How I pack for a 10-day trip with just a carry-on

I’ve got an upcoming trip on the horizon, and as I started thinking about packing, something clicked. I realized I wasn’t stressing, second-guessing, or overstuffing my bag like I used to.

Instead, I was naturally following a few simple rules I’ve built over time.

And that made me think: why not share them?

These are the habits that let me travel for 10 days with nothing more than a carry-on—and actually enjoy the process.

1. I start with a capsule wardrobe

Instead of tossing in random pieces, I build a small set of versatile items that mix and match easily.

For example, I’ll bring:

• 2 pairs of pants (one casual, one dressier)

• 1 pair of shorts or a skirt

• 4–5 tops that all work together

• 1 light sweater

• 1 jacket that goes with everything

The goal is simple: every item has to pull double duty. A top I wear with jeans during the day should also work tucked into a skirt at night.

2. I stick to one color palette

I’ve learned the hard way that packing a suitcase full of clothes that don’t match is a recipe for frustration.

So I pick one main color palette—usually neutrals like black, beige, or navy—and then add one or two accent colors. This way, everything pairs together, and I don’t waste space on “orphan” items that only go with one thing.

3. I use packing cubes (and roll, don’t fold)

I can't explain how much packing cubes keep me organized and calm!

I roll my clothes, tuck them neatly into cubes, and suddenly my carry-on feels like a well-designed closet. No digging around, no mess.

I can even separate outfits, gym clothes, and sleepwear so I always know where to look.

When I get to my hotel or Airbnb, I just slide the cubes into drawers and I’m settled in minutes.

4. I never pack more than three pairs of shoes

Shoes used to sabotage me. They’re bulky, they’re heavy, and I’d always pack too many.

Now I give myself a hard limit of three:

1. Sneakers for walking.

2. Flats or sandals for evenings.

3. One extra pair if I have a special event.

That’s it. No backups, no duplicates. I haven’t once regretted sticking to this rule.

5. I rely on travel-sized toiletries (and sometimes none at all)

The liquid rules at airports used to stress me out, but not anymore.

These days, I keep it simple. A solid shampoo bar, a small toothpaste, a few mini containers of skincare, and I’m set. Most places have shops or provide basics anyway, so there’s no need to haul full bottles.

A little planning saves me a lot of space.

6. I wear my bulkiest items on the plane

If I’m bringing boots, a heavy jacket, or a chunky sweater, I wear them while traveling. Planes are cold anyway, so it’s practical.

This one trick frees up space in my bag and guarantees everything fits overhead.

7. I pack for laundry, not for days

Here’s a shift that made a huge difference: I don’t pack 10 days’ worth of outfits. I pack about 6–7 and plan to do laundry once.

Sometimes it’s a quick hotel laundry service. Other times, I handwash a few things in the sink and let them dry overnight.

It’s simple, it’s efficient, and it means I only carry clothes I actually like wearing.

8. I keep electronics and essentials in one small bag

I’ve had those near-panic moments at airport security when I couldn’t find my passport or charger. Never again.

Now I keep all electronics—laptop, Kindle, chargers—in one slim pouch. Travel documents and medications go there too. That way, everything important is in one place and easy to grab.

9. I use a personal item wisely

Most airlines allow a personal item along with a carry-on, and I treat that bag like my in-flight survival kit.

I usually bring a roomy tote or backpack. Inside, I keep:

• Snacks

• Water bottle

• A scarf that doubles as a blanket

• Headphones

• A Kindle

Everything I’ll want during the flight is right there under the seat, so I never need to get up mid-flight to rummage in the overhead bin.

10. I embrace the mindset of “enough”

This last one is less about what’s in my suitcase and more about what’s in my head.

In the past, I packed from a place of anxiety: What if I need this? What if something goes wrong? Now I remind myself that most of those “what ifs” never happen.

I pack knowing that I’ll rewear clothes, I can buy something if I really need it, and the real point of travel isn’t about having endless outfit choices—it’s about the experiences I’m going to have.

Final thoughts

Packing light isn’t about deprivation. It’s about freeing yourself from excess so you can actually enjoy the journey.

As I get ready for this upcoming trip, I know that these rules will carry me through comfortably, without the weight of “just in case” items holding me back.

If you usually overpack, I’d encourage you to try these strategies on your next trip. You might be surprised at how little you really need—and how much easier travel feels when you’re not dragging extra baggage along for the ride.