps! Worst thing I have to pack are my bras, they are pretty good size and quite expensive!
Yes, hard to compress those underwires!
I find rolling to be the best for me but some items like jeans are best flat 👍🏾
I love packing cubes so much. What I do is hang all the clothes I want to bring and leave it there for a week or so. Then, when is closer to my trip I must take a couple of things. It works great! Thanks for this video!
The best way I’ve found is bulky stuff folded first (like trousers), second fill the level with lighter stuff (light shirts), folded, lastly roll and stuff into the remaining crevices the small stuff, (underwear etc)…
But as a bloke, I’m not bothered about creased clothing… I’m there for a vacation not to impress anyone else.
Just got back from Europe and used a combination of packing cubes and compression packing cubes for the first time! Loved how organized I was! And on our return home, our luggage stayed in a connecting country airport for two days. It was just delivered. Phew! Luggage was really beat up. I need to figure out how to repair the fabric on it now.
Hi Nathan and Aulie. I just don’t worry about wrinkles when traveling. They are usually minor and I try to pack materials that don’t tend to wrinkle.
Hi Laurie!! I'm loving your videos and have been binge watching to soak up as much as I can before a girls trip that includes a 12 hour flight, 10 hour layover then another 8 hour flight. Thank you for the great information that you and your husband have shared with us.
Oh my word! Worth it for that time with friends.
I, too, love the Parks compression cubes, but I begin with the draping method for dresses and pants. I alternate those items coming out one side, then the other. Then I put anything fragile or in the cubes. The last step is to pull the draped items around the center items. . . It holds them from shifting. I have also done this with my husband’s suits - but I drape those in first coming out the front. No wrinkles. No ironing.
I love hearing how people have made it work.
Your little dog is adorable! 😊
Laurie thank you. This is so kind and I always love your videos.
I am right this moment trying to shove things in a smaller suitcase haha
I think I will roll and call it good. I do think compression cubes are the best and such a delight regardless. I love being able to move out of the suitcase a bit but have my clothes protected.
Ciao a tutti ❤️
EEEK have such a great vacation!
I'm a light packer. For a recent 10 day cruise I had 2 pairs of shorts, one pair of black dockers (goes with EVERYTHING and if they get dirty, no one will notice) 3 polos, 3 Hawaiian shirts, 11 pairs of undies,10 Ts, 10 white sox, 4 dress sox, one pair of pool shoes, one pair of slides and one pair of 'jammie shorts'. PLUS wearing jeans another T and my one pair of sneakers.
Way to go!
Hi there, Thanks for your great videos. I use compression cubes too and after i unpack I use the large one for dirty laundy then i simply toss it in the washer with the clothes. I also have a hack. I decided that the hanging toiletry bag wasn't for me but in now use it to hold my underwear and bras and hang it on the rod in the closet because I don't like to use the drawers in hotel rooms.
Thanks for sharing!
Tetris! I loved Tetris. Thanks for the video, as always. I'm a dense packer so I've never used (needed) compression cubes, but I may give them a try, as I have a pattern for them and I can customize the size. I'm always the one who packs the truck when I move, so I appreciate your recommendations to utilize all the spaces. :)
When I go to the Middle East I travel with dresses which don’t wrinkle so I roll. Cruises I roll something’s and fold others. I do love a good packing cube.
Definitely, smaller packing cubes provide more flexibility when packing… I have been traveling carry-on only for years now and finally realized the less I pack the better it is!!! 😅 Love all your tips! Many blends always!
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, comfort and versatility are key to choosing what I pack…and choosing clothes that won’t wrinkle.
Yes a key component of any packing method.
Thanks for the carry on compression tip!
Thanks Laurie, although I swear by compression BAGS by Samsonite (and I don’t roll the air out but find it easier just to lay on them to get air out with my body weight) and I don’t pack in just a carry on, and I pack 7 pairs of shoes, this video saved me! I literally did what you said and laid all my outfits out for my 14 day transatlantic cruise to Spain (plus 4 days in Spain and 2 travel days) and was able to eliminate 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of leather leggings, 1 bathing suit, 1 cover up, 1 dress, and an entire compression bag for the trip! Now both the checked luggage and carry on close without the expansion and with room to spare in both! Although I didn’t remove a lot of items, your video forced me to unpack everything and get a visual of what did need to be eliminated and THEN repack everything in a more organized way!
HellIo Nathan & Aullie ! I'm still an under seater with 3 compression cubes & two pair of shoes, with pouches (after standing the luggage up) Then Totes umbrella in one side pocket. I leave the flat outside pocket empty and one side pocket empty for "just in case". Then my Samsonite backpack has one compression cube, pouches and handbag on top (the one you recommended) Just packed for a visit to see my mom and pretended I was flying to Italy ~ As "senior" travelers we've discovered we can travel with less. And I'm still Army roll, but tried flat folding for jeans & linens this last trip. THANK YOU Laurie for all the invaluable tips, hacks & tricks. Oh....and this year I pack my Medicare card 😉🤨😑
I am sold on the Tripped cubes. That tip made all the difference on my last trip. I love the ability to organize and fit more. Definitely stress less!
Totally agree!
I am a Monos girl through and through! Consistently named best of the best.
@@maryokeefe5351 Yes so many people rave about their carry-on luggage.
I use a mix of “rolling” & folding in the medium, large and one longish cube. The “rolling” is more like the burrito fold the Kon Marie teaches. But I use that technique for my daily clothing. So I’m pretty fast at it. And my mamma is happy I’m organized 😁☺️ The thicker clothes I fold such as sweat shirts or sweaters or jeans. I do not use compression cubes because I use check in. I manage the weight of my suitcase to be under 45 pounds. I also make sure I weigh my suitcase before I pack. So I know the difference I have to work with.
Hi, lori. I've traveled a lot and I've tried all styles, but I still like to fold. What I do is put all my underwear, my p. J's and all my tops on one side of the suitcase and on the other side of the suitcase. I put all my dresses, my slacks, 1 pair shoes and 2 of my toiletry bags.
Another problem is when you are only allowed 7kg in a carry on bag. The case on its own weighs between 2-3kg empty…how are you supposed to fit in clothes, underwear, shoes, toiletries, medication etc and be within the limit?
Hi, we do not have to consider weight in the States.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie That’s wonderful for you, I thought the 7kg limit for carry on was worldwide and was wondering how you managed to get all of your things under the limit!
@@daisy8297 Meanwhile most international airlines have weight limits to carry-on and personal item. Carry-on bags are usually limited to 10 kgs (22 lbs) in economy class + 1 personal item usually limited to 2 kgs (4 lbs). So total 12 kgs (26 lbs) should not be exceeded. Some budget airlines even do have less limits. So, checking the airline's rules for cabin baggage is definitively worth it. At international code share flights (booked via US airline, but operated through international airline) there is often weight limit with international airlines. And with international airlines there is often just 1 personal item allowed. Note, for example backpack + crossover bag/shoulder bag means 2 personal items.
Thanks for the video - great advice. Method of packing is great - packing T-Shirt lengthwise like a hot dog and and filling suitcase lengthwise is just perfect for me. I'm going on a 9 day Alaska cruise in October only with carry-on, because I have an international flight to LAX with a short time frame to connecting flight to Seattle. I don't want to get in risk of missing luggage. So, due to weight limits on my international flight (code share with Delta) operated by AF 12 kgs (26 lbs) in total for carry-on and one personal item, I do not use packing cubes. As toiletry bag I just use a ziploc bag. Result of my test-packing - I'm a bit of "over-planning" person - 7 kgs (15,5 lbs) carry-on (it's just a 20'' carry-on suitcase very light) and 2 kgs (5 lbs) personal item (very light shoulder bag). Here is a tip for bulky clothes: I even can bring with me my beloved woolen cardigan (hand-knitted by my granny) - putting it in a zip pillow cover. So, I have an additional pillow for flight and it does not count as personal item and it fits easily between handles of carry-on.
Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺
Great idea!
Thank you for this video. I never understood the hype about packing cubes, now I know. I do not travel light. I wish I could have one bag just for hats and another just for shoes and purses. Hoping to travel with two checked bags and a carryon for a 16 day cruise. Wish me luck!
Have so much fun! You can be organized later!!
Always great ideas. Thanks again Laurie!❤
I always UPS my full travel cases back home if I took the bigger suitcases. I roll my clothes into my cubes.
From other countries or just in the US?
I have done that. Made the way home easier.
@@visitingfromsantafe1329 Not from Europe, but North America. I don’t understand how I do it, but I pack much lighter overseas.
Laurie, I was determined to follow all your packing advice 2 years ago for my UK trip, but I still ended up with 2 suitcases to manage on my own. Doubt I'll ever make another big trip like that, but if I do I am taking 3 t shirts, 3 leggings and underwear in a tote. Done.
Yes, not being hands free is difficult.
We did a 6 week road trip in 2020. I worked out beforehand where we would be able to do laundry. It turned out we do washing about every 5-6 days, so we packed enough outfits for 6-7 days. Worked out well.
Another benefit of merino tops is that merino doesn't need washing every time you wear it, it has natural deodorant properties, another big plus when you're travelling.
I'm gona travel for 1st time to Belgium. Very grateful for yr channel.. From South Africa. ❤❤❤
Have a beautiful trip! We used Uber but it's in the parking deck on like the 5th floor. So fast!
I’ve been traveling for 40 years and learned my own way of packing. I lay pants out in a stack. Roll the stack. Put them in a packing cube. Same with tops. Then my undies go in another cube. Fast and simple packing. Easy to remove and repack
Hi Laurie, I love watching your travel hacks. I use compression bags that you can just bring on vacation with you. There is a Ziploc type travel pack that you can roll the air out and then they go flat. It’s incredible. How much space you get from those you may want to try them sometime you have to get the high-quality kind and I believe it’s Eagle Creek. I almost think might want to give it a try. It’s available at a high-end store here in Charlottesville, Virginia call peace, frogs. I’m not promoting them by any means. Just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to buy it directly.
I use these ziploc travel packs for my dirty clothes on the way home. It gives me extra room in case I've bought things on my trip to bring back
When we travel for more than a week we take old clothing that was going to be retired and throw it away before returning home. Makes things so much easier. Then there’s room for souvenirs.
I did that too, especially bring your old slippers for wearing in hotel/ after shower or at the sandy beach and discard at your last night stay ;)
I do exactly the same, x
Mostly, our old clothing is still very good, sering that you are still willing to weer it. So, why not give it away instead of throwing it away?
My family calls me The Tetris Queen. 🤭. I can make it fit…not matter what….where there’s a will there’s a way!
You go girl!
Enjoying much always watching ❤thanks for the tips 🍀✌️😊
Going to attempt a 17 day UK trip with a carry on and a back pack. I’ve been watching you almost daily.
@kaydeal775 It's VERY doable, and you got this! If you have time before you go, live out of your packed bag at home for a few days. It's great practice for a shakedown.
As long as you’re willing to do laundry, you can go almost indefinitely on what you’d take for a week. It gets a bit challenging if you’re going to multiple destinations with drastically different weather, but with experience, you’ll find layers that work. I even managed carry-on on a snowy trip that included a wedding and five days of hiking.
I use all three methods. Some clothes are better folded (especially with pockets), while others are better rolled. Then I stuff them into a compression cube to keep everything tightly packed.
I use two cubes - for going: small for socks, underwear, swim and pjs, large for clothes; for coming back: small for clean clothes, large for dirty clothes. Easy to wipe down after dumping it all into the laundry basket.
I like to use an underseat luggage and/or a backpack, since those are less likely to get checked at the gate!
Yes!! Makes sense. I combine sometimes too.
Ok so I was 90% packed for our trip but I am re evaluating and I took out two items. Then I saw this video! Timing was right on. I use packing cubes and ranger roll for most items but pants and shorts I find folding better.
I didn’t hear this tip or see it in the comments. Having traveled a good deal for my job, I learned to alternate the waste band on my pants/shorts/drawers to keep a more even stack. Works well for bulkier men’s pants.
Great tip!
Laurie , please name of drink for travelling that has Sodium,Potassium, and magnissium (sp)
kindly, Margie
Great video! I will have to try your technique on folding and compacting for our next big trip in July (river boat cruise in Portugal). My goal is to only have a carry on and personal bag (backpack). We’ll be gone for 2 weeks. I will wash undergarments in our sink and if push comes to shove, can use the laundry service on board, but will avoid that if possible as it’s pricey!
Thank you for all of your advice! I have introduced others to your channel because I consider you a great resource! Keep up the good work! 😊. Oh, and I am very familiar with Tetris! 😂
Ooh have a great trip! Yes, the money spent on laundry vs the money to check luggage vs walking with it all. Lots to consider.
Hey Laurie! Leaving on my 13 day trip to the UMC GC in Charlotte, NC next Monday! Will be using your suggestions to help pack. THANKS!!!
Woohoo! Have a beautiful vacation.
Love your videos. Thank you so much. Also love your nail polish.
I got all the different sizes of packing cubes. It makes my travel less stressful. I never mix my dirty shoes on our clean clothes. I put my shoes on a packing cubes for shoes, sandals and slippers and put them on the other side of my suitcase with the small folding laundry baskets.
Thanks for sharing!!
Great video and tips, I’m flying to Europe in a few weeks and normally we take 2 check bags but this time I’m trying to go with just two carryons and maybe one checked bag.
You may want to think about when you land...3 suitcases may be alot to keep track of. But have fun and update us.
Team compression cubes! Thanks so much for your helpful tips. Safe travels. 😊✈️
Could you tell me why? I am curious.
I've never tried cubes, but I've found a combination of fold and roll seems to work well: fold to fill the main space, then roll to fill around the edges and odd spaces. Or I'll roll multiple items, like shirts or base layers, together.
Yes, if you do not use them, you'll be fine. Yay for vacay!
I use packing envelopes. I have 3 sizes and use all 3 in my carry on (I find them more streamlined than cubes). They each hold a ton. I can't stand rolling. My suitcase would always be sloppy vs organized if I rolled. I never have had to iron anything since I've used my envelopes (>10yrs). I would never be happy with stuffing things in cubes like in this video. I do a ton of traveling.... international vacation pleasure, as well as visiting family overseas. I agree with using the small bags, because I get a lot in them as well. I don't travel with a curling iron or hair dryer, and I'm careful with how many pairs of shoes I bring. I don't bring a jewelry case, and I don't bring much makeup. Everyone's needs are different depending on their lifestyle .... so try different things depending on your own use. You'll figure it out!! 👍
Loved Tetris!!! It is definitely a game of Tetris for my liquids bag, my suitcase, and for moving. I loved that game soo much growing up! About 10 years ago my hubby and I were at Cedar Point for my master's graduation celebration vacation and noticed they had an all things 80s store, but it was closed. We were leaving several hours before the park closed and as we were passing said store, it was still closed. As I was peering in the window, I mentioned that I really wanted to find that Tetris mug that was on display because that was my absolute FAVORITE game growing up (besides Monopoly - lol). The timing of everything couldn't have been more perfect because on of the park managers was passing by and said to hold on one second and she would see what she could do. She opened the store just for us and allowed us to browse the entire store at our leisure. It was the best graduation gift EVER and yes, I did come home with that display Tetris mug. 💖 🎁 🎓
Oh wow!!
Having had a whole cup of coffee spilled on me from shoulder to lap, I now add a pair of black nylon track pants, a bra and a jacket to that packing cube in my personal item knapsack. If it happens again, I've got this!
The worst! And it's usually at the beginning of the trip.
We pack two carry only on for a family of five for a 7 days in Disney world. Rolling was the way! We rolled everything so small that it fitted vertically. I was really afraid TSA would want to open it cause it was so tight.
Hey Laurie We love all your videos we're getting ready to go to Vegas in a week your videos are always helpful, and hello from Toledo, Ohio.
Good luck!! And have a blast! It won't be too hot yet.