"There is nothing worse than getting to your seat only to find that the overhead bin space around you is full. If this happens, you're basically s#ck with two unfortunate options: 1.) put your bag behind you, knowing that you'll have to wait for everyone to deplane before you get it, or 2.) move against the flow of people boarding the plane and find a bin closer to the front of the aircraft.

I always make a game-time call as I'm boarding or I ask the welcoming flight attendant about the status of overhead bin space. If it looks full, I put my bag in a bin closer to the front of the plane on the way to my seat so it will be easy to grab as I deplane. Just make sure to remember the aisle number!"