In my opinion the only way it can work is if you limit yourself to 2 pairs of shoes, wearing one (most bulky) and packing the other. For cooler weather, I wear boots and pack my sneakers. I also have travel sizes of skincare, keep my make-up limited (I get my eyelashes and eyebrows dyed prior to travel) and rely on hotels for shampoo, conditioner and a hairdryer.

Apologies for not reading through all the replies, so this may be redundant.

Some of the areas to concentrate on for me are toiletries. I find a couple of small makeup style bags to be better than a larger/bulkier toiletry organizer. Takes up a lot less space for me. Contact lens cases are great for decanting small amounts to. I put hair gel, face moisturizer, cold cream to remove makeup in those small containers.

I agree with those saying to limit shoes. I've traveled with just two shoes before. One to wear on a plane, one in the suitcase. Much easier if shoes are limited to fit other items. These days I am more likely to take 3 pairs of shoes. But the 3rd pair has to take up not too much space. Sometimes it's easier to get a pair of shoes in the suitcase separately instead of together. Sometimes I might just pack some flat flip flops as a shoe I wear in the hotel - because hotel floors are lava to me.

Jeans and other bulky fabrics need to be limited. So finding fabrications that don't take up as much space is crucial. Obviously re-wearing.

A tight color palette. And eliminating the what-ifs you pack for. Plot out a day by day that even if you don't stick to exactly, you can kind of gauge exactly what you're likely to need. I do like to feel good about what I wear when I travel, but I do tend to defer to practical to minimize space. I wear less jewelry than I expect to when I travel, so I keep that pretty limited. I'm not a scarf wearer, but sounds like you might be, and that's one way to change the look of the same outfit.

More great advice! Last night I tried on 4 different pairs of shoes and chose the best for packing. When I put them in my travel suitcase, it suddenly was much smaller! Well, these shoes, comfortable etc., are too bulky. So I got out the ones I took to the reunion.

Then this morning when I checked the weather forecast, 2 or the 3 cities are now predicting rainy, cooler weather! I think I'm covered though.

My biggest problem now are the little items, cosmetics, creams etc, delurked mentions. I does take time to sort them into smaller bottles etc.

Hanging my clothes together helped. I eliminated pants and tops that just didn't fit in with a limited color scheme.

Jewelry is another problem. I was going to take a wonderful pendant I bought on Capri 25 years ago--but it doesn't blend well with all the colors and necklines. So no necklaces/pendants but 3 pairs of earrings for my jewelry variety.

This is time consuming but I'm glad I'm doing it and I will be better prepared for the next trip. Thanks again for all your great advice.

And: I'm taking 1 pair of shoes in addition to the ones I will wear, and a pair of lightweight slides for the hotel room and bathroom. Even if I end up with room for a 3rd pair of real shoes, I have a feeling I wouldn't wear them much.

Lisa is a carry-on packer after my own heart! I’ve travelled carry-on for up to 28 days, but did laundry. Usually I choose 3 bottoms (including those I wear enroute) and sufficient tops that I expect to wear 2-3 times each. 3 pair footwear (including those I wear en-route). Full compliment of socks and underwear. One packable puffer. One ‘cloth’ coat. Hat(s), scarves, gloves.

Many very useful suggestions above.
Practice lifting your packed suitcase up high to ensure it isn’t too heavy to manage.

Speaking of cruises and checking luggage, I can't resist sharing this photo from years ago when we went on a cruise in a big suite and drove to the port, so no worries about checking or not on the plane!

Have a great trip!

MsMary: that photo is so perfect for this thread! Ha ha ha!

MsMaven - once you have your toiletries down, you may find it helpful to repack after a trip, so it's easier to get ready for the next one. In the effort of minimizing the pain for the next pack, it's pretty helpful to just have it ready to go or at least just needing a quick once over.

Not sure if this was addressed, but I keep a master packing list that I copy over for each trip. As I gather the things I need, I erase that line item. It shows me how much more I need to get done and gives me better peace of mind.

Almost halfway through trip, 2nd plain ride. Will do a complete report later.

Last minute weather changes, rain & cold. Today will be a test. We are at the coldest part, but after rain all day yesterday, the sun is out. We’ll see if I should have brought a wool sweater or heavier jacket.

MsMaven, don't get me started on the hotels!! Generally no drawers at all for unpacking, and you're lucky if there's even a closet beyond a tiny rod with 4-5 hangers!!