12 Travel Organizers That Save Space in a Carry-on

There’s nothing quite like that “Can I fit all of this in a carry-on bag?” conundrum to get my problem-solving skills going. Over the years, I’ve managed to pack a large number of items into a carry-on bag, and it’s a badge of honor I wear proudly. How do I do it? Well, it requires a combination of tried-and-true best packing practices—such as wearing your heavy or bulky items on the plane—and some of the best travel organizers to get the job done. I’ve packed for everything from a ski trip to Vail, Colorado, to a two-week trip through Italy with just a carry-on (I even managed to fit eight of my favorite dresses for my Italian jaunt thanks to my trusty packing cubes!).

With the right products, you too can forget the stress of checking a bag and wondering if it will arrive in time. From space-saving packing cubes to a compression garment bag, these are some of the products I rely on to remain #TeamCarryOn.

Best Carry-on Hacks

Packing Cubes

One of my biggest travel regrets is that I didn’t try packing cubes sooner. For me, the Calpak 5-piece Packing Cube Set has truly delivered the solution with a set of four packing cubes and a water-resistant pouch for storage. The top portion is a breathable mesh that makes it easy to identify what you’ve packed without having to open anything to sort through it, and you can even label each cube based on attire. Alternatively, this Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set over at Amazon has even more cubes at just a fraction of the cost. It has more than 31,800 five-star ratings and includes a laundry pouch and shoe bag. If you’re traveling with little ones, State Bags makes kid-friendly packing cubes with handles.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

This squishable, waterproof Calpak Toiletry Bag has a durable, lightweight polyester material that makes it easy to lay items on top of while packing. At the same time, it’s still large enough to store makeup products, with a few pockets to stash those random beauty and toiletry items that you may be scrambling to find a spot for in the final hour of packing. As a bonus, it comes in a range of bright colors like bubblegum that are just plain fun and an instant mood booster. Amazon offers a durable alternative with this Nishel Toiletry Bag for $15. Transparent pockets and a soft exterior that allows it to lie flat are just a few of its perks.

Roll Packing Organizer

The Osprey Ultralight Roll Packing Organizer, another hanging kit, is a helpful packing accessory if you’re looking to keep anything from your toiletries to a first-aid kit in one location. It’s rollable too, allowing for more space in your carry-on bag. The organizational pockets are large enough to store random knick-knacks during last-minute packing, and a hanging clip loop makes it easy to find a home for it wherever you’re checking in during travel. 

Foldable Tote Bag

What’s the perfect complement to carry-on luggage? A spacious purse for all of the items that didn’t fit in your larger bag—but one that you can easily pack away in your luggage when not in use. My State Graham tote accomplishes all of this and more, with a lightweight, smooth recycled fabric that helps me breeze through airports without being weighed down. Best of all, it’s so large that I’m able to fit my laptop, makeup bag, and even a packing cube with clothing. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Amazon has you covered with this ETidy Foldable Tote Bag. The 2-in-1 design allows the larger tote to be folded into a smaller bag, making it convenient to carry and save space.  

Tech Organizer Case

Tangled cords and bulky chargers, be gone. My go-to, the sleek The Tech Case by Away, offers compartments to efficiently store your chargers in two different sizes. I can easily store travel adapters, earbuds, and random chargers in its sectioned compartments. At Amazon, FYY makes a handy, water-resistant tech organizer case that comes in a number of colors for $9.

Travel Shoe Bag

Say goodbye to trying to contort your shoes between clothes in your luggage with this waterproof shoe organizer. The bag can carry up to three pairs of shoes and includes a carry handle. I also opt to pack foldable shoes whenever I can, with my favorite slides and foldable flats from Vivaia, or, check out these similar foldable shoes from Amazon for $25. 

Pill Organizer

I used to make the mistake of choosing which vitamins to pack based on the size of the bottle. It was a simple problem to fix, and this three-pack pill organizer from Meacolia was the answer. A double lock ensures that pills don’t fall out of your bag, and two of its eight compartments can house larger pills.

Lightweight Travel Neck Pillow

A travel pillow can make long flights much more comfortable, but the right one can also save real estate in a bag. To maximize carry-on space, take a look at this genius, stuffable travel pillow that can hold up to an extra three days’ worth of clothes (without checking a bag). Or, this versatile, lightweight neck pillow from Trtl is much less bulky than your average option but still provides support by keeping your neck upright while padding it. The super soft fleece material and cushioning provide ultimate comfort, and it can be attached to your luggage. Plus, it’s machine washable, making it easy to clean between trips, too.

Wrinkle-free Compression Travel Garment Bag

I can avoid calling reception for an iron with this wrinkle-free compression garment bag from Eagle Creek. This clothes organizer can hold up to 12 items with compression wings to keep everything tightly secured. Packing folders allow you to lay ironed clothing in stacks, preventing wrinkles during transit. 

Leakproof Toiletry Bottles

Though travel-size toiletry holders are not exactly new, this set from Mrsdry is a favorite because of its leakproof build. The squeezable silicone also makes my favorite conditioners and lotions easy to get out. These silicone bottles are BPA-free and easy to clean with a wide mouth opening. A range of colors helps differentiate between liquids. 

Collapsible Travel To-go Cup

If you never leave home without your refillable cup, consider this collapsible option from Stojo that even comes with a straw. For travelers on the go, shrinking the cup to just two inches can save space in your bag for other items. Separable parts include a heat sleeve, lid, collar, tab, straw, and cup. Best of all, it’s made from platinum food-grade silicone.

Laundry Detergent Sheets

Part of what makes believing in the power of carry-on packing only for longer trips difficult is the challenge of having clean clothes. Fortunately, these detergent sheets from Kind Laundry will allow you to revisit outfits instead of packing more, as well as avoid steep hotel dry cleaning fees. Free of parabens and harsh chemicals, the plant-powered sheets are easy to tuck into carry-ons and stay fresh while traveling. 

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