How many times have you been on the plane, got everythingΒ in the overhead,Β seat beltΒ is onΒ and you realize you need your glasses so you can see the screen, a sweater because the plane is cool, yourΒ tablet to pass the hours or simply a freshΒ piece of gum. YouΒ begin checking your bagΒ beneath your seat and then the rummaging begins. Item after item being removed as you dig through the black hole that is your carry-on bag. You KNOW you packed it in there somewhere. Right? Is it in the bag above? Or was it in the suitcase? Or did you leave it on your desk at home?! Noooo!
Does this sound familiar? It becomes constant if you are that person who packs last minute. I for one, have only done this a handful of times and swore I would never again! It just adds another level of stress onto my plate that I can certainly avoid.
I’m sharing myΒ three simple but effective tips to organizing your carry-on and therefore makingΒ yourΒ tripΒ just aΒ tidbit less stressful and more relaxing. After all, you are heading to a fun destination, why let something sour your journey there?
First thing’s first,Β lay out everything youβll needΒ in your carry-on:
Sort yourΒ items by category: electronics, toiletries, clothing, items youβll need to access easily (ticket, phone, glasses, medicine) andΒ consolidate these items from each categoryΒ intoΒ their own pouches, bags, and cases. The key here is that you cannot have enough little bags. The bags/cases/pouches are much easier to find in your carry-on than the individual small items. I always have Ziploc bags on hand, they are so handy and you can never pack enough.
Second tip, and you’d think this goes without saying, but it’s important to put the stuff you don’t need on the flight AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BAG. Items you will need ready access to should be put in last so they’re at the top and in easy-to-access compartments and pockets. So the back-up outfit and shoes that you packed in case your luggage goes missing should go in first at the bottom. Your ticket, ID, eyeglasses, etc. should be at the top of the bag.
How many people don’t utilize the compartments in their bags? Or buy bags without pockets for that matter? WhoΒ are those people? Lunatics, that’s who.Β Pockets are smart design and there for a reason! They provide a place for all of the small knick-knacks you’re typically rummaging for:Β all thoseΒ tiny, need-on-hand items like gum, yourΒ phone, a pen, eyeglasses. Organize them into the pockets where you canΒ easily see and access them.
In conclusion, if you follow these three simple packing your carry-on tips, you willΒ have the bestΒ flight of your life. Unless you get seated nextΒ to a crying baby, grumpy old fart or some loud, obnoxious loser, then you are out of luck. But at least you’ll be organized!
I hope these tips help you with packing your carry-on. To me, it’s the most important piece of luggage I’m bringing. Nothing is worse than being without entertainment at the airport or missing that essential mid-flight.
Also check out my Free Downloadable Packing ListΒ to have as a guide for the rest of your packing needs.
Weekend Getaway Packing List
A Stress-free Vacation Checklist
Five Tips for Traveling Light
Where are you heading this summer? Do you consider packing and flying stressful?
Share your to make it all easier!
And if I missed anything from these tip to packing your carry-on, let me know!
I love your blog and how you share useful tips to the readers π
Stay Shining,
Boyu Ba
http://www.boyuba.com