The Best Carry-On Packing Method, According to Travel Pros

For some, packing with a carry-on for an entire trip can be pretty tricky. Not only is it hard to decide what to bring and what to leave behind, but actually fitting it all perfectly into the luggage is truly an art in itself. Some people make the mistake of packing with a method that actually takes away space in their carry-on, and they don't realize that they could still have room for way more items.

As someone who travels often on a budget, packing with just a carry-on is always the way to go. I've traveled to over 40 countries, have lived out of a suitcase for an entire year on a Broadway tour, and I've even lived in 50-square-foot cabins on a cruise ship as an entertainer onboard. I know how to minimize what I need, which definitely helps me in the process of fitting everything in my carry-on. I've recently learned, however, that I can actually fit quite a few more items in my carry-on than I have been. So, for people who have a hard time leaving behind that extra pair of shoes or that second dinner outfit, you'll want to listen up.

Related: I'm a Carry-On Only Traveler—the 3-3-3 Method Changed the Way I Pack

How To Do The Tetris Method

I've tried all different ways of packing: folding my clothes as thin as possible and layering them on top of each other, rolling each piece and packing them in like sardines, and using packing cubes to organize all of the clothing. While each of these methods work really well, only one of them has been successful for me when also trying to fit in extra accessories, beauty supplies, shoes and toiletries. This method is using packing cubes, and packing strategically with a game of Tetris.

If you've never played Tetris, it's a game where different shapes fall from the sky and you have to move them to fit perfectly with the pieces on the ground. It's basically a puzzle, and it takes critical thinking and creativity. The same can be done with packing–but it's best done with packing cubes. First, I highly recommend getting yourself a pack of compression packing cubes. This squeezes excess air out of the cubes, and can sometimes double the storage in your suitcase. Most sets of packing cubes come with a variety of shapes and sizes, which is ideal for your game of packing Tetris.

Before you place your clothes in the packing cubes, you're going to lay out the cubes in your suitcase to see which sizes of the packing cubes fit well with each other. This may take a little bit of time, but trust me, it's worth it. Don't be afraid to use smaller-sized cubes that can fit in a tiny extra space–you want to use every square inch! After that, pack your clothing into the cubes and place them back into your suitcase how you planned. This will not only keep everything organized, but you'll also end up being able to fit way more into each side of the carry-on.

Related:  The Genius Carry-on Packing Trick I Wish I Knew Sooner

How Should I Pack Things That Aren't Clothes?

Packing accessories, beauty supplies, toiletries and shoes is where a lot of people go wrong with packing Tetris. What I've learned is that these products are actually smaller than they seem, and can squeeze into tiny spaces that aren't used in the suitcase. For example. I've placed my straightener and hairbrush on the top of my packing cubes, and while it fit well, it wasn't the best choice. I can actually slide the straightener and brush down the sides of the suitcase, which compresses the packing cubes even more, and it's almost like the items didn't even take up any extra space. When I do that, I'm able to fit an extra pair of shoes on top of the cubes where the hair supplies originally were. In the same vein, some pairs of shoes (like ballet flats) are very thin, and can be slid discreetly in between packing cubes as well.

Related: Martha Stewart Reveals Her Chic Travel Routine

Another suggestion is to utilize one of the packing cubes for your toiletries, and include that in your original Tetris plan. Those items are important, so don't think of them as an afterthought. Again, you want to take up every square inch of that packing cube, so pick a small size and work your way up from there if needed. Once everything that you absolutely need is packed into your carry-on, this is when you can have a little bit of extra Tetris fun. For items that aren't a necessity but you'd still like to bring, see if you can Tetris them into any small spots around the suitcase. Get creative (can they fit inside a pair of sneakers, can they lay flat underneath the packing cubes?) and you'll fit a lot more than you thought!

Related: Away's 'Classy' New Carry-On Collection Comes in Four 'Gorgeous' Colors That Are Perfect for Fall

This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.