How to Pack a Carry-On with Packing Cubes

Quick answer

Pack your carry-on luggage efficiently by rolling clothes into packing cubes and stacking them vertically inside your suitcase. This method maximizes space and keeps items organized.

Step-by-step packing process

1. 1. Lay out your clothing and sort by category: Group items into categories: tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, and accessories. This helps you decide how many cubes you need and prevents overpacking. Common mistake: packing without sorting first leads to wasted space and forgotten items.
2. 2. Roll each garment tightly: Fold sleeves inward, then roll from the bottom up. Rolling reduces wrinkles and creates compact cylinders that fit neatly inside cubes. Checkpoint: rolled items should be firm but not so tight that they stretch the fabric.
3. 3. Place rolled items into your packing cubes: Fill each cube to about 80% capacity. For the Roma Packing Cube, arrange items vertically so you can see everything when you open the cube. Common mistake: overfilling cubes makes them bulge and reduces space in your carry-on.
4. 4. Arrange cubes inside your carry-on vertically: Stand the cubes on their sides (like books on a shelf) inside the Seattle Carry-On. This allows you to access any cube without unpacking the entire suitcase. Checkpoint: cubes should fit snugly but not be forced—leave a small gap for last-minute items.
5. 5. Fill remaining gaps with soft items: Tuck shoes, a jacket, or a toiletry bag into any empty spaces around the cubes. This stabilizes the load and uses every inch of space. Common mistake: leaving large gaps causes items to shift during travel, leading to wrinkles and disorganization.

Products used in this guide

• Seattle Carry-On Luggage in Warm Dust, Smaller - 20.5 inch: The Seattle Carry-On Luggage is a smooth rolling carry-on suitcase under 21 inches that fits in overhead compartments. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for maximizing space with packing cubes, ensuring you stay within airline size limits.

  

• Roma Packing Cube in Warm Dust Air Mesh, Medium: The medium Roma Packing Cube in Warm Dust Air Mesh can be used as a backpack packing cube, toiletry packing cube, or makeup organizer. Its multi-purpose design reduces the number of separate bags you need, streamlining your packing process.