Want avoid losing your luggage when you fly, save money on checked luggage fees and make it easier to get around overseas? Learn to travel with carry-on luggage only. Here are some tips on minimising your packing.

1. Write a list

What you'll need will vary with your destination, but the basics will remain the same, so make a permanent list that you can amend as you learn with each trip and then pop in your case ready for next time.  Refer to your list every time you pack to help you avoid all those 'just in case' items that you don't really need.

2. Compact your wardrobe

Shoes - You can often get away with one pair of shoes, which you'll wear. Outdoor and travel stores have plenty of styles for men and women which look like nice casual shoes but offer extra comfort and durability. If you're heading somewhere hot, a pair of travel sandals may be all you'll need - they may not be the height of fashion but they are remarkably comfortable. If you take extra shoes, wear the heaviest on flights.

Clothes - There is lots of specially designed travel clothing available and it's not just for hiking trips. You can get trousers, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, shirts, fleeces and jackets in a range of styles and colours. Fabrics are anti-crease and some are so lightweight you can fit three tops in the space one ordinary cotton t-shirt would use. They are also quick-drying so you can wash clothes in your hotel room, hang them up and they'll usually be dry by morning. The other bonus is that if you get caught in the rain, you'll dry quickly! Stick to some basic coordinated colours so you can mix up your limited wardrobe.

3. Toiletries

Travelling overseas with carry-on luggage means you have to be very strict with toiletries - all liquids and creams (including toothpaste and sun screen) must be 100ml/g or less and they must all must fit in a one-litre resealable transparent bag for easy checking at airports. The upside is it stops you throwing in all those little extras that can add weight. Most cosmetics companies offer travel-sized products or you can put your home products into inexpensive plastic bottles, available from outdoor and travel shops and pharmacies.

4. Luggage

Seasoned traveller Doug Dyment has devoted a whole website to the art of packing light - www.onebag.com - and maintains a carry-on sized bag holds all most people need for any trip. He recommends a soft side, rectangular bag with good quality zips and fabric. You'll need to check with individual airlines for their carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions (don't rely on a luggage salesman or the product label as requirementsvary). Wheels are useful if you're going to places with smooth pavements, but they do add weight. A hybrid bag that can be used as a backpack or shoulder bag is handy. Many bags are now combining all three options. What's best for you will depend on your style of travel, so do your homework and invest in the best within your budget.

Mesh packing cubes help you organise your luggage - separating clean and dirty clothes, underwear, and other items. Once you've figured out the best combination, they make packing and unpacking simple.

5. Washing

Packing light means you'll have to wash your clothes as you travel. A no-peg clothesline doesn't take much room and means you can hang your washing wherever you are. Make sure it has hooks for attachment (rubber suckers often aren't strong enough). A universal sink plug is another essential, along with some laundry powder sachets or soap.

6. Other handy items

It may seem a bit Mary Poppins but carrying an umbrella means you'll always have shelter from both rain and sun, and travel style fold down to pocket size. Another great invention is the travel towel. Even a large one won't take up any more room than a sarong and they are just as versatile - use it as a beach towel, mini blanket, to wring excess water after washing clothes, or folded for a pillow.