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Stuff your shoes
If, like me, you are determined to go carry-on only, you need to learn how to maximize your available space. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to stuff small items into your shoes. Jewellery, underwear, some electronics and bikinis are just some easy options. Beware of overfilling, however. Best to load up the foot of a pair of knee-high boots, for example, but leave the upper portion flat.
Roll and fold
Whether to roll or fold is one of the great debates among frequent flyers. Do a bit of both, I say. (And I am not the only one.) I find rolling works for most items of clothing, the exceptions being large, bulky ones. Sweaters, towels and sweatshirts take up less space when folded and laid on top on everything else. This way they also act as a cover, helping to keep things contained if you need to open your bag at the airport.
Use every nook and cranny
Whatever small things you didn’t fit into your footwear should be saved until all the rolled items are in place. Squeeze socks, underwear and bras into the corners. Weave belts through the gaps and wedge hairbrushes into odd-space holes. You’ll be surprised how much more you can get in this way. Or you might think, “Forget this. I’ll just pay $30 for a checked bag.” To each their own.
Zip it
If you’re still not managing to fit everything in (and all of it is truly essential) one more trick is worth trying. Zip up your suitcase, press it down and let it sit for a little bit. Then unzip it part way and shove any remaining bits and bobs in. Note: When you open it again stuff is likely going to fall out, so if you get pulled over for secondary security screening, everyone will hate you.
Buy space-saving bags
I am not a believer in packing cubes for saving space. For organizing things – yes. And sometimes that’s more important. But I find they take up more room, not less. So when I really need to fit a lot in, I use space-saving bags – essentially large zipper-seal bags you roll (and, I recommend, sit on) to get the air out. I’m still shocked at how much more this allows me to pack.