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How to Pack for a Week With Just a Carry-on

By December 21, 2019September 1st, 2022Bus Travel, Packing Tips

How to Pack for a Week With Just a Carry-On

If packing isn’t your strong point, then the idea of cramming everything you need for a week-long vacation into a single carry-on may seem ridiculous. But it can be done. In fact, it’s been done by millions of seasoned travelers many times over. If you want to enjoy the benefits of packing light, you can make it happen by using these helpful tips.

Create a Packing Checklist

If you love making lists, this tip is for you. And even if you don’t, you’re going to start to love them after realizing how much they help you pack more efficiently.

Before you even begin packing, make a list of all the essentials you know you’ll need. Start with your toiletries. Some of the basics include deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, a shaving razor, any skincare products you use, and any medications you take. Keep your toiletries minimal and only take what you absolutely need.

Next, move on to clothing. Think of the activities or events you have going on during the week and pack accordingly—don’t take anything extra. A list will help ensure you don’t just mindlessly throw anything into your carry-on and end up overpacking.

Wear Your Biggest and Heaviest Items

Save an incredible amount of room when you pack for a week with just a carry-on by leaving out your biggest and heaviest items. You’ll end up with plenty of extra space to pack lightweight clothing items, an extra pair of shoes, and anything else you need. If you are traveling during the colder months, wear your winter coat and boots instead of packing them. If you end up getting too warm on the ride to your destination, you can always take your coat off and swap your boots for slippers once you are situated in your seat. Don’t waste the small amount of space you have in your carry-on when you can wear the items that take up the most space.

Be Honest With Yourself About What You Really Need

A lot of people tend to bring too many shoes, which can take up even more room than clothes. Minimalist travelers only need one to three pairs of shoes at the most: a reliable, high-quality pair of shoes you wear when doing your walking; sneakers, which could double as the walking shoes; and dress shoes or heels depending on the nature of the trip. And when it comes to clothes, many people pack multiple outfits they never even end up wearing on the trip, so be sure to make appropriate choices from your closet.

Focus on _How_ to Pack

The hard part isn’t what to pack, it’s how to pack it to save space in your carry-on. One of the first things you can do is roll your clothes instead of folding them. This will instantly create more space in your suitcase. Another way to make more space is to pack your clothes into a packing cube to compartmentalize your carry-on and group items together.

A good travel tip is to put all of your heavy items at the bottom of your carry-on; this includes toiletry and cosmetic bags, shoes, and thicker clothing items. Small items like socks or phone and laptop chargers can be tucked into shoes or hats.

When it comes to toiletries and any other non-clothing items you are packing, make sure to get mini versions of everything: travel toothpaste, shampoos, mouthwash, and so on. Better yet, don’t bother packing these items at all and instead use the toiletries at your hotel. This will free up even more space in your carry-on as you won’t have to pack bulky toiletry bags. If there are certain cosmetic or toiletry items you can’t live without, hold off on packing those items and instead purchase them at a local store when you reach your destination.

Ready to Travel After Learning How to Pack for a Week With Just a Carry-on?

We’re sure you’re now feeling confident enough to pack light for your upcoming trip. So start making the rest of your travel plans by buying your bus ticket on BusTickets.com today!

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