Hey folks! Let's talk about packing light. I'm often asked by people how I do it, and then every suggestion I give them, they make an excuse why they can't do that. I mean, if you don't want recommendations, don't ask me, and I'll be thrilled to spend my energy on someone who does.
The point is, if you're unwilling to change anything about the way you pack, you're never going to be a carry-on "girlie". It's just not gonna happen. I don't want to stand at the baggage carousel, praying my bag made it to my destination. I want to know where all my stuff is and already be on my trip and also save baggage fees. So, if you actually want some recommendations on how to pack light, here are my top 4 tips to get started:
Choose the right bag
You want to go carry-on only, then you need a carry-on bag. Do not set out a bigger bag. Stick to your goals. Yes, I have a lot of bags, but if don't have any that require them to be checked. I choose a bag for how I'm traveling, who I'm traveling with, and how long I'll be gone.
- Traveling alone, I try not to bring a bag that has to go in the overhead.
- Traveling to hot destinations require a smaller bag, because the clothes are smaller/more lightweight.
- Traveling internationally means I probably need a few extra things and will bring a full-size carry-on for two of us.
- Traveling to a destination where you'll be taking a lot of stairs/escalators means if you can fit it all in a backpack or tote, that's going to be easier for you.
Use your main bag for shoes and clothes and your personal item for toiletries, snacks, odds & ends and electronics, if you need to. If I'm alone, I almost always carry the smallest bag for my ID and other things that can either be tossed into my main bag or in the seat back pocket.
Plan to do laundry
People hate this suggestion, but it saves you so much space and encourages you to take some downtime. That's great if you're a person like me who adopts a "go-go-go see everything and relax when you're on the plane ride home" attitude. I actually include laundry in my travel schedule now, and spend a few hours winding down and chilling in my room, or playing games at a Laundromat.
The key to bringing fewer things is creating a mix-and-match capsule wardrobe when you pack. Every top should go with every bottom and don't forget to strategize your travel outfit. I bring layers and I wear them on the plane. 5 tops + 3 bottoms or 5 tops + 2 bottoms + 1 dress in your bag and your plane outfit. That gives you 20+ unique outfits to work with.
You're going to rewear pieces, which requires laundering. Bring laundry sheets. They take up no space, even if you bring a bunch.
Limit your shoes
Just like with your clothing, you want to strategically choose your footwear. You only need two pair of shoes: everyday shoes like sneakers and a nicer pair that go with a dress or nice pants. Two rules, though. One: both pair should go with everything in your carry-on. Two: you should be able to walk all day in both.
I always bring a pair of sneakers and either ballet flats, cute sandals, or booties, depending on when and where I'm going. Skip those high heels that make you want to cut your feet off after 37 minutes and take up too much space in a bag. If you're like "joke's on you. I don't want to cut off my feet until I've been wearing them for 39 minutes," you didn't win this argument. Leave those things at home. If you can't walk up 180 steps in them after walking 4 miles on cobblestones, they aren't walking shoes.
My only rule break for shoes is if you'll be hitting up the beach or pool. Toss in some flip flops or water socks, because those take up minimal space.
Wear your bulkier shoes on the plane and pack small things in your other pair, if possible. This is a good place for socks, a belt, or jewelry case
Bring smaller items
You, literally, don't need a full-size shampoo bottle or container of moisturizer. Either bring smaller versions or decant items into other containers. I make use of GoTubbs, contact lens cases, and GoToobs, but also save trial size makeup items that I know I like to stick in my toiletry bag.
If you can't live without all your makeup brushes and hair care tools, see if you can pare down your morning routine. Do a little less, get some multipurpose brushes or a smaller brush set and invest in a travel size flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer.
I have a flat iron with a curved edge that does curls and it has been working for me for over a decade. Or maybe you can use vacation as a good chance to perfect your heatless curl game.
These are the foundations for starting to pack lighter. Eventually, you'll start noticing that you keep packing things you don't use, whether it's an eye liner or a pair of fuzzy socks or a whole pair of pants. Those items can then stay home on your next trip. Just keep note of what works and what doesn't and soon you'll be a pro.
Tell me about your favorite travel items, be it clothes, a bag, or an accessory.
Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!
