Pack Like a Pro in a Carry-On (My Exact Formula)

My exact method + the surprising math of minimalist packing

Welcome to The Summer Life Edit Challenge, an 8-week series from The Life Edit! Each week, I’ll share a simple prompt or quick win designed to help you live with more clarity, ease, and spaciousness this season.

This is a bonus post prompted by all the DMs asking about my upcoming Europe trip—specifically, HOW am I fitting three weeks into a tiny carry-on?! I'm sharing my exact packing formula that's saved me hundreds in baggage fees and honestly made traveling so much less stressful. Let's dive in…

Photography: Vivian Johnson

My Foolproof One-Week-in-a-Carry-On Formula

When I travel, I typically prioritize comfort but still like to feel put together. My summer outfit formula is basically:

• Jeans + a pretty top + sandals or sneakers

• Maxi-dress + sandals or sneakers

• Either option + trench + chic bag for evenings

Here's exactly what goes in my small carry-on for a week-long summer trip (I also made you a quickie packing video right here).

Oh, how I love pouches and cases!

*Note - for a longer trip you can just plan to sneak in some extra underwear and do laundry once a week.

The Essentials:

• My stocked toiletry case

• 1 set of comfy pajamas (or just sleep in a soft tee or cami)

• 2-3 pairs of shoes: comfortable sneakers, versatile flats, one dressier option

• 5 tops that all play nicely together

• 2 tank tops for layering (crucial for unpredictable weather)

• 3 pairs of bottoms (mix of jeans and lighter pants)

• 1 maxi dress that works for day exploring and dinner out

• 1 chambray shirt (the most versatile layering piece)

• 1 swimsuit (you never know!)

• 1 light layer—trench or denim jacket

• 1 workout set (leggings + top)

• One week of undergarments

• Cotton laundry bag

• Optional extras: mini travel umbrella, hair tool, travel steamer, flip-flops

In My Plane Tote:

• The basics: wallet, passport, headphones, laptop, phone

• The comfort items: hand cream, lip balm, good book

• The practical stuff: charging cords and adapters in a small pouch

• Sun hat (worn, not packed—saves space!)

• Jewelry (on my body, always)

• Rx Case (daily vitamins, meds and prescriptions)

• Stain remover (don’t leave home without it)

• Bonus bag (I tuck in a small crossbody bag to wear daily once I arrive)

A Handful of Minimalist Packing Tips

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane - Whether you need to bring a large sun hat or a warm parka, wear it on the plane to save real estate in your suitcase.

Ditch the hair tools - Try getting a blowout before a trip so you can leave your hair tools and styling products at home.

Skip the "what if" items - That formal dress for a dinner that might happen? Leave it. Pack only for plans you've actually made.

Choose a color palette - Stick to 2-3 colors that all work together so every item can mix and match with everything else.

Use compression packing cubes - These game-changers can shrink your clothes down to half their normal size while keeping everything organized.

Organize with pouches: I use these leather pouches to keep my smaller essentials organized in my travel tote. I’ve monogrammed mine (“tech” and “Rx Kit”) and keep one stocked with charging cords + adapters and the other with first aid essentials and a mini pharmacy so I can pack in minutes flat.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Minimalist Packing Method - Wild fact: If you only pack five tops, four bottoms, and three pairs of shoes, you can style 60 different outfit combinations. SIXTY! For your next trip, try the 5-4-3-2-1 method:

• 5 tops (think: 2 tees, 1 blouse, 1 sweater, 1 tank)

• 4 bottoms (maybe: jeans, shorts, skirt, dress pants)

• 3 shoes (sneakers, flats, one dressier pair)

• 2 layers (cardigan, jacket)

• 1 week of undergarments (adjust for trip length)

This is your foundation—then add the fun stuff like accessories, workout gear, and that "just in case" item you probably won't wear but makes you feel better.

My Top Summer Travel Wardrobe Staples

Chambray Button-Down

Versatile Maxi Dress

Breezy Summer Blouse

Comfy Walking Sneakers

Everyday Jeans

Timeless Trench

My Top 10 Minimalist Travel Essentials

• A Small Carry-On Suitcase

• Packing Cubes (compress and organize everything)

• Water-Resistant Toiletry Case

• Tech Case (for keeping chargers & adapters super accessible)

• Rx Case (perfect size for storing meds, vitamins, and first aid basics)

• Aluminum Pill Case (I know the price is wild but this is a one-and-done purchase - for life! - and it’s from a small family run company)

• Travel Capsules (compact, modular, and leakproof - for liquids and creams)

• A Mini Umbrella that stays intact during a gust of wind, and doesn't immediately break. Comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee!

• My Ride-or-Die Stain Remover (#1 travel essential)

• Top Rated Universal Travel Adapter

The best part about packing light? No more wrestling with heavy bags or paying baggage fees. Plus, when you have fewer options, getting dressed becomes an actual breeze—you know everything works together. Your future self (and your shoulders) will definitely thank you!

💬 READER PROMPT: What's your biggest packing challenge (or victory)? Let me know in the comments below.

My Minimalist Travel Toiletry Checklist

P.S. My new book LifeStyled is packed with practical tools and inspiration to help you streamline your space, schedule, and mindset all year long.

Supporting: With so many people’s rights under attack, I feel really good about supporting the ACLU. I’ve set up a monthly donation which helps defend the rights of all people nationwide. Info here for those who are interested.

Celebrating: A summer ice cream club! An ice cream club!

Reading: Finally digging into Miranda July’s hit All Fours - have you read it?

Making: Grilled summer corn salad. Recipe here.

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My Signature Online Course: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course

Curated Product Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs

I Wrote Some Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books

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