Expert Tips To Fit A Week Of Vacation Clothes Into A Carry-On

14. The "Tetris Packing" System

Packing isn’t just about stuffing everything into your bag—it’s about using every available inch of space efficiently. Instead of simply rolling or folding your clothes, approach packing like a game of Tetris, where each piece fits together perfectly to maximize capacity and minimize wasted space. Start with your heaviest and flattest items—jeans, jackets, or structured garments should be placed at the bottom of your carry-on to create a solid foundation. These items provide stability and prevent your bag from becoming top-heavy. Next, roll up lighter, flexible fabrics like T-shirts, leggings, and pajamas to fill gaps between bulkier pieces. Rolled clothing takes up less space than folded pieces and helps reduce wrinkles. Shoes take up a surprising amount of space, so use the inside of your shoes as extra storage. Roll up socks, underwear, or even small accessories and tuck them inside to prevent wasted space. If you’re bringing a second pair of shoes, place them heel to toe to create a more compact shape before sliding them into the bottom of your suitcase.