How to Pack a Carry-On Suitcase

Delsey Chatelet suitcase // tie-front fleece top // white pants // Tory Burch sandals
solid gold monogram necklace

Good morning!! If you’re reading this right now, I’m on a plane heading towards somewhere tropical 😉 I love having trips planned that I’m really excited for, and for some reason I think it’s so fun to get organized and pack ahead of time. Today I’m sharing how I pack my carry-on suitcase for a beach trip. These are the hardest kinds of trips to pack for because you have to be a little more strategic about what’s in your carry-on. Several times, the airport has “lost” my checked baggage and it didn’t make it to my destination on time, so I’ve been stuck with just what I’ve packed in my carry-on for a night!


Obviously my suitcase doesn’t look as “neat” when it’s actually packed up, but here’s what I have packed in the left side:

– Extra underwear and a change of clothes
– Pajamas (I sleep in shorts and a tee so this doesn’t take up much room!)
– Comfortable shoes
– lightweight scarf (for the plane or whenever you’re cold)
– A bathing suit so you can head straight to the pool
Noise-cancelling headphones for the plane
– First Aid Beauty caffeine face wipes (I love these first thing in the morning or on long flights to help my skin wake up!)
– A zip-lock bag with some travel-sized essentials: contact solution, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF
– phone and computer chargers
– any travel documents or medication you need, as well as the physical address where you’re staying (you’ll need it to fill out customs forms!)

The right side of my suitcase has a zippered closure so I keep all my valuables in this side! If I’m traveling with a nice handbag, I’ll put underwear and socks inside to help it keep it’s shape. I also have a jewelry organizer with all my nice jewelry that I keep in this side. It has anti-tarnish lining so you can be confident your jewelry will stay in tip-top shape despite temperature changes!

I also always pack my computer in my carry-on (or purse) and the zippered compartment to the right is the perfect place for snacks. I went to Trader Joe’s and loaded up on Kind Bars, fruit rolls, and my favorite breakfast trail mix before this trip!

If you have any questions let me know in the comments! Stay tuned to snapchat to see where I’m headed today 🙂 xoxo

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58 Comments

  1. Nice post dear 😉

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    2.6.17Reply
  2. Such a cute post!!!

    https://lartoffashion.com/alone/

    2.6.17Reply
  3. This carry-on itself is so pretty, also love your gucci purse. Great tips.

    xo
    Pinksole

    2.6.17Reply
  4. Love everything about this- especially the shoes and the tote!!
    Corinne xx | http://corinnemelanie.com/blog

    2.6.17Reply
  5. These are perfect tips! I always pack an extra set of clothes in a carry on in case of lost luggage or delayed flights!

    By Lauren M

    2.6.17Reply
  6. Have so much fun wherever you're headed!

    2.6.17Reply
  7. Love the tip about keeping the shape of the handbag! And, it's a great use of storage and saving space.

    Ellen | A Pop of Pink

    2.6.17Reply
  8. I'll have to try your tips.

    2.6.17Reply
  9. Such great tips! And glad to hear I'm not the only that packs snacks!

    xx,
    Lauren
    FashionablyLo

    2.6.17Reply
  10. Ha – I literally have a Carry-on Essentials post scheduled for Wednesday. It's so important to be strategic when you pack your carry-on because it can make all the difference between a comfortable flight vs. a miserable flight!! Love your Delsey luggage! 🙂
    Charlie x
    https://thebarefootangel.wordpress.com

    2.6.17Reply
  11. Really smart information and well presented! Loved it and of course loved the bag, sandals, cover up…:) So ready to travel too!
    XO, Julie & Courtney
    https://www.soportlandish.com

    2.6.17Reply
  12. Hope you have a wonderful time! I always put some essentials in my carry on so I know we will be okay if anything happens to my luggage. My friend's luggage got lost when she went on holiday a few years ago and she had to go out and buy so many things to keep her going x

    LuxeStyle

    2.6.17Reply
  13. Such a helpful post! I always struggle with carry-on packing….and packing in general. Great tips Cait
    http://www.luellapearl.com

    2.6.17Reply
  14. Have so much fun! I suck at packing. Drooling over those sandals…

    2.6.17Reply
  15. I can't wait to see that pom pom cover up styled! Its so cute!

    Xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

    2.6.17Reply
  16. Can't wait to see where you are going!

    2.6.17Reply
  17. Hi Caitlin! I'd love to know, where is that adorable straw bag with the black pom-poms from in your first few photos? I'm already thinking of summer and it looks perfect!

    2.6.17Reply
  18. Thanks for the tips! Being organized with your carry-on is so important and helpful!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    2.6.17Reply
  19. Can't wait to see where you are headed! I'm all about snacks in my suitcase, also love that Gucci bag so much!
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

    2.6.17Reply
  20. This post is super helpful! I'm going to Florida in March and am trying to plan my packing as much as possible. I also have a fear of losing my baggage so making sure you have essentials in your carry on is smart!

    http://www.insearchofsheila.com

    2.6.17Reply
  21. Where is that cute white cover-up with the multi colored pom poms from? It's darling!

    2.6.17Reply
    • Hey Mary Katherine, it's from the brand SUNDRESS 🙂

      2.7.17Reply
  22. These are such good tips! I need to trade in my backpack for a more reliable carry-on 🙂 And those shoe inserts are genius!

    Katie | Willow and White

    2.6.17Reply
  23. Love this post! Great tips, Im always torn about to put in my carry on and I always feel like I stuff it with too much. This helps!

    xoxo,
    Stacie

    2.6.17Reply
  24. Looove your sandals! So fun and bright for the spring!

    Brooke du jour
    http://www.brookedujour.com

    2.6.17Reply
  25. Too cute! 😛

    Shall We Sasa

    2.6.17Reply
  26. Such good timing of this post! I have a business trip next week and I'm panicking on how to pack for it. Thanks for sharing!

    Erin
    Top Knots & Sweatpants

    2.6.17Reply
  27. Always love your travel tips!

    HashtagFabLife

    2.6.17Reply
  28. where are those adorable hot pink heels from in the background of some of the pictures??? SO adorable

    2.6.17Reply
  29. Great tips! Who makes those brown wedges?? So cute!

    2.6.17Reply
  30. I love those Tory sandals! Super cute!
    Kari
    http://sweetteasweetie.com/

    2.6.17Reply
  31. In the back of a few of the photos, there are a brown pair of "Gladiator" type sandals, Where are they from? THEY LOOK SO CUTE! Have a great vacation, I sure wish I was headed to a beach 🙂

    2.7.17Reply
    • Hey Sam! I think you're talking about the Tory Burch ones! They don't look like Tory do they?! They'r so cute!

      2.7.17Reply
  32. I always only pack a carry on too! I've never lost luggage, but I'm soo paranoid. I love the idea of bringing healthy snacks!

    Kim

    http://trendkeeper.me/ .. Bomber jackets & nyfw?!

    2.7.17Reply
  33. Hi! Obsessed with the white tunic with multicolored pompoms. Who makes it?

    2.7.17Reply
  34. Great packing tips! I totally agree, it's so important to pack your carry on just in case your suitcase doesn't arrive (nightmare!) That looks like a great carry on!
    Maria
    http://finastyleblog.com

    2.7.17Reply
  35. Great post. I love how you stick with the pom-poms. Have a great vacation.
    Greetings Katie

    madame-schsichi.blogspot.com

    2.7.17Reply
  36. Thank you heaps for ALL your tips and tricks. But, I couldn't help noticing that you put your sandals side-by-side! I thought that in an effort to save space, that you'd invert one of your sandals and lay it on top of the other sandal! Then lay them on their side against the side of your case! So that they a minimal profile and save space! That's what I do with my thongs/Flip Flops when I pack my bags when I visit my Families farm for the Christmas/New Years Holidays! Thank you heaps again! 🙂

    2.7.17Reply
    • Hey Jannet! I just took the photo of them side by side because it was cuter that way LOL! When I pack up my suitcase for real, I do the same thing that you do and invert them so that they fit better into the suitcase! Thanks for commenting! 🙂

      2.7.17Reply
  37. Great tips! I only take a carry on wherever I go. I have become an expert packer and these are great ideas!
    xoxo
    Samantha
    http://www.thenewyorkblonde.com

    2.7.17Reply
  38. This has nothing to do with travel – but have recently been recommended podcasts and I think you will love!

    First up, Accused (supposed to be similar to Up and Vanished) and then next is My Favorite Murder (supposed to be hilarious).

    Let me know if you get a chance to listen to either!

    xo

    2.7.17Reply
  39. Anonymous

    Kind bars are my go-to snack when on the go! Have you tried the mint chocolate one? SO GOOD. Also, what brand suitcase do you use? I'm in the market for some new luggage.
    http://www.wonderlandsam.com

    2.7.17Reply
  40. Great tips! I'll use these for my spring break trip!
    xo, Alexis
    https://cincinnatisass.com

    2.7.17Reply
  41. I wish I could pack everything in a carry-on but I'll never be able to do it like ever. I'm so jealous of anyone who travels with just a carry on.

    2.7.17Reply
  42. This came up at the perfect time since I'm traveling and going on a beach vacation in a month and still so clueless. Need to save this when I'm stuck on what to pack. Thanks so much!

    Jackie | fashionxfairytale |

    2.7.17Reply
  43. Love that you pack a trusted swimsuit in the carryon! Just went on a trip where they lost someone's luggage. I would be so sad with out a good swimsuit!
    Xoxo,
    Steph
    http://www.themixedpalette.com

    2.8.17Reply
  44. Hi there! Can you tell me where your wardrobe rack is from? I've never seen one in white before. Thanks!

    http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com

    2.8.17Reply
  45. Super helpful! Everything looks so neat haha.
    { Katie Actually }

    2.8.17Reply
  46. It's so hard to think of what all to pack when this bag could potentially be the only one you end up with. Thanks for sharing!

    2.9.17Reply
  47. Love this! And I just have to ask where the shelving unit is from that you are standing in front of!?

    2.10.17Reply
  48. Love this 🙂 Brilliant post! I'll be travelling with just hand luggage in a couple of days and now I'm really excited to pack.
    Lucy xoxo
    http://lucyannblog.blogspot.co.uk

    2.11.17Reply
  49. Great tips! Why have I never considered a travel jewelry case?! I always just use drawstring jewelry pouches, but yours is much more chic! Also, I have those Sam Edelman heels in nude, but now I want them in pink. Adorable (and I already know they're comfortable!)!

    http://www.kategetsdressed.com

    2.11.17Reply
  50. Hope you have an amazing trip! You're so organized!

    xoxo
    Sharan
    http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com

    2.13.17Reply
  51. I'd love to know if you've flown on United airlines with the carry on!! Worried about it fitting in overhead on their planes…

    2.16.17Reply
  52. I'd love to know if you've flown on United airlines with the carry on! worried about it fitting in the overhead on their planes…

    2.16.17Reply
  53. Kelley

    I know this is a very old post, but could you link the tote with the pompom? I think it was carried at Nordstrom ages ago, but still trying to find it. thanks

    10.3.21Reply