Traveling with only a carry-on suitcase has become increasingly challenging due to strict airline regulations and baggage fees. Organization expert Julie Catard offers essential tips for effective packing, emphasizing the choice of a hard-shell suitcase for better organization. She recommends creating a packing list, using the vertical rolling method for clothes, and utilizing compartments and pouches for efficient space management. Leaving room for souvenirs and opting for travel-sized toiletries further enhances the packing experience.
Mastering the Art of Packing a Carry-On Suitcase
Traveling with just a carry-on suitcase has evolved into a significant logistical task. With airlines enforcing strict and varying regulations, alongside the need to ensure nothing essential is left behind, packing has transformed into a skill that demands precision. The escalating fees for checked baggage, sometimes reaching an extra 50 euros, compel travelers to rethink their packing strategies. Additionally, the increasing restrictions from airlines and train services concerning luggage dimensions add to the complexity.
This shift emphasizes the importance of traveling light, making it not just a financial decision but also a practical one! Many adventurers lean towards using carry-on luggage, particularly with budget airlines that favor lower costs. This raises an essential question: how can one effectively maximize the limited space of a carry-on? Organization expert Julie Catard shares invaluable tips on how to pack your hand luggage efficiently for optimal space usage!
Choosing the Right Luggage for Your Journey
Before diving into what to pack, it’s crucial to select the appropriate luggage. Julie Catard, an organization specialist and ambassador, advises opting for a wheeled suitcase, preferably a hard-shell model with two distinct compartments. Unlike soft travel bags or backpacks that can become cumbersome and distorted when filled, a hard suitcase offers better volume control and organization.
However, be cautious as not all airlines accept the same luggage dimensions. For instance, Air France permits carry-ons measuring up to 55 x 35 cm with a weight limit of 12 kg, while Ryanair allows sizes up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a maximum weight of 10 kg. Each airline, including Transavia and EasyJet, has its own specific requirements. Therefore, it’s vital to verify the luggage policies of your airline before you travel and to accurately measure your suitcase, including wheels and handles, to avoid any issues at the airport. A suitcase with four double wheels can facilitate movement, but ensure the wheels do not extend beyond the suitcase’s shell, as companies like Ryanair may deny entry of oversized luggage.
Efficient Packing Strategies for Your Carry-On
After selecting your suitcase, it’s time to get organized. Julie Catard suggests beginning with a packing list, laying out all intended items on a bed or flat surface. This method helps visualize your belongings and eliminates unnecessary duplicates. “Start with the largest items,” she advises, mentioning shoes, pants, and dresses as primary examples. For packing technique, she advocates for the vertical method popularized by Marie Kondo, which involves rolling clothes instead of stacking them. This technique not only conserves space but also allows a comprehensive view of all packed items.
Using fabric pouches can effectively compartmentalize your suitcase: one for underwear, another for nightwear, and a third for daily outfits. To keep shoes from soiling other items, pack each shoe in a separate pouch. “You can even use the insides of your shoes to stash socks or a swimsuit,” recommends Julie Catard, emphasizing the importance of utilizing every inch. Bulky items like hair dryers should be left behind. For toiletries, travel-sized kits are a smart choice; opt for small containers available at pharmacies or supermarkets. Finally, to avoid the hassle of searching through your suitcase, use any remaining space for essential items like phone chargers, medications, and small accessories. The key takeaway from the expert? “Avoid overstuffing. Leaving a little extra space allows for a stress-free addition of souvenirs on your return journey.”