7 carry-on-only packing rules I wish someone had told me years ago

I'll never forget the moment I realized I'd been doing travel all wrong. It was 2018, and I was standing in an airport, watching checked bags go round and round on the carousel for what felt like an eternity.

Meanwhile, the guy who had been next to me—carrying nothing but a sleek backpack—had already cleared customs and was probably halfway to his hotel.

That's when it hit me: I'd been overcomplicating everything.

Since moving to Southeast Asia, I've become a bit obsessed with minimalism, not just in my living space but in how I travel. And after countless trips across the region—from the beaches of Da Nang to the mountains of northern Thailand—I've figured out what works and what doesn't when it comes to carry-on-only travel.

Today, I'm sharing the seven packing rules that completely transformed how I travel. These aren't just tips; they're hard-won lessons from someone who learned the messy way.

Let's dive in.

1. The "wear your bulkiest items" rule

Here's a rookie mistake I made for years: packing my heaviest shoes and jacket in my bag, then complaining about how heavy it was.

Obvious solution? Wear them on the plane.

I know, I know. It sounds almost too simple to mention. But you'd be surprised how many people don't do this. On every flight out of a cooler climate, I now wear my bulkiest shoes and heaviest jacket, even if I'm headed somewhere tropical.

Sure, I might sweat a bit in the airport, but the moment I board and stow that significantly lighter bag overhead, it's worth it. Plus, once I land, I can stuff the jacket into my bag or tie it around my waist.

This one trick alone probably saves me 2-3 pounds of weight in my carry-on.

2. The "one in, one out" philosophy

Living in Southeast Asia has taught me something valuable about possessions: we don't need nearly as much as we think we do.

I apply this same principle to packing.

Before every trip, I lay out everything I think I'll need. Then comes the hard part: for every item I want to add, something else has to come out. It's brutal but effective.

This forces me to really think about what I'll actually use versus what I'm packing "just in case." Spoiler alert: most of those "just in case" items never leave the bag.

The result? A lighter load and, surprisingly, less decision fatigue about what to wear each day.

3. The "roll, don't fold" technique (but with a twist)

Everyone talks about rolling clothes to save space, and yes, it works. But here's the twist I learned from a mate in Vietnam: roll your clothes inside out.

Why?

Because when you unpack them, they're already the right way around and somehow have fewer wrinkles. It's a small thing, but it's one of those details that makes life just a bit easier when you're living out of a bag.

I also use packing cubes now, which I resisted for years thinking they were unnecessary. I was wrong. They're game-changers, especially for keeping things organized in a carry-on where you can't just rifle through layers of clothes.

4. The "digital copies trump originals" rule

This one might seem obvious in 2025, but it's worth emphasizing: scan everything important.

Passport, travel insurance, credit cards, hotel confirmations—everything. I keep digital copies in my email and on my phone. Some people use apps for this, but I prefer just having PDFs I can access offline.

Having digital copies doesn't just provide peace of mind; it makes everything faster when you can quickly pull up confirmation numbers or documents.

5. The "liquids are your enemy" mindset

You probably don't need to pack toiletries.

I used to meticulously pack travel-sized versions of all my products, carefully arranging them in that ridiculous clear plastic bag. What a waste of time and space.

Now? I pack a toothbrush and maybe a small tube of toothpaste. That's it.

Everything else—shampoo, soap, even face wash—is available wherever you're going. And often cheaper than what you'd pay at home. This is especially true in Southeast Asia, where you can find quality products for a fraction of Western prices.

The exception? If you have specific skincare needs or prescription items. But even then, keep it minimal.

Dropping this rule alone freed up probably 20% of my carry-on space.

6. The "wear what you pack" reality check

Here's a question I now ask myself before every trip: "Would I wear this at home this week?"

If the answer is no, it doesn't go in the bag.

I used to pack clothes I never wore at home, thinking somehow I'd magically become a different person on vacation. That Hawaiian shirt I never touched? Those uncomfortable dress shoes "just in case" I needed to go somewhere fancy? All stayed home gathering dust.

Now I pack clothes I actually wear and feel comfortable in. This usually means 3-4 versatile tops, 2 pairs of pants, and enough underwear and socks for a week (I can always do laundry).

The result is a wardrobe I actually use and feel good in, rather than clothes that take up space and mental energy.

7. The "24-hour rule" for peace of mind

This is the one rule that's saved me the most stress.

Here it is: pack your bag 24 hours before you leave. 

Why? Because it gives you time to think about what you've packed without the pressure of an imminent departure. 

It also means you're not frantically stuffing things in your bag at the last minute, which inevitably leads to forgetting something important or overpacking.

The bottom line

Looking back at my early days of travel—lugging around massive suitcases, paying checked bag fees, waiting endlessly at carousels—I can't help but laugh.

Switching to carry-on-only travel hasn't just made me a more efficient packer. It's changed how I think about what I actually need, both on the road and in life.

If you're still checking bags on every trip, I'd encourage you to give carry-on-only travel a shot. Start with a short trip, apply these rules, and see how it feels.

You might just find, like I did, that less really is more.

Until next time.