How do I pack for a week away using only a carry-on bag?

Make the list from the trip rather than starting with a standard seven-day packing list. Write down each day’s main activity, the likely clothing needs, and whether you can do laundry. Then confirm the booked airline’s carry-on allowance, including any personal-item rules that matter to your plan. Limits differ: for example, American Airlines lists a carry-on limit of 22 × 14 × 9 inches including handles and wheels, and says some airports or planes may have additional restrictions. Treat that as an example, not a universal allowance; check your own carrier and itinerary. [S1]

Next, choose a small set of pieces that work together. Count outfits by use, not by day: a travel outfit can be worn again, and a top might work for more than one activity. Keep dedicated items for activities that genuinely require different clothing.

Sure. As an illustration only, assume seven days of casual sightseeing, no formal event, access to laundry once, and no unusual clothing requirement. Adjust this if the actual forecast, activities, or laundry situation differs.

A starting clothing plan might be:

1. Four tops that coordinate with each other.
2. Two bottoms that can be worn more than once.
3. One extra layer suited to the expected conditions.
4. Seven pairs of underwear and socks, or fewer if you will wash them.
5. One sleep set and one comfortable travel outfit, with the travel outfit chosen from the pieces above where practical.
6. One pair of comfortable shoes worn during travel; add another pair only if the itinerary calls for it and it fits.

That is a planning example, not a universal quantity. If you have laundry access, schedule it before deciding how many changes you need. If you will attend a dressier event, add the specific outfit and remove an equivalent item that is less useful. Put toiletries and other personal essentials on a separate list so they do not get forgotten just because the clothing plan looks complete.

Check the bag itself before packing, then check it again when full. Use the booked carrier’s published allowance for your flight rather than relying on a bag label or another airline’s rule. Include handles and wheels if the carrier’s measurement rule includes them, and check for any itinerary-specific restriction. The American Airlines example includes handles and wheels and notes that some airports and aircraft may have additional restrictions. [S1] The supplied source does not establish the rules for your airline, route, fare, or date, so it cannot confirm that a particular bag will be accepted.

Pack the planned items, close the bag without forcing it, and compare the packed bag with the confirmed allowance. If it is too full, remove items in this order: duplicates, items with no planned use, and optional extras. Keep items you need during travel accessible. If you are uncertain about an allowance or restriction, ask the carrier before departure.

Use this worksheet before packing:

Trip dates and length: [dates / number of nights] Booked carrier and flight details: [carrier / itinerary] Confirmed carry-on allowance: [dimensions and other stated conditions] Activities requiring specific clothing: [activity → item] Laundry plan: [where and when, or none] Expected conditions to check: [destination and dates] Outfit pieces: [tops] / [bottoms] / [layers] / [sleepwear] Essentials to add: [personal items] Items to wear in transit: [bulkiest suitable pieces] Final bag check: [packed bag compared with confirmed allowance]

For each item, ask: Which activity or need does this serve? Can another planned item serve the same purpose? If you cannot name a use, leave it out unless it is an essential. This keeps the list connected to your actual week instead of a generic checklist.