I'm with you Kteacher! I haven't checked a bag in years. My friends and family marvel at my "magical" packing skills. I once went to europe for 3 weeks with only my purse and a single carry-on rolling pullman. My technique starts with a general pile of stuff I want to take and I begin putting the most necessary items in first and so on. When the bag is full, it's full. Anything that isn't in the bag at that point, doesn't go. I never pack things like a hair dryer or other bulky items that I can get later at my hotel or at a local grocery. I've been using the same pullman for years too - from LL Bean. It is quite compact and has tons of pockets. Pockets are key!