Reduce, Rewear, Relax
More Accessories
It's understandable to want a fresh daily style, even while you're away from home. In the wintertime, accessories like hats and scarves are the best choices for versatility while traveling. Opt for hats that can easily be folded, and wear multiple scarves in the airport to save room in your luggage for other important items. Load up on smaller accessories, such as necklaces and earrings, to have an abundance of different looks to choose from without crowding your carry-on.
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Compression Bags
If you realize there are pieces that you simply cannot leave behind, compression and vacuum bags are helpful packing tools. Compression bags let you pack more in a smaller space by literally compressing everything into tight, more manageable cubes. Some compression bags allow you to remove excess air by rolling it out. Vacuum bags work similarly, except they usually need a pump (or actual vacuum) to work. Since you'll be traveling, you'll do best to pack less, meaning ditching the pump for a convenient and space-saving compression bag.
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Replace Sweaters
We know you've waited all year to be able to sport your finest winter fashion, but if you planned on taking multiple sweaters out of town, reconsider your options. Instead of bringing bulky sweaters that can take up more space than they're worth in your bag, replace them with thinner, long-sleeved tops instead. Long-sleeved blouses and tops can be accessorized and layered, making them easy to style. If you can't go without a sweater or two, wear them (or wrap them around your shoulders or waist) on the plane. Don't pack them.
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Roll or Fold?
To roll or to fold? That is the question. The answer, surprisingly, is both. It's usually true that rolling clothes can save you space inside your bags, but with heftier tops and longer bottoms, rolling instead of folding will actually take up more room. As a rule of thumb, roll thin materials, such as long-sleeved T-shirts or underwear, and fold thick fabrics so they're flat, like sweaters. Use lengthy items, including pants and dresses, to bundle everything else by wrapping it around the other clothes (as seen here).
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Layer Before Security
Don't even think about stepping into the airport without wearing as much as you can. Before you go through the TSA security checkpoint, you should be fitted in your chunkiest clothes—think sweaters, denim and outerwear. If you feel cozy enough, keep the layers on after you've cleared security. If you'd like to shed some layers but don't want to exceed your carry-on allowance, simply ask a gift store cashier for a shopping bag, which won't count as a carry-on since you received it after you passed security.
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Carry Your Coat
Since you have to forgo bringing so many winter-friendly fabrics that help keep you nice and toasty, you'll probably need a jacket or coat to finish off most of your packed outfits. Since you'll be doing plenty of layering at the airport, adding a coat overtop could be a bit much. But you certainly don't have space to pack it, so what to do? Carry it! When passing through the TSA line, simply throw it in a bin. Carrying your coat onboard isn't a problem, either, since it doesn't count against your carry-on allowance.
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