Packing for a trip should focus on gathering essentials, not cramming your entire wardrobe into a suitcase. Excess baggage can weigh you down and lead to extra costs when flying. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid overpacking. By reducing your luggage, packing efficiently, and carefully selecting your travel outfits, you can travel light.
Reduce Your Luggage
Step 1: Limit the Number of Bags You Bring.
Limit the number of bags you take. The more bags you have, the heavier the burden of travel will feel. If you're going away for a few days, try to fit everything into one suitcase or backpack. For longer trips, stick to two bags.
- Don’t spread your belongings across multiple bags. Traveling with one full suitcase is easier than with two half-full ones.
- If you're flying to your destination, try to fit everything into one carry-on bag. This will make getting on and off the plane much easier.
Step 2: Pack Everything in a Small Suitcase.
Pack everything in a small suitcase. Smaller bags will force you to pack more efficiently. When buying a suitcase, choose a size that you believe will hold everything you need, then buy one that's even smaller. You'll be more selective about what to bring when it's time to pack.
Step 3: Use a Lightweight Suitcase.
Use a lightweight suitcase. Don’t pack your belongings in a heavy suitcase with rigid walls unless you're bringing expensive electronics or fragile items. Opt for a suitcase with soft, thin walls if you're only taking clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The suitcase will feel lighter, making it easier to carry.
Pack Efficiently
Step 1: Plan Your Trip Before You Start Packing.
Create a plan for your trip before packing. Make a list of everything you plan to do: restaurants you'll eat at, events you'll attend, and attractions you want to see. Also, think about how you'll spend your free time. Knowing your plans will help you accurately predict what clothes and items you'll need, ensuring you don't pack unnecessary items.
Step 2: Make a Packing List.
Create a list of items to pack. Include all clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other items you’ll need during your trip. Stick to the list unless you realize you've forgotten something truly essential. A list will give you confidence and prevent you from overpacking out of fear of being unprepared. Expert Tip from Allyson Edwards: Travel expert and international consultant Allyson Edwards graduated from Stanford University with a degree in International Relations. She has worked on developing international partnerships in agencies across over 20 countries and has consulted for companies in education, fintech, and retail.
Step 3: Pack Ahead of Time.
Pack ahead of time. Last-minute packing creates stress, and you’re likely to pack unnecessary items if you’re throwing your suitcase together the night before your trip. Start packing at least three days before you leave to give yourself time to consider what you need to bring.
Step 4: Roll Your Clothes, Don’t Fold Them.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolled clothing saves space in your suitcase, allowing you to limit the number of bags you take. While folded clothes can stack quickly, rolled shirts or pants can fit easily into extra spaces in your bag.
Step 5: Limit the Toiletries You Bring.
Limit the toiletries you take. Use the shampoo, conditioner, and soap provided in your hotel room instead of bringing your own. Leave sunscreen, toothpaste, shaving cream, and other cosmetics at home and buy them at a store when you reach your destination.
Step 6: Use Travel-Sized Versions of Your Favorite Products.
Use travel-sized versions of your favorite products. Full-sized items (like hairspray, lotion, and face wash) take up unnecessary space. Look online or at your local beauty store for mini versions of the products you want to take.
- If you can’t find a mini version of a product, buy a travel kit of small, reusable containers and fill them with the products you want to take.
Streamline Your Wardrobe for Travel
Step 1: Check the Weather Forecast Before You Leave.
Check the weather forecast before you leave. If sunny, warm weather is predicted for all days of your trip, there’s no need to bring a sweater or rain jacket. If you’re worried the weather might change, remember you can always borrow or buy a piece once you arrive.
- If rain is expected, bring a lightweight raincoat instead of a bulky rain jacket. It will take up less room in your bag.
- If you’re traveling to a cold destination, save space by bringing layers instead of a heavy winter coat.
Step 2: Bring Clothes That Mix and Match Well.
Bring clothes that coordinate well. Pack neutral-colored clothing: browns, blacks, creams, whites, and grays. This will allow you to mix and match different items, reducing the number of outfits you need to bring.
- For men, a basic button-up shirt in a neutral tone is a versatile piece that pairs well with anything.
- For women, consider a simple black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A blazer is also a great option that can be worn for casual or more formal settings.
Step 3: Bring Comfortable Shoes That Work for Multiple Events.
Bring comfortable shoes that can work for multiple events. Don’t pack a pair of shoes for each day or event during your trip. Shoes cannot be rolled or squished to save space. Aim to bring no more than two pairs of shoes: a pair of comfortable everyday shoes and a dressier pair for formal occasions.
- If you’re heading to a warm location, especially to the beach, pack sandals or flip-flops instead of sneakers. They take up half the space and will be more comfortable for your feet in the heat.
Step 4: Bring a Small Pack of Laundry Detergent.
Bring a small pack of laundry detergent. If you plan to wash clothes during your trip, you won’t need to bring as many outfits. If your accommodation doesn’t have a washing machine, you can wash clothes in the sink or bathtub.
- To save even more space, don’t bring laundry detergent with you; buy it at your destination. If you can’t find laundry detergent, use liquid soap instead.
- Pack a stain stick. It won’t take up much room in your bag and is easier to use than washing clothes.
