By Brazen Edwards
Adopting a minimalist approach to packing demands careful thought and preparation. Good curation of your wardrobe will make your trip more enjoyable and simplify your travel experience. Overpacking and lugging around a heavy suitcase can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
I get it; it’s a challenge standing in front of your open suitcase, trying to decide which outfits, shoes, and accessories to pack. You just keep adding more and more for those “what-if” moments.
The struggle is real! In this guide, we’ll explore the art of minimalist packing and offer tips on how to pack efficiently for your next adventure.
Engage In Thorough Planning
Start by evaluating what you wear on a regular basis and genuinely require for your journey. In the past, I would ponder every possible travel scenario before finalising my packing list, but travel inherently imposes limitations. Your chosen carry-on or backpack has finite space, so select the appropriate bag and then firmly commit to packing within these confines.
Careful planning is the key to packing less, so create a packing list that includes only the essentials. Consider the weather, activities, and duration of your trip. Research your destination to understand its culture and dress code. Doing this gives you a better idea of what you truly need and what you can leave behind.
Choose Versatile Clothing
When selecting clothing items for your trip, opt for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits as part of a capsule wardrobe. Neutral colours and classic styles work well in this regard. For example, a pair of well-fitting jeans can be dressed up or down, and a simple black dress can be accessorised differently for various occasions.
Bring lightweight layers that can be added or removed as needed. A few thin sweaters and a waterproof jacket can provide warmth and protection without occupying too much space in your suitcase.
Minimise Your Selection Of Footwear
Shoes can be one of the heaviest and bulkiest items in your luggage. Try to limit yourself to two or three pairs of shoes: a comfortable pair for walking, a versatile pair that can be dressed up or down, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach or poolside relaxation. Wear the bulkiest pair during your travel days to save space.
How You Pack Matters
Packing cubes and compression bags are a game-changer when it comes to efficient packing. They allow you to organise and condense your clothing, making it easier to fit more items in your suitcase. Use different colour cubes for different types of clothing, such as one for tops, one for bottoms, and another for underwear and socks. Or opt for something like the PackGear, which turns into a mini wardrobe and is perfect for backpacks and suitcases.
If you want to avoid adding to the bulk, another space-saving technique is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. They’ll take up less space and are less prone to wrinkles.
Focus On The Essentials
Consider using travel-sized containers or solid toiletries like shampoo bars and soap to eliminate the need for liquids that can be confiscated if you’re using a carry-on bag. Remember that most hotels provide basic toiletries, so check with your accommodation before packing.
Limit your electronics. One versatile gadget, such as a smartphone or tablet, can replace several devices like a camera, e-reader, and GPS, so use apps instead. Google Translate is your best friend instead of a travel dictionary and use a Kindle or an e-reader (or the app on your phone) and download e-books from your public library. Also, remember to bring a universal adapter if you’re travelling internationally.
Engage In A Bit Of Laundry
If your trip is longer than a week, plan to do laundry. Packing less becomes much easier when you know you can wash and re-wear your clothing. There are laundromats in most destinations, or use the hotel’s laundry or dry cleaning service if budget permits.
If you’re really in a pinch or a remote location, consider packing a small bag with laundry detergent or a laundry soap bar and a clothesline for quick washes in your room.
Leave Room For Souvenirs
If you intend to purchase souvenirs, allocate some space in your bag in advance or pack a collapsible tote bag to carry your souvenirs on the return journey. You can also collect memories through photographs by printing and framing them to showcase your travels or purchase everyday items rather than acquiring yet another refrigerator magnet.
Packing less for your next vacation is a liberating experience. It frees you from the stress of dragging around heavy luggage, saves you money on baggage fees, and allows you to focus on the experiences and memories you’ll create during your trip.
So, the next time you embark on an adventure, pack less and enjoy the flexibility it brings to your travels.