Pack Like a Minimalist
Have you ever packed a lot more than you needed? All the while, dragging your luggage around only to find that you only used half of the items that you packed?
Oh yes, we’ve all been there.
Imagine having just the right amount of stuff and not feeling like you’ve missed out on something. Sounds amazing, right? Let’s look at how you can accomplish this.
Dave and I are planning a three week trip to Italy in the fall so let’s talk about packing. Your physical baggage can become a real headache while you’re on the go if you’re not mindful of how to pack properly, so it’s important to just pack just what you need.
Are you tired of lugging around a heavy suitcase every time you travel? Do you dread the thought of packing and unpacking all your belongings? If so, then it’s time to embrace a minimalist packing philosophy.
Minimalist packing means traveling light and smart, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Here’s how to pack like a minimalist and make your next trip stress-free.
The less cluttered and more prepared you are for travel, the more relaxed you will be while on vacation. This also comes in to play if something comes up and you need to make changes to your travel plans. Less is more, right?
This applies to your suitcases too. We are traveling to Italy with just our carry-on bags. I learned a long time ago that checking luggage isn’t for me. This is where packing light becomes essential.
Just pack what you need
Separating what we want to bring from what we need can be a real challenge. Minimalist travel is about living simply and comfortably and is something that takes time to get used to.
Packing smarter will make you more comfortable on the road, help you avoid lost baggage by keeping it carry-on only, and it eliminates the wait you’d normally spend at baggage claim.
It may be difficult not to overpack and include things you think you might need, but in the end, traveling light will make your trip much easier.
Leaving behind the unnecessary and embracing minimalist travel will add to the freedom you’ll need to travel at your leisure. The best part is that there isn’t a set of strict rules that everyone needs to follow to achieve this when they pack.
Consider these questions before your trip
The first step in minimalist packing is to make a packing list. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Start by making a list of all the essentials you need, such as clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Then, go through the list and eliminate anything that is non-essential or can be easily replaced.
There are a few key questions to ask yourself as you create your own travel packing list so that you can reduce the amount of stuff you decide to take with you. Look at everything and ask yourself:
- Do I need it?
- Will I use it?
- What items can be multi-purposed?
- What can I use repeatedly?
Let your need for particular items outweigh the number of things you simply want to bring along. Prior to your trip, make a list of the things you actually use on a daily basis. It may surprise you how short this list is.
For example, you need walking shoes but you want to bring three pairs to give you more options. This one’s a no-brainer. Just bring one pair of each type of shoe you’ll be needing, rather than bringing multiple pairs that all serve the same purpose.
Also, consider those items which are provided for you. Do you really need to bring a hairdryer when most hotels provide them?
The same rule applies for clothing, accessories, and your technological devices.
The right luggage is crucial
The key to minimalist packing is to choose the right luggage. A small, lightweight suitcase or backpack is ideal for minimalist travelers.
Look for luggage with multiple compartments to help you stay organized. Avoid large suitcases, which can be difficult to maneuver and can quickly become heavy. Investing in a nice piece of luggage, with good wheels, really simplifies your life.
Now for the packing
Choose what’s practical and consider designing a capsule wardrobe. Capsule wardrobes are made up of a few pieces of clothing that can all be mixed, matched, and worn for any occasion. This not only frees up space in your bag, but it also phases out the hassle of planning each individual outfit.
Stick to a neutral colors which will allow you to mix and match your outfits, so you can pack less and still have plenty of options. I generally pack basic colors like black, white, gray, and navy blue. This will also make it easier to pack and unpack, as all your clothes will match.
If you’re planning a multi-city trip like we are, who will be the wiser if you wear the same outfits over and over again? It’s important to be comfortable and make it easy on yourself by traveling lightly.
Thinking about bringing your journal, a few books to read, or a dozen extra camera batteries just in case? Minimalist travel takes every “what if” and “just in case” out of the packing process altogether. These phrases may seem thoughtful and cautionary, but they generate more needless clutter and disorder than you’d think.
Keep striving to eliminate these hypotheticals from your packing method and you’ll eventually get pretty good at distinguishing between necessary and unnecessary. It will become a habit that will become natural for you.
Developing a more minimalist mindset toward toiletries can be a daunting task as well. Toiletries can quickly take up valuable space in your luggage. To minimize the amount of toiletries you need to bring, consider purchasing travel-sized containers or using multi-purpose products. For example, a moisturizer with SPF can replace both your moisturizer and sunblock.
Also, at this phase of life, there is peace of mind in knowing that if I forget something essential, I can easily just pick up a new one. If you would like to see a sample list, head over here to my blog about the minimalist packing list and take a peek.
Less is more…enjoy the journey
Packing like a minimalist is all about traveling light and smart. By choosing the right luggage, sticking to a neutral color palette, and minimizing your toiletries, you can pack less and still have everything you need. With these tips, you’ll be able to travel stress-free and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
