I used to be the worst packer ever. I’d cram clothes in willy-nilly at the last minute, forget essentials, and routinely exceed airline weight limits. I learned the hard way on a flight from New York to Los Angeles one spring break, I ended up paying overweight fees and wearing wrinkled outfits for half the trip. The turning point came after I collaborated with luggage brands like Travelpro and Samsonite to test and review their suitcases.
Through that experience, I discovered professional packing strategies that changed everything. Now I pack smarter and lighter, and I’m here to share those tricks. For example, on my next 10-day NY–LA trip, I chose the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Spinner. It’s a lightweight, expandable carry-on that flight crews swear by. The Maxlite 5 weighs only 5.4 lbs and offers about 46 liters of space (case dimensions 21×14×9 inches, overall 23×14.5×9) plenty for a week and a half if you pack efficiently.
It easily meets U.S. carry-on size limits (most airlines allow ~22×14×9 including wheels) and has features like smooth spinner wheels, an ergonomic handle, and expandable zippers. In short, it’s a great choice for how to pack a suitcase to maximize space on a coast-to-coast trip. Below I’ll walk through a complete packing plan for a 10 days New York-LA journey, including a detailed packing list and step-by-step techniques. I’ll cover everything from rolling clothes and using packing cubes to placing shoes and toiletries for maximum space and organization. Along the way, I’ll share pro tips for business travelers, solo adventurers, and families so everyone can avoid my old mistakes. Let’s get started.
Choose the Right Suitcase:
First, pick luggage that fits your trip. For a 10-day domestic flight, I recommend a spacious carry-on or a checked mid-size suitcase. I chose a 21″ Travelpro Maxlite 5 spinner (carry-on size) because it’s lightweight, durable, and expandable. Many flight attendants prefer this bag thanks to its easy-maneuvering handle and well-organized interior. Here’s why this suitcase is a smart choice:
Lightweight & Durable: At just 5.4 lbs, it leaves more of the weight allowance for your stuff. The softside fabric resists abrasion, and the recyclable lining shows Travelpro’s attention to detail.
Expandable Design: A zipper lets you expand the case about 2 inches, adding extra space for souvenirs or bulky items.
Spinner Wheels & Ergonomic Handle: Four smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable telescoping handle make navigating airports (or crowded subways in NY) easy.
Ample Organization: It has multiple pockets and a tie-down compression panel inside, so you can pack efficiently without everything shifting.
Travel-Ready Size: Its 21×14×9″ case size fits most U.S. airlines’ carry-on rules. If needed, this kind of carry-on bag can sometimes even be checked, making it versatile.
Pro Tip for Business Travelers: If you have formal wear, consider a similar spinner with a suit pocket or garment folder. Otherwise, fold jackets inside-out in a plastic dry-cleaner bag to minimize wrinkles, and tuck dress shirts on top so they stay flat.
Even if you prefer a hard-shell, a 22″ hardside spinner (like Samsonite’s Omni PC) would work too. The key is getting sturdy, airline-approved luggage. With the Travelpro Maxlite 5, I get a carry-on that feels like a check-in bag (ample space) but still avoids checked-bag fees when possible.
Essential Packing List for 10 Days (NY to LA)
Before you pack, make a list of items you’ll need. Lay everything out and double-check the weather and activities in Los Angeles (sunny days, cooler evenings). For a typical 10-day LA trip I pack:
Clothing:
- 4–5 tops (t-shirts or blouses) – neutral colors for mixing and matching.
- 3 bottoms (jeans/khakis, one pair of dress pants or a skirt).
- 1–2 dresses or nicer outfits (for dinners or events).
- 1 lightweight sweater/jacket (evenings on the West Coast can be cooler).
- 1 set of sleepwear.
- Swimwear (if you might hit the hotel pool or beach).
Undergarments:
- 10 pairs of underwear, 5–6 pairs of socks (plan to do laundry if needed).
Pro Tip for Female Travelers: Pack a couple of multi-use items like a sarong that can double as a cover-up or scarf.
Shoes:
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (sneakers).
- 1 pair of dress shoes or sandals (for nicer outings).
- 1 pair of casual sandals/flip-flops (for downtime or pool).
Other Essantial Items:
- Toiletries (in TSA-approved containers if carried): travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, any makeup/skincare items (pack in zip-locks to prevent spills). Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule: containers ≤3.4 oz each, all in one quart-sized bag.
- Electronics: smartphone, laptop/tablet, chargers, headphones, power bank. (Pack cables in a cable organizer or small pouch.)
- Documents & Essentials: ID/passport, travel itinerary/tickets, credit cards, wallet, travel-size first-aid kit, any prescription meds, and a notebook pen. (Carry these in a personal item like a backpack or tote.)
- Miscellaneous: sunglasses, hat, belt, jewelry, a compact umbrella (LA can surprise with rain), snacks, and a reusable water bottle.
This covers the basics. Notice I didn’t list 10 outfits. Instead, I plan to mix and match and rewear basics. For a 10-day trip, I often do laundry mid-trip (at hotels or a laundromat), which lets me limit volumes.
Pro Tip for Family Travelers: In a family scenario, divide packing by person with separate packing cubes for each. Include kid essentials like diapers, wipes, and favorite snacks/toys. Label everyone’s cubes so you can easily identify clothes.
Step-by-Step Packing Process
Now let’s pack the suitcase step-by-step. The goal is to maximize space and protect your clothes. Follow these stages:
1. Plan and Lay Out Everything: Start by laying out all items on your bed or floor. Creating a packing checklist ensures you include what you need. I’ll make piles: clothing, shoes, toiletries, electronics, etc. This lets me see everything and avoid last-minute panic. I decide which tops go with which bottoms so I’m not bringing duplicate colors.
2. Pack Shoes and Bulky Items First: Place the heaviest items at the bottom (near the wheels) so the bag rolls easily without tipping. For example, I put my walking shoes and any toiletry kit (in a toiletry bag) on one side of the suitcase floor. I often stuff socks or underwear inside the shoes – this saves space and keeps the shoes’ shape. Fill each shoe with socks or small items, then tuck the shoes by the wheels (again for stability). In the gap between shoes (around the handles), I pack a long packing cube filled with socks and underwear, as suggested.
3. Roll or Fold Clothes and Use Packing Cubes: Tightly roll each clothing piece into a “log” and place them in the suitcase. Rolling saves space and minimizes wrinkles for most casual items. Arrange rolled items against each other so they hold each other in place. For structured or delicate items (like a dress shirt or blazer), I fold them flat and place them on top of the pile in the suitcase, or better yet, wear my bulkiest outfit on the plane to save room. Next, packing cubes go to work. I sort clothes into cubes by type or outfit (e.g., one cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for undergarments). I compress each cube as much as possible. (Zip cubes all the way and squish out air.) Then place cubes in the suitcase on top of or alongside the shoes. Even if cubes themselves don’t shrink items, they bundle clothing neatly so the bag stays tidy.
4. Fill All Gaps and Voids: With the main items in, now fill every empty space. Void-fill items might be small, but every gap counts. Stuff more socks, underwear, or even T-shirts into nooks. For example, any leftover space around cubes, shoes, or sides of the bag I fill with rolled T-shirts or underwear. This also protects fragile items (like electronics or toiletries) if you wrap them in clothing. Continue adding smaller things until there are no big gaps. If the bag has interior straps or compression panels, fasten them now to keep things from shifting.
5. Pack Toiletries and Loose Items: I pack toiletries on top (or in the exterior pocket if my bag has one) so they’re accessible but secure. All liquids go in a quart-sized zip-lock bag per TSA rules. Place this sealed bag on top of clothes, so if it leaks there’s a buffer layer of fabric. If checking the bag, you can leave it in your checked luggage (still zip-locked). Electrical chargers and tech accessories go in a separate pouch or in the carry-on (personal item) if desired. Priority items (like medications, travel documents) I keep in my personal bag, but if any must go in checked luggage, I pack them last on top of everything.
6. Handle Outerwear and Last-Minute Wear: If I have a jacket or heavier coat, I usually hang it or fold it on top of the packed contents. This prevents excessive wrinkling. Sometimes I’ll lay the jacket flat along the top, then use compression straps on the suitcase to tighten everything down. Heavier items towards the wheels, lighter ones on top, help stability. Finally, do a quick weight check: a digital luggage scale can save fees. A typical full carry-on might be ~30–35 lbs; if overweight, move non-essentials to your personal item or eliminate them.
Solo Traveler Tip: If you’re traveling solo, you can often get away with just a carry-on. Pack multi-use gear (like a smartphone for camera and music) and consider a backpack for day trips. You won’t need duplicate items for others, so focus only on your must-haves.
FAQ:
Pack lighter: 6 tops, 4 bottoms, 10 socks/underwear. Wear outfits twice, bring versatile clothing, and consider doing laundry once. Use the same space-saving methods
Use both. Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles, while cubes keep your bag organized. Combine them for best results.
Put shoes at the bottom for stability. Stuff them with socks or underwear. Wrap in bags to protect clothes or use a separate shoe compartment if available.
Follow TSA rules (liquids ≤3.4 oz in a clear quart bag). Wear bulky items during the flight. Pack heavy items at the bottom. Know your airline’s carry-on size limits. Use locks and tracking devices if checking a bag.
Plan smartly. Use a simple rule like 1 hat, 2 shoes, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 5 socks, 6 underwear. Bring versatile pieces, plan for laundry mid-trip, and compress with cubes or bags, fill every remaining space with clothes.
Roll clothes or bundle outfits, use packing cubes, place heavy items near the wheels, and fill gaps with small items like socks. Stack vertically so you can see everything and tighten suitcase straps at the end.