Most of my packing advice revolves around not overpacking your suitcase.
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From choosing the right luggage to sticking to a minimalist approach to using tools like compression packing cubes, the list of space-saving tips is extensive.
That being said, there are times when you might want to know how to stuff your suitcase like a professional over-packer. There are a few times when I’ve opted to fill my carry-on to the brim rather than mail items home, purchase a second piece of luggage, or otherwise find a way to get my haul from Point A to Point B.
You might find yourself in a similar situation, too.
As someone who travels intercontinentally a few times a year, I often need to lug heavier pieces with me—such as bringing a winter coat from New York City to Spain, for example. Other times, I might be transporting something for a friend, like bringing an overcoat to a wedding. I’m also a pillow brat, meaning I’ve toted full-sized pillows with me on long-haul flights… in a carry-on.
Regardless of how practiced and dedicated you are to keeping your carry-on light and mobile (I’m proud of you), there are times when you’ll need to pack to the brim—without damaging your packed items or your suitcase. If that’s the case, here’s what you need to know about overpacking your carry-on.
How to overpack a carry-on bag without breaking things
Tip #1: Compression is your best friend
If you want, you can use compression packing cubes to save space in your carry-on—but, to be blunt, they won’t help you overpack. At most, compression packing cubes will save you an inch or so. If you want true power to overpack your carry-on bag, then go for a vacuum-seal bag.
And don’t worry about the vacuum seal part. While it’s great to have a handy little vacuum to make a plastic bag truly airtight, you can buy a self-sealing variety instead. Using a little elbow grease and flexibility, you can stuff these self-sealing bags to the brim, then watch them shrink down. Some are powerful enough to let you bring along a full-sized pillow.
Tip #2: Go with lightweight fabrics
Let’s assume self-sealing vacuum bags are out of the question—or maybe you’re limited to using one. In that case, pack lightweight fabrics, all the way down to your intimates. Not only are lightweight fabrics much easier to pack, but they’re also a lot easier to dry.
That means you can get away with packing fewer shirts, socks, underwear, and even pants/bottoms if you have a little travel soap with you.
Is doing laundry in your rental’s bathroom glamorous? No, but this is an article on the art of overpacking a carry-on—not keeping things chic on the road.
Tip #3: Fill your shoes
My last two tips are a bit old-school. The first is a reminder to fill your shoes with underwear and/or socks. (Just make sure they’re fresh.) That goes for hats, as well—stuffing them can actually help them keep their shape, in some cases.
The same is true for water bottles, assuming you’re packing one instead of toting it with you. If you like to bring that 1L Nalgene bottle with you, then here’s your reminder that it’s the perfect size to stuff in multiple pairs of socks.
Lastly, look for cavities inside your carry-on bag. If you’re using a rolling, hard-shell suitcase, then there are probably a few awkward-sized gaps near the wheels and handles. They’re the perfect spot to stuff in your socks and underwear for a little extra space.
Tip #4: Let gravity work for you
Speaking of having a hard-shell, rolling carry-on… if that describes your setup, then you can squeeze out a little more space by letting gravity do the work for you.
Here’s your reminder: you should be packing your heaviest gear near your rolling suitcase’s wheels, so that heavy items don’t crush lighter pieces at the bottom.
If you need to overpack a carry-on like a pro, then do the best packing job you can, then zip up your carry-on and set it right-side up. After around twenty minutes, your items will have adjusted and, ideally, sunken down a bit to give you some added room to overstuff your carry-on from the top.
