14 Foolproof Hacks to Get More Space Out of Your Carry-on, According to a Travel Editor — Items Start at $6

I used to think that I was a "go with the flow" kind of traveler: arriving at the airport whenever I felt like it, throwing whatever I needed into my bag, checking a second suitcase if I couldn't get everything into my carry-on — the list goes on. It wasn't until I became a travel editor that I realized the error of my ways. Sure, I still never give myself enough time to get to the airport, but my packing game has improved tremendously thanks to the tips I've learned from my colleagues and industry experts along the way. 

Best Amazon Deals Overall 

• Rinlist Travel Backpack, $29 (originally $47) 
• Bagsmart Compression Packing Cube Set of 6, $22 with on-site coupon (originally $40) 
• Knild Magnetic Wireless 3-in-1 Apple Charger, $20 (originally $180) 
• Eachy Travel Makeup Bag, $21 (originally $35) 
• Meacolia Travel Pill Organizer 3 Pack, $8 (originally $13) 
• Bagsmart Electronics Organizer Travel Case, $13 (originally $22) 

Lucky for all of the overpackers out there (and anyone who is trying to avoid those pesky checked bag fees), the foolproof travel accessories and packing hacks that free up suitcase space are on sale for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, expert-approved items like packing cubes, travel bottles, and more are majorly marked down up to 57 percent. Keep scrolling to figure out how I've mastered the carry-on-only lifestyle and grab these must-have travel essentials while they're starting at $6.  

Rinlist Travel Backpack

First, you must have a reliable personal item bag. Something like this Rinlist Travel Backpack, which is nearly 40 percent off right now, will be the perfect catchall for those items that won't fit in your suitcase. In addition to its roomy main compartment, the backpack also has plenty of functional pockets and compartments throughout the backpack to keep everything organized and nearby. It even comes with two plastic pouches, which can be used for toiletries or those tiny must-haves that always get lost at the bottom of your bag. 

Bagsmart Small Belt Bag

If you're using your personal item bag for extra clothes and shoes, then you'll want this Bagsmart Belt Bag handy so you can have your wallet, ID, passport, boarding pass, etc. close by. Plus, the bungee cords on the front can hold stuff that you need to grab in a flash. In addition to freeing up space, it also allows you to navigate hands-free and it can be used as a purse when you're at your destination. The anti-theft zippers can help keep your valuables safe from pickpockets. 

TravelWise Packing Cube Set

If rolling your clothes never seems to work, experts recommend packing cubes to make the most of your carry-on room. And here, you get five cubes of varying sizes to ensure that everything you need has a secure spot in your suitcase, without adding bulk. The mesh construction helps compress the cubes to free up extra space, and you can fit an extra shirt or pair of pants on top of the packed cubes if you need to. 

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cube Set of 6

Sweater weather is upon us, and odds are you'll be packing hefty knits and jackets on your next trip. Instead of wearing your heaviest items on the plane or checking a bag to make that puffer or thick pair of sweats fit, these compression packing cubes can help you fit everything inside your suitcase. According to the brand, the six-piece set can free up to 60 percent of luggage space. 

Eachy Travel Makeup Bag

The sleeker the toiletry bag, the more space you'll have in your suitcase. That's why the Eachy Travel Makeup Bag is an Amazon best-seller; it's functionally spacious and strategically compact, ensuring that everything you need fits without taking away room from important essentials. What's more, it opens flat so you can see everything inside, which means that you won't have to dig for that lip balm or pour everything out on the bathroom counter when you're getting ready. 

Depoza 16-piece Travel Bottles Set

Take your toiletry packing up a notch with this on-sale travel bottle set, which comes with 16 leakproof containers to compactly store shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face cleanser, face moisturizer, and more. The set also comes with a clear zippered 1.9-inch by 5.1-inch by 7-inch pouch that fits everything — talk about efficiency. 

Mokura Hot Hair Tools Travel Bag With Heat-resistant Mat

Now, this is genius. Hair straighteners, curling irons, hair dryers, and their accessories always take up too much space in a suitcase. Instead of struggling to pack around them, opt for this top-rated organizer, which gives your hair tools a secure spot to hang out while you're en route to your destination. It even comes with a heat-resistant mat so you can get ready without worrying about damaging the counter. I'm a fan of it because it keeps the bathroom tidy, whether I'm home or away — no more tangled cords or crowded vanities! 

Bagsmart Electronics Organizer Travel Case

Speaking of tangled cords, this discounted tech organizer is a must-have for anyone traveling with multiple devices. The multipocket design has compartments, slots, and slips for just about everything you could imagine — cords, headphones, SIM cards, adapters, extra batteries, etc. — and it folds up flat, no matter how much is inside. 

Zcyxuuw 2-piece Wet Bag Set

This is about to be the most versatile item in your carry-on. Though it's intended to be used as a wet bag, it can easily double as a laundry bag for dirty clothes, an organizer for jewelry, a pouch for sunglasses or other small accessories, like underwear, socks, and bras, and a clutch bag. After you test it out, I'm sure you'll find even more uses for it. 

Meacolia Travel Pill Organizer 3 Pack 

Pill bottles take up way more space than I’m willing to sacrifice, which is why it's smart to travel with a sleek organizer that keeps your medicines and supplements secure as compactly as possible. I recommend this three-pack set to everyone because you can use each one for various items like jewelry, hair accessories, and more. You won't lose track of them because they come in three different colors. 

Knild Magnetic Wireless 3-in-1 Apple Charger

In addition to simplifying your packing strategy, this three-in-one Apple charger, which is on mega sale, will serve you well during every leg of your trip. It can charge an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and a pair of Apple AirPods at the same time, eliminating the need to pack (and tangle) three different cords or use three different outlets. Plus, it folds up to take up virtually zero space in your bag and it can be used anywhere. 

One Beat 2-pack European Travel Plug Adapter Set

Old-school adapters are bulky and can really only charge up to one or two devices at a time. Upgraded models like One Beat's European Travel Plug Adapters have three designated charging stations, plus two USB-C slots and one USB outlet, so you can charge six devices at once. The streamlined design is perfect for minimalist packers who don't have the luggage room to spare on cumbersome gadgets and tangle-prone cords. 

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

It only took me 30 years to realize that my laptop weighs me down when I travel. If you feel the same about your trusty computer, then this packing hack is for you: leave your laptop behind and bring a lightweight tablet instead. During Amazon October Prime Day, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) is a whopping 40 percent off and it has everything your laptop does — minus the bulk. 

Pro Outdoor Microfiber Bath Towel 

Nothing hogs up luggage space faster than a towel. Whether it's for the shower or the beach, it's a large accessory that takes away room for important must-haves. Next time, bring a compact microfiber towel instead: it's lightweight, super-absorbent, and multipurpose. Not to mention that ones like the on-sale Pro Outdoor Microfiber Bath Towel come with a compact carrying pouch that hardly takes up any space. 

More Amazon Suitcase Organizer and Travel Accessory Deals

• Veektomx Portable Charger With Built-in Cables, $22 (originally $30) 
• Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets, $10 (originally $16)
• Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 4, $10 (originally $22) 
• Cozy Essential 20-pack Vacuum Storage Bag Set, $20 (originally $30) 
• Fyy Travel Cable Organizer, $8 (originally $13) 
• Veken 8-set Packing Cubes, $14 with on-site coupon (originally $26) 
• Iniu Magsafe Portable Charger, $26 with on-site coupon (originally $30) 
• Travel Inspira Luggage Scale, $8 (originally $10)
• Packism Clear Toiletry Bag 3-pack, $12 (originally $16) 
• Redfly Travel Bottles, $6 (originally $10) 
• Bagsmart Toiletry Bag, $10 (originally $13) 
• Zero Grid RFID-blocking Passport Wallet, $16 (originally $25) 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.