Travel Lightly: How to Pack 3 Days & Nights in A Carry-On

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Packing-3-Days-and-Nights-in-1-Carry-On”]

Have you ever tried packing three days and three nights of clothing in a carry-on? Think it’s impossible? It’s not. Let me tell you how.

I’ve been traveling for work pretty much my entire 18-year career. It’s ebbed and flowed from traveling as often as once a month to as little as a few times a year. I learned a long time ago to avoid checking my luggage at all costs. It speeds up the process considerably when I arrive at my destination. Plus, being control of my bag relieves some anxiety and helps me makes certain that I don’t show up on the trade show floor in my hoodie and yoga pants. Because nobody wants that.

Streamline the packing process
This is key. I don’t have hours to waste packing. I’m a mom after all. I generally try to gather my clothing the weekend before my trip. However, I’m usually doing my final packing the morning I’m leaving. My toddler has a habit of unpacking my bag in the hopes that will keep me home, so packing is a covert mission.

My checklist is my friend
Let’s face it, I have mom brain. My brain can only hold so much information and remembering socks isn’t part of that. Oh and there’s the aforementioned toddler who likes to take items and hide them. Otherwise, I will get to the airport and have an “Oh, sh*t!” moment. I keep my list on Apple Notes then copy and modify it based on my trip.

Invest in packing cubes
Best travel invention EVER. I started using these about seven years ago. My husband bought us some luggage with these beauties, I gave them a try and I haven’t turned back. If you don’t have any, check Amazon or Target.

Try a capsule wardrobe
I know you’ve heard this term tossed out all over Pinterest and other social media. Let me tell you, it works. Neutral pants and jackets or sweaters are the best. Use your shells and jewelry for pops of color. Keep them in the same color family so you can easily mix and match to create new outfits.

Here’s my basic list.

  • Black pants (2)
  • Black blazer (2)
  • Shells (2)
  • Evening tops (2)
  • LBD (if you have room)
  • Jeans
  • Heels
  • Flats
  • Clutch
  • Day and night accessories for each outfit

KonMarie your clothes
I used to place my clothing flat in my packing cubes, but then I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing a couple of years ago and I changed my approach. Now I can get even more in my cubes.

Layer, layer, layer.
Pay attention to the weather where you are going. It may be freezing cold here in Wichita and 85 degrees where you are going. Why take your coat on the plane? Light layers give you the ability to easily change your look based on the temp.

Pile on the accessories
“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” – Steel Magnolias. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE jewelry. The bigger the earrings, the better. A great pair of earrings, a statement necklace or scarf can completely change your look. If you want to take valuables, wear them. Never pack them.

Limit your shoes
I know this is hard. Believe me. As much as you want to pack those sassy heels that you’ll only wear with one outfit, you’ll be glad you didn’t. Pack your flats and a pair of heels that work with the colors in your capsule wardrobe. Wear your bulky shoes or boots. If you have room to spare, you can also toss an extra pair of shoes in your personal item (purse/tote/backpack).

Downsize your products
I always hit the Target travel aisle before leaving town. I go for travel size everything. Dry shampoo, face wipes, hairspray, toothbrush, toothpaste. Scale back your makeup. Only pack the items you actually need on a daily basis. Do you really need 10 lipsticks? You could probably get by with one for day and one for night. Do your skincare products take up tons of room? Try pumping a few days worth into smaller containers.

Avoid the technology tangle
Anyone else feel like you could start your own Apple store when you travel? Keep your cords, chargers and earbuds in a small pouch within your purse. Then you don’t even have to mess with opening the suitcase to get them out.

Maximize your one personal item
Depending on the type of trip, I use either a tote bag or a backpack. I pack as much as possible in my carry-on first. My computer, wallet, chargers and any valuables always go with me in my personal item. There’s always a chance of having to gate-check your bag. If something were to happen, I want to make certain that anything irreplaceable is in my hands.

Try it your next trip
So see, that wasn’t so bad. It takes a bit of time and thought, but you can do it. What tips do you have for traveling lightly?


Make sure you never miss out on things to do in Wichita: subscribe to our weekly Wichita Moms Blog newsletter! Be the first to know about our exclusive events, special offers and discounts, neighborhood group activities and, of course, local resources and parenting voices powered by local Wichita moms!

 

 

Ashley Cook
Ashley grew up in Augusta and has lived in the Wichita area for most of her life. She works full time as vice president at a marketing agency. She'd been in the workforce for 15 years and faced years of fertility challenges before being blessed with son Charlie in 2015. She met her husband, Josh, in kindergarten. The house-divided college sweethearts attended KU and K-State, starting their careers in Dallas before returning to Wichita in 2003. Not just a full-time executive and mom, she owns Josh Cook Golf Academy with her namesake husband. Ashley also enjoys volunteering as Wichita Aero Club vice chair, driving a golf cart with Josh and Charlie, drinking wine and spending time with family.