My 1 tip to make accessing everything in your carry-on so much easier is to load things in vertically instead of horizontally. So, rather than loading from bottom to top and having to remove layers to access what's below, lay your bag on its side to begin with and load things in next to each other so that when you stand the bag back up, the ends of every item in the bag are visible and easy to grab.

When the universe aligns and I am able to fold a fitted sheet, possibly I will be able to travel with only a personal item - well done!

Getting all that into that tote was impressive! I like that you're not using any crazy "technical" or expensive gear for this.

Something I found helpful is rolling and packing clothes in 1 and 2 gallon zip lock bags. I squeeze all the air out and seal. It shrinks the volume, and if the bag tips or anything it all stays together ❤

The large scarf is a super key piece - I agree! Learned that the hard way the first & only time I broke my "carry-on only" rule. Bag went missing and I then had to spend the next week repurposing the scarf as a dress, a skirt, a top, a wrap, a headdress, a blanket, and even as a spare bag!

My cousin described my mom as looking like a bunch of grapes carrying all her luggage, so I understand the motivation to pack light!

My husband and I hiked the Camino de Santigao about 5 years ago. THAT"S a huge eyeopener about how much you don't need to haul around. One of the best things I did was buy a travel clothesline.I washed our clothes and we lived super light.

A tip I have for travelling is to keep any old or worn underwear stored away until you have a trip and then when away, wear them and throw them in the bin once worn. This saves on smelly washing in your bag 😊

This entire video was life changing. I’m going to take baby steps and pack lightly in a carryon first 😂 thanks boo for sharing

Nice! I exclusively travel with a personal item. I have a rolling suitcase in the maximum sized allowed for a personal item, 18 x 14 x 8 inches. It comes in so clutch! The square shape makes it extra roomy and the fact that it rolls definitely saves my back! One hack for an extra long trip to Europe: I bought a cute H&M coat for $1 from Salvation Army, and I cut the inside lining and filled it snacks and other items for my flight. This left room in my personal item suitcase for cute clothes and shoes.

I am SOOOOOOO impressed! You have NAILED packing light! I have been honing my packing skills for years but still have much to learn and, after watching this video, I feel I may have found the woman who has MASTERED the art of packing light! I will be saving this video in my Favorites! Hats off to you, Carla!!!

You're my kindred spirit. I traveled all 7 continents with a 19L backpack (yes, even Antarctica), which most will not even consider a proper day bag. It's the only way I travel because checked bags feel like a small child. Too much responsibility! Love it, love it, love it! And love your channel!

I looked at everything layed out & thought, NO WAY. I know I always over pack. Half the things I don't even use! Thanks for the great tips, I look forward to using them!!! Have a great trip!

This is the way I've always traveled. I was reluctant to tell people because they would think I'm crazy. But it works!

Wonderful wizardry. Made me remember when I brought just a small toilet bag to a long weekend motorcycle trip: There was room for shorts, two blouses, two singlets that could double as mini skirts with a blouse for a nicer, evening look, a pair of tights for cooler weather, a pair of pretty sandals, underwear, a microfiber towel and toiletry. Didn't miss a thing and looked chic all the way.

Great packing video. My tip: use a backpack, they usually have a water bottle pocket. It leaves both hands free.

I can't tell you how impressed I am. I thought I'd seen minimalist packing videos but NOTHING compares to this. While I can't ever see this being me, you have certainly provided plenty of inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing.

really impressed! I usually travel with only the carry on, but this new personal item rule totally is a game changer and this video really inspired me ♡ I would be interested to see the "travel capsule" you created in action, i.e. if you could show the outfits you could create? I always feel I don't have practical clothes that fold down this small and still look nice, so am always looking g for inspiration.

I use the same bag when I travel. It always looks chic and blends in well when in Europe and I still learned something new. Thanks for sharing!

I travel exactly like this as well but just with a back pack and foldable purse inside. When running through airports for flight connections, it helps to distribute the weight on my back between shoulder blades.

Some additional ideas: 1. Pack light weight fabrics such as athletic wear and clothes that are anti microbial. 2. Take the eco laundry paper to throw into the local laundry mat washer.

Ultra-light nylon shopping bags are my organization go-to when packing this light. Leaving room in each bag still allows for squishing things into every nook and cranny, and they're great for separating out dirty laundry, carrying snacks, or bringing home souvenirs you can't resist. I like the ones with straps long enough to carry on your shoulder because they leave hands free and can be tied off to keep belongings in and others' hands out.

This is awesome. I love one-bag travel, and especially seeing someone pack without fancy travel cubes or pouches. Zip-lock bags and plastic grocery bags for the win!

Your best tip was ' don't DELUDE yourself'. That should be my/our mantra. Fyi, for undies I use 'a pair and a spare' system. Wear one pair of nylon panties, pack a pair. Wash in sink or while showering on alternate days. OR use pantiliners. FOr bra, I use a combination bra/camisole. Works as top, too. I wear it on departure days plus other activities. (size 42C) Also, I wear bikini bottoms on departure days (instead of nulon panties) and tankini top as a top when swimming or with other outfits. The shawl/scarf does quadruple duty - as does a bandana. Bandana can be sleep mask or scarf and more! EXCELLENT video. tfs

OMG, you are the Queen of packing!! You are so right, we really do not need that much on our trips or daily lives. Loved the video!!

The tip about utilizing a hip bag to stretch personal item travel was really helpful! I'd even call it a hack, lol! My best tip for personal item travel is to choose items that you LOVE to wear. That way you'll feel more stoked to wear them multiple times on your trip. I'm packing for 2 weeks in Greece, and I'm only brining 9 items of clothing (including a bathing suit) and 2 pairs of shoes. I plan to handwash and air dry some things, but the key is they're light fabrics that are easy to launder by hand and will dry overnight.

I’m similar to you, so traumatized from traveling with my parents who carry a lot of luggage and park far away from our terminal that we have to take the train with all that luggage. So now I travel with a backpack and a Crossbody bag and that’s it.

Minimalist’s minimalist here! My Mother used to brag that I could pack a postage stamp. My bag of choice is a Henri Bendel backpack with a matching wristlet. Keeping it simple saves so much time and money. Fantastic video. Thank you for showing people how it’s done.

I have the very same bag! Black large Le Pliage Longchamp. Worth every penny! Nice to see someone use it for carry all for a trip, quite impressive! The bag is so lightweight and although I don't carry a lot and like you have a small card purse etc I find it so useful for anything notepad for work, lunch, cardi or jacket and it doesn't feel heavy or cumbersome. Folds down into nothing but as I use it daily it's always unfolded. I love travel organisation, thanks for the vid.

Love this video! Awesome tips. Couple of things...that lipgloss should go in your 3-1-1 liquids bag, and your contacts and prescription meds should be in a 2nd clear quart bag as TSA allows a 2nd 'liquids bag' for medical items. I use that 2nd bag for meds, hand sanitizer, eye drops, and ointments, and have never had a problem. Subscribing to your channel now.

I'm really impressed! I wonder if one or two packing cubes would be helpful in saving space or at least not having all the clothes "loosely" in there.

If you tried to fly around Europe like that, you would have to change your makeup and toiletry organisation - liquids in zip lock, "dry" things in other bag. So your lipgloss, mascara, highlighter would have to be in zip lock (liquids) and you could move deodorant (if it's dry) into the other pouch to make space in zip lock for all the liquids.

My family packs this way whenever we travel by air and haven't checked a bag unless we're staying for a few months at a time. That bag is affordable too and is like one of those expandable nylon shopping bags, great advice, thanks! As more people start packing this way the airlines will devise some method to charge for it too.

I love that you referenced Tetris! I’m going to follow your lead next time I travel! I doubt I’d ever get everything in such a small bag, but you’ve shown that I can cut way back on stuff! Thank you, you rock!!

I used to pack my MacBook Air laptop. But I went smaller and got an IPad Mini. It does all I need. Plus my iPhone 13 Mini. My bag is a 21 litre Minaal Daily convertible backpack. It measures 43 x 32 x 16cm / 16.9 x 12.6 x 6.3in (fully packed), so counts as a personal item. Wear it like a shoulder bag, backpack, or carry it like a small suitcase. Plus a small crossbody sling bag. Travelling for months at a time between continents. Wash my clothes in the sink or shower, or drop them off at local laundries. Don’t need lots of clothes. Especially when my travels are in the tropics. Although I’m 72 now, I still carry my own light weight bag. No wheels…no frame, no telescopic handle. That is all added weight, possible breakage, and allows only one hand free. No hard sided wheelie luggage for me. Take care. 😃 🦎 👍🏼 ✈️ 🌴 🌴 🌴

I always bring flip-flops and wear them all the time at the place where I am staying: more hygienic for my feet, plus very convenient if I want to use a pool

Awesome! I thought I was a light packer with only a carryon and purse, but this is even better. For shoes, I use hotel shower caps (1/shoe); then can move them around better in my bag. Great video!

Yes ma’am! I love this! As I get older, this is how I’ve been packing too.

That was impressive! I have travelled quite a lot over the years, but I don't think I've ever managed to get so much stuff into one small carry-on bag! Great job, Carla.

Thanks Carla, I'm m really impressed at how much you fitted into your bag, I'll definitely be using these tips in the future 👍😎

I am terrified with the amount of checked bags that are being lost in airports. I have been watching so many videos on how to pack in a carry on, because I don't wanna lose my stuff 😫

Very good! I pack pretty much the same, except I use a small backpack since it is more comfortable to carry with the weight shifted to my hips with a hip belt. Also, ExOfficio underwear dries overnight so I only take 2. Big key to minimal packing is a little hand laundry every night (even taking into the shower to wash along with yourself) and making sure just about everything will dry overnight.

I do agree to packing light ESPECIALLY if you’re going to be gone for weeks or months. However I think investing in a good hiking backpack would be better. I plan to travel across Europe with a 40 L bag which is considered carry on by most international flights. I suggest it because your bag isn’t able to fit a padlock, you can’t fit a day bag inside it, it can’t compress smaller, it's not slash-proof, all the weight is on your one shoulder (thieves could easily snatch it off too) and the laptop has zero protection. I think this is a good video about only taking what you absolutely need, great job 😁👍🏽

👏 FANTASTIC! You are inspiring me to pack all inside one PERSONAL ITEM as you have done! THANK YOU!

Love this very minimalist packing! I'm going on a 3 week trip and I managed to pack a backpack weighing 4.4 kgs plus a tote bag weighing 1.5 kg. I'm still editing it some more, though. And this video gave me some more ideas.

This is one of the smartest things I’ve ever watched!! Loved it and I’m going to try it. Thanks!!

You are such an inspiration. I will be taking a trip and will apply some or all of your methods. You look relaxed, chic and by traveling so light you can blend in to your environment and culture seamlessly.

One time I packed a backpack. One for me and one for my son. Took a two week trip to GA and FL. My son will not do it any other way now. No rolling bags, just backpack and go. We love it! Once It sunk in that hotels have laundry, and you can always buy a suitcase if needed,. Why over pack? Not wearing half the stuff anyways. Thanks for your tips!

This is so impressive! Thank you for all the tips. I thought I was doing good with just a carryon but this takes it to a whole other level! I have a Le Pliage and used it as my personal item (with a checked bag). Never tried making it my only bag! I am inspired!!

I am amazed!! Well done getting all of your items in one small bag. That’s travel goals 🙌🏽 Enjoy your trip!

I learned packing light. I also wear THE same outfit to travel in all the time. It never fails. Toiletries are always small or sample sizes.

Wow! I travel all of the time for work/pleasure and I thought I was a great packer. You absolutely have me beat! I’m so inspired!

Excellent, that’s the way to do it! Especially nowadays. It’s a no-brainer. Stress-free. Walk-in & walk-off. Keep it simple. Comfortable. Thanks for sharing!

Damn. That was impressive. I'm going on a trip in a few months and this inspired me to pack much lighter than I planning. Thanks!

Awesome tips and perfect timing! My husband and I are planning to visit either France or England next year. You've changed my travel packing forever, including quick beach trips.

I travel a lot and always take way to much stuff with me 🤷‍♀️you have inspired me to travel lighter moving forward Thanks for sharing 💕

Wow wow 👌. I think packing summer light is very do-able! What I have trouble with is winter packing!!! So cold 🥶 extra layers needed!

I went to Cartagena for two weeks with only a carry-on suitcase and felt like someone should have made a documentary on my massive achievement😜 This is next level! So impressed, especially with you the minimal makeup you need to be so gorgeous! I always fly with my personal item - usually a big Winners bag stuffed to the gills - AND a big purse. No one has stopped me yet and I fly a lot!

Oh my Goodness, i’m already like that, at this time I don’t travel by plane. You did really good and I’m thankful there’s someone else that I can relate to concerning this stuff! ThankYou🦋🌷

You are amazing! I've done carry on only to Europe but it was always bag + personal item. You've inspired me to try to pack really light for a wedding trip to upstate NY next month.

You are my hero! I have been on a mission to minimal pack, since only having a carryon and backpack for 2 weeks in Italy. I was so pleased with myself that I haven’t checked a bag since. Now, to only bringing a personal item… I am inspired! Big Thanks!!!

This is some seriously smart planning and packing. Wearing your bulkiest items is a game-changer, as well as being real with your habits, what you usually end up wearing, basically what you really need. To sum it up, another awesome video, thanks Carla!

Love the way pack, so organized

Amazing, truly inspiring and obvious, I simply take too much and you're right we only need 20% of what we take! I'll try this next time.

Thanks for sharing your tips, Carla! I have a backpack that holds as much as a carryon and unzips like one. So, I can fit ALL of my personal items in there. I carry clothes for 7 days, no matter how many months my trip lasts. I hand wash my clothes once I’ve used them a couple of times, so there are always clean clothes to wear. And, yes, wearing solid colours is the best option! Most of the clothes and boots I take with me are items that donate before I return. So, I come back with even less personal items. Packing light makes it easier to travel between cities. However, sometimes if I’m going to see friends, I’ll also carry a checked bag filled only with items that friends request. Once I land, I leave that checked bag at a friend’s house, then on my return journey, I put rare books, photocopies of archival materials (I’m a researcher), and occasional items for family and friends back home. I don’t buy souvenirs, but if I have the checked bag, I do carry people’s favorite things: teas, coffees, chocolates, and other consumables. I love to see them enjoy items they love and don’t have regular access to. Enjoy your trip, Carla!

I am doing my first trip with personal item only!! Woohoo!! Your minimalist tips are helpful! I am going to try the belt bag!!

Now THIS is minimalistic packing! AND she brought all the essentials. Wow! Just Wow!

I've watched many pack light for travel videos and YOU are the ONLY ONE that truly pack light...... this is inspiring....... also love the hat!

Wow. That was amazing how you were able to pack everything you need for a week long trip in that one bag. Hats off to you! At the very least, I will try to downsize the next time I travel. Currently I take more than that for a weekend getaway. 🙂. Looking at how you packed and the explanation of why you are packing each item will make me question myself as I tend to overpack.

I carry an identical Longchamps bag as my personal item. I always travel with only a carry on- Often for 6 -8 weeks but once for 6 months. But you’ve really got me thinking. Maybe I could do better. I’m definitely going to try.

Probably one of the best minimalist packing videos that I've seen. Thank you. This has been very helpful x

This is HUGE!! Thanks for the timely & cost effective tips. Will make an real effort to follow this!

Genius! Omg! Thanks for all the great packing hacks. I have a trip scheduled for Dallas in June and I am definitely following a couple of these great tips. ❤🙌

I love packing like this. Solo or road trips it works great. With my 5 year old I take a tote bag with his needs. He's special needs so snacks specific to him and other needs are required. But still very light packing. It's a great feeling since I've always overpacked. A trip to visit a friend in Arizona last fall was my first test and it went great! You are extremely relatable btw

Brilliant. So inspired by this. I ALWAYS take too much stuff when I go away. Will do better next time thanks to this video

This video is fabulous, a game changer for me. I really want to put this in practice for my next trip. I tend to over pack my suitcase and never use 80% of the stuff I carry. Thank you.

It’s like Mary Poppins with a magic bag! I try to do this every time I travel... but always end up with a carry-on along with my shoulder bag. 👏 you are skilled! 👍

wow you can fit so much in that bag! so awesome. enjoy your trip! 😊

That is insane how you fit all of that in that bag. Amazing!!

I am absolutely IMPRESSED! I have this same bag for years and knew it fit a lot, but you just opened a whole new world of ideas. Thank you for sharing this !! Im going to try it the next time i travel 🤩🥳

Love this! I stopped checking bags years ago - even when a checked bag is included in the flight price. I like to just get off the flight and go, no waiting around. I would need more than a couple of tops for a week but would compromise and not take the sweats!

Inspiring, thanks! : - D Loved seeing you pack 7 pairs of undies, even when traveling so light. I do that too, and it's so worth it to spend less time thinking about hand wash drying times or access to laundry services while on the road!

Thank you so much for this video. I handle to travel to the Netherlands for 10 days just with my small carry on and my bag. I did not pay for a suitcase . It is amazing how much stuff you can fit in the bag. Thank you for your video again it’s very helpful 😀

OMG... You are my packing packing hero. The best I've ever seen. I doubt I'll ever be a light packer but I'm totally impressed. Also I just remembered that I purchased that exact bag 6 yes ago and need to pull it out and begin using it.

Wow, I usually just travel with a carry on, but that was ever more minimal. Very impressive. It's sometimes tricky going to a cold place, but I totally agree, less is more. Am headed to Canada from UK soon, and will definitely try some of your tricks! Thanks for a great video, hello from Cornwall

Wow! That’s impressive. You’ve motivated me to pack lighter.

That was a fantastic demo. I couldn't believe you got everything in there. I'm going to try it on next trip. Thanks!

WOW!!!!!!!!! I'm soooo impressed!

I listened to you (two weeks ago) and bought a large Le Pliage with the long handles. Hard to choose colour so went with classic black. It arrived today and it’s fantastic. I’ve been on the fence for years about this bag but when I saw what you could fit into it, it blew my mind lol. So thank you! I’ll try to do carry on only to Queensland soon, so we will see! Luggage has become such an issue lately that I don’t want to be at the mercy of lost or delayed luggage!

Great job!!! Giving me some ideas! I love to try and save on the number of items I’m carrying on flights! I thought I was doing something with only a personal and carry on item 🤣🤣

It's a great bag, I use it for weekends away and manage just fine.

I’m so impressed by how much you fit in there! Definitely inspired me to give this a go on my next trip 😊

Thanks, Carla! This video is so timely, as I'm going to travel next week. The airline I'm going on only allows a "personal item" as the free bag as well (it would be over $200 to take my carry-on round-trip, and I said no way to that lol). This will be my first time traveling with a personal item only, so this video helps alot! Keep the awesome content coming 😊❤

Nice! I usually prefer to do a carry-on plus my purse/personal item. Checking in bags is the worst!

I enjoy these types of minimal packing video content. Always another suggestion for future trips...via car or plane! Thank you. 😁 I am a brand new subscriber. Yes to a big scarf...That is definitely a day to day staple for me, and for travel, too. If it's a solid color scarf/Pashmina/Turkish Towel, I coordinate it with solids and prints, if it's a print, that will pull together solid colors. 😁 Those Dailies/throw away contact lenses are amazing. No bringing all of that soaking/wetting and cleaning solutions.

That's fantastic! I've done 5-6 days with just a backpack and purse but this is another level! Two+ weeks with just one bag is my new goal!!

Love!! thanks for sharing

This is awesome!!! I already have a similar bag too!!! I love the "look" your four legged fur baby gave you. My baby has given me that same look so many times. Thank you for sharing this great video.

Really excellent job! Great tips that were all very practical. Thank you for sharing.

I LOVE this!!! I have been on a decluttering journey for years and everytime i peel another layer of that onion, it makes me feel lighter. This is such a good motivation!! I have traveled solo for a couple of times (for 2 weeks up to 5 months) and every time i pack less. One of my decluttering goals also is to be able to pack much easier next time i move. I have moved a lot and i have gotten way more intentional about my belongings/inventory and what i bring into the house. Oh i could go on and on about this 😁 Anyway, i love your channel, very relatable, very real 💗