Tips for Packing Light
Packing light for a longer trip can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with the added challenge of fitting everything into a carry-on for international travel.
The key lies in smart choices and strategic planning.
Packing light for a longer trip can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with the added challenge of fitting everything into a carry-on for international travel. The key lies in smart choices and strategic planning. In this article, we’ll delve into essential tips for minimizing your luggage while maximizing your travel experience. From versatile wardrobe selections to efficient packing techniques, you'll learn how to make the most of limited space without sacrificing comfort or style. Say goodbye to the hassle of checked bags and hello to the freedom of traveling light!
I love the freedom of traveling internationally in only one rolling carry-on bag and a backpack (personal item). I am often traveling with my daughter, and I require free hands during the airport/airplane process. Having one hand free to control a stroller or hold a toddler hand is an essential part of my more recent packing light journey. Prior to traveling with kids, I loved the convenience of never having to arrive early to check a bag, never waiting at the annoying baggage carousel to receive my bag, and being able to easily take public transport at my destination with light baggage. I have learned a lot over the years about different tips and tricks to packing light, and if you have ever had a checked bag that didn’t make it to your destination, it can really put a damper on a trip to not have your things on vacation. Now, there are still situations outstanding that require a checked bag that seem unavoidable. A few times I have needed to check a bag include: packing decor for my sister’s bachelorette party (decor, favors, pool floats, etc.), and a 12-day beach trip with a baby where I thought I needed every comfort of home. So I am just here to confirm that even I have needed to check a bag when I was stressed about not having everything I needed in on a trip. So if it is a complete source of stress, just go ahead and check a bag. This information is for people who are determined and willing to make sacrifices needed to pack light.
Packing light means more freedom when you travel.
With less to lug around, you can easily maneuver through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, make last-minute plans without worrying what to do with your stuff and spend less time repacking.
If you are ready to take the jump and start packing light…
I am going to give you some tips I have learned to packing light that can streamline your process.
PREPARATION: Packing light requires prep and planning. I’ve never been able to pack in a carry-on for a long trip without lists, planning, outfit preparation and downsizing my needs. I always, always, always make packing lists and check all items, then I double check items. For a longer trip (2 weeks or more), I may start this list up to a month or two ahead of time so I know if I need to buy anything. I use my Notes app on my phone but if you are a pen and paper type, anything works! I don’t use a list to start, because every trip is different with different needs. So I start from scratch or occassionally will copy and paste from my last trip to my new trip. I list outfits by day, as well as how I am going to re-use items with each outfit.
PACKING LIGHT: Yes, I know I already mentioned this is all about packing light… I mean actually pack light. Pack lighter items, thinner shirts, thinner pants, thinner dresses. For a summer trip, I would lay out potential items and choose the ones that actually fold down into smaller items than thicker material choices. The material makes a huge different, linens, cottons, and no thick fabrics. I know this sounds tedious, but it could be the difference in packing 8 outfits or 10 outfits in a bag. If I do pack something that takes up more space, I always make sure it will work for 2 or more days. Versatile options are best. If you are going on a beach trip, think about wearing a dress out and about, and reusing that dress as a swimsuit coverup later in the trip. On longer, cooler temperature trips, I consider one jacket, 1-2 pairs of pants and versatile top options that I can switch out. If I pack a vest, I want to make sure I have plans to wear that vest multiple times.
DONATE ITEMS: This tip does not work for all personality types. I love to shop, which requires that I cycle through clothes via resale or donating items along the way, otherwise we would be drowning in clothes. If you are someone who has minimal items at home or will struggle to part with things - skip this tip! On every trip, I try to pack at least three items I would be willing to let go of during my travels. If I buy something and need bag space, I then have shirts or dresses to leave behind and make space. A good way to leave behind items: fold nicely in your hotel room and leave a note to housekeeping staff that they are welcome to have them as you are checking out! I usually keep it simple and say, “FREE CLOTHES! May need a wash.” In my experience they will be happy to take them or know someone who will want the free clothes. They were nice enough for my vacation, they are likely nice enough to donate! If you are staying in a house or AirBnb and can’t leave things behind, consider finding a donation clothing drop somewhere. I love packing pajamas to leave behind as these don’t really matter what they look like. Pack an old t-shirt and shorts or just an old pajama set that has seen better days. When it’s dirty, leave it behind vs packing it home! More room for buying things, yay!
MINIMAL SHOES: This should come as no surprise, but 1-2 pairs of shoes on most trips work just fine, as long as you pack the most versatile options. Shoes take up tons of space and add a lot of weight to a bag. I usually consider a sneaker and a sandal. Again - fashion choices may be sacrificed for packing minimal shoes. If you have an event that requires a special shoe or will be working out and needing athletic shoes, this is the exception to this rule. I recently packed a pair of Rothy’s sandals that I could wear to the beach or out to dinner. My other choice of shoe is my most comfortable sneaker for sightseeing and daytime activities. I love a comfortable sneaker that can work with dresses, jeans, etc. I find that a dress and sneaker is often appropriate for most dinner and nice restaurants at lunch, especially in cities where lots of walking takes place. A lot of people will be wearing comfortable shoes in heavy walking destinations.
STREAMLINE TOILETRIES: For women, this is a doozy. I have a lot of products that I use on a daily basis at home. On a trip, I use a small portion of the options. If I am staying in a nice hotel, I will consider skipping the shampoo/conditioner and lotion since I know they will have them. If you have sensitivities that require shampoo/lotion from home, definitely pack them in a small travel-size bottle. I also pack only my essentials for makeup. I recently started using Subtl Beauty stackable makeup for things like powders (bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, highlighter) and only packing the liquids I need to look good but no extras! I also pair down my face routine to the most important items. Packing light is not the time for your vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, multiple moisturizers and under-eye creams. Pair it down to one versatile moisturizer that will get you by for two weeks or less. I have always been a big fan of Cadence travel size liquid holders, but more recently found that cheaper Amazon version are easier and at the price-point, practically disposable.
PACKING CUBES: I love a packing cube, my favorites are from Calpak. On my recent trip (18 days in a carry-on), I took all of the clothes (10 dresses, 2 swimsuits, 4 shirts, 1 short) that I was going to pack, and tried three different methods for packing. 1. I laid the clothes flat in one side of my suitcase, one on top of the other, this minimized wrinkles but it was the least efficient. I couldn’t even get every dress in one side of my suitcase. 2. I rolled each item (my usual method) and put each one directly into one side of my suitcase. This fit everything I needed but it was overloaded for sure. 3. I rolled each item and organized into a packing cube and stuffed that thing full! When I closed the packing cube, I had fit every item, and I had room to spare for shoes and undergarments around the packing cubes (those little corners that don’t get filled from using packing cubes. This confirmed my choice to ALWAYS use packing cubes. Plus, I love to take a packing cube out of my bag once I arrive, and put it in a drawer or closet to pull clothes from. Rolling does mean at your destination you may need to hang a few items up when you arrive and get those pesky wrinkles out. If you roll very slowly and precisely, you will minimize wrinkles, but not entirely avoid.
VACUUM BAGS FOR LAUNDRY: I love taking these vacuum bags to shove my laundry into and roll the air out and throw in my bag for the least amount of space. Once something is dirty, I’m not worried about wrinkles, it saves time repacking and it makes unpacking a breeze because you can dump the entire vacuum bag straight into the laundry basket at home.
WASH CLOTHES: If you are on a long trip, this is a must! At a lot of higher-end resorts, you can find washer dryers for free of charge around the resort. Or ask the hotel if there is one available. Some European hotels have coin-operated laundry and in most cities they have laundromats a quick walk away. I have also booked Airbnbs with a washer/dryer included mid-way through my trip to most easily handle my clothes washing. I have done all of these, we once sat down for breakfast, I ran the clothes to the laundromat to put them in (6 min walk), came back to eat, went back to switch them out and waited at a coffee shop nearby while they were drying. It’s a commitment, but I honestly cannot imagine packing for a long trip without this tip if it is hot and I’ve been sweating in my clothes. It was an hour and a half of my entire trip that allowed me to pack light. If something needs hang drying or is not quite dry enough from the dryer, take it back to your hotel room to air dry there!
ESSENTIALS ONLY: This part of packing light seems simple, but I find those last minute items I see laying around my house can easily go in the bag because I may need an extra hat, sunglasses, chargers, water bottles, OTC meds, books, etc. I really don’t allow myself to add ANY EXTRAS until everything is in my bag and I know I have space. I sometimes carry this packable sand blanket for trips we may do an impromptu picnic in a park or go to the beach and need a place to sit. Sometimes we use it, and sometimes we don’t. It is small enough to fit in my purse, but seems to be one of those extras not everyone needs on every trip, but I seem to use it often! So find those items that are important to you that you will definitely need. And the extra sunglasses, spare chargers, and books you can buy at your destination if you are really needing them! OTC meds is something I do not use very often, and I always plan to buy at my destination if the need arises. I also know I’m not going to read more than one book on a trip, so I only need one. But something in each one of us thinks, WHAT IF I LEAVE MY CHARGER BEHIND, I SHOULD PACK THREE EXTRAS. These are thoughts that you should re-train yourself to think, if I lose my charger, I will buy one along the way. Chances are you won’t lose it, but packing light requires this mindset.
DON’T STRESS! If you are someone who this information completely stresses out, then no worries, just check a bag! Travel should always be a time to relax and vacation. It is never a time to create stress before you even leave.
Traveling light with kids is a whole different story, but something I have achieved in my three short years of being a parent. I will be doing a separate article on traveling light with kids very soon!
Thanks for following along!
Courtney
