Pack like a pro: 14 must-haves to skip checking bags

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Packing light enough to rely solely on a carry-on isn't just cheaper; it's faster and simpler. And for anyone who leans minimalist, the right gear can make traveling with less feel effortless. It’s how my family travels, even on two-week trips (except when we’re hauling skis). A few smart, space-saving products help us stay organized, maximize every inch of our bags, and avoid overpacking from the start.

Here are 14 of my favorite items that make packing light — minimalist or not — completely doable and help you skip both the checked bags and the fees.

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I discovered packing cubes a few years ago, and they've truly been a game changer. Whether I'm going out of town for a night or a two-week vacation, they're my number-one must-have packing tool.

I've used many packing cubes over the years, and my favorite are the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes. They're incredibly inexpensive, hold up over the years, and come in multiple sizes. Each member of my family has their own set in a different color.

Get the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes at Amazon

If you're really pressed for space, opt for compression packing cubes instead. The BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes will let you fit even more into your carry-on bag.

If you're looking for a higher-end option, you can't go wrong with the EPICKA TripCozy Compression Packing Cubes. Their sturdy side walls make packing your clothes incredibly easy.

Get the BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes at Amazon

Get the EPICKA TripCozy Compression Packing Cubes at Amazon

You can take your packing to the next level with Space Saver Roll-Up Compression Packing Bags. These bags offer an airtight way to pack your clothes, and are extremely easy to use, with no extra contraption needed.

I'm personally a fan of these compression bags for larger items. I use them to get all my family's sweatshirts into one bag.

Get the Space Saver Compression Packing Bags at Amazon

For a longer trip, these Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags make it easy to fit everything into a carry-on. Just use the included hand pump to remove excess air, and you can save up to 80% more space in your luggage.

Get the Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags at Amazon

With its trolley-strap design, the Mossio Shoe Bag can slide right onto your luggage handle to save space within your suitcase.

This bag holder can hold up to three pairs of shoes or sandals, ensuring that dirty shoes don't touch your clean clothes.

Get the Mossio Shoe Bag at Amazon

Pack more efficiently with the Grand Fusion Stow-N-Go Portable Hanging Travel Shelves. This three-tiered shelf helps you organize your clothes before your trip and gives you easy access to everything once you arrive. No need to live out of your suitcase.

Plus, when packed, the shelves compress to save space and make room for more in your luggage.

Get the Grand Fusion Stow-N-Go Portable Hanging Travel Shelves at Amazon

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No need to take multiple large pill bottles with you. Instead, just take the ones you need — in an organized fashion. This 8-compartment travel pill organizer will consolidate all of your meds and fits into the palm of your hand.

Get the MEACOLIA 8-Compartment Travel Pill Organizer at Amazon

A collapsible water bottle has become one of my favorite travel finds. It’s also the one item people always ask about — and then rush to grab for themselves.

The leakproof 17-ounce HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle can collapse down to a mere 1.5-inch profile, ensuring it takes up hardly any space in your carry on.

Get the HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle at Amazon

If coffee is part of your morning or late-afternoon routine, you may want to bring an on-the-go mug. Fortunately, there's a solution other than the bulky mug that you typically use at home.

The STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup provides the perfect travel solution for both hot and cold drinks. Collapsing down to almost nothing, this silicone cup is incredibly compact, and also features a straw and a leakproof design.

Get the STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup at Amazon

Heading somewhere you’ll need a towel? Skip the bulky ones and go with a packable option instead. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is super compact, quick-drying, and comes with its own carrying bag.

We used these exact towels on our family trip to Croatia a few summers ago, where we spent most of our time on a catamaran. They were super absorbent and dried fast. (And yes, we managed the whole trip with just carry-ons!)

Get the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel at Amazon

Save space in your luggage by keeping all of your cables organized in one compact space. The FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch is a large organizer that comes in a variety of colors, and it's made from waterproof and shockproof material. It's also a helpful addition for the travel neat freak.

Get the FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch at Amazon

Put your large travel toiletry containers aside and pack just what you need. These leakproof silicon travel bottles are TSA-approved and let you bring your everyday essentials, such as shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, and even Advil, all in your carry-on luggage.

Get the 18-Pack of Travel Bottles for Toiletries at Amazon

Wash your clothes on the go — whether in the sink or bathtub — so you can pack less. The Enyur Laundry Sheets offers a liquid-free option with 32 individual sheets in a small plastic container.

Just pull out a sheet when you want to wash a few items, and the sheet will dissolve in either hot or cold water. These sheets can be used in a regular washing machine as well.

Get the Enyur Laundry Sheets at Amazon

One of the best ways to maximize your packing space — especially for the minimalist at heart — is with a travel backpack. The Osprey Daylite 44L Travel Pack is a great option, offering an ergonomic design, organization pockets, a laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, multiple grab handles, trolley handle pass through, and much more.

The Osprey also features a suitcase-style interior for easy packing, along with internal tie-down straps, and a mesh pocket.

Get the Osprey Daylite 44L Travel Pack at Amazon

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