Packing light may just be an impossibility for some. We love fashion and always must be in so there’s shoes to consider, outfits needed for every possible occasion. New clothes to bring, new clothes to buy, let alone cosmetics and jewelry. Carry on is out of the question, or is it? It’s summer and everything is lightweight… so if you follow these easy tips, you should be able to get by with just one carry on bag no matter the length of your trip.

1. Pick the right suitcase. Many sabotage themselves from the word go because they have the wrong suitcase. Choose a size that fits carry on regulations. Look for different compartments that make for not only easy organization, but protection of your clothing as you travel. (You don’t want the soles of your shoes right up against your nice white shirts.)
2. Don’t start loading up the suitcase. Lay everything out on your bed. See what you really need, what coordinates with what, and which items you can leave behind. Edit, edit, and edit at least 50% until you are down to things you really will wear. Make this the first trip where everything in your suitcase actually gets worn.
3. Limit your shoes and try to wear the pair that take up the most room on the plane (usually sneakers). Pack a pair of flats and a pair of heels that coordinate with everything and also give you the most ease and comfort in your travel plans, such as sightseeing.
4. Roll your clothes to save space. You’ll not only fit more items in a suitcase by rolling them, they will also arrive at your vacation destination with fewer wrinkles. When you roll, keep similar items together, i.e. pajamas on one side, t-shirts next to them, then pants. Organization will help you find things better if you end up living out of that suitcase.
5. Pack delicate items such as silk tops or dresses in plastic bags such as dry cleaner bags. They will wrinkle less and be protected.
6. Think about lightweight accessories such as scarves and jewelry that can allow you to wear the same top but change the look from day to night or from one event to another. Take a page from the new Princess Kate’s book and recycle outfits. We only think other people remember what we’ve worn the day before, but they don’t.
7. Place your toiletries at the bottom of your suitcase when it’s standing in the rolling position. These are usually your heaviest items and this way they won’t crush or wrinkle other items.
8. If you do need to check a bag for any reason, remember to carry on with you all essentials that you wouldn’t be able to easily replace if your bags are stolen, especially valuables such as jewelry.

Have a great trip!