The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light for Travel
Packing often feels super overwhelming. We all want to pack enough that we don’t feel without or like we are missing something, but also don’t want to be lugging around our entire house. Also, with the cost of baggage, if you are flying, it can get very expensive to over pack. Lucky for you, this is my weird super power. I pack for almost every trip (even week long trips out of the country) in a back pack. I am an incredible packer and will teach you all my tips, tricks, and hacks for packing light.
Where Do I Begin?
We often don’t even know where to begin with packing and so we just start grabbing things and try to fit them all in. We also tend to think we are a completely different person on vacation and will bring clothes we never wear in our day to day lives.
While this is partially true, we may want to bring some dresses we wouldn’t normally wear, you don’t want to bring that pair of denim shorts you never wear but think “vacation you” might. You won’t. The first thing to do is grab a favorite drink (coffee, electrolytes, wine, Whatever!) and a notebook and pen or my packing printable!
Now that you’re all cozied in and ready, start thinking about your trip and the logistics of it. How many days/nights will you be gone? What are you doing there? Do you have excursions or special dinners you are going to? Now I plan what I would like to wear per day and don’t forget to check the weather! This is the first step in setting yourself up for success in packing light.
Make a Checklist!
I will plan an outfit a day (top, bottoms, underwear, bra, shoes etc.) and an outfit for the evening if I know we will be going to dinner or something. Try to figure out pieces you can wear more than once, especially bottoms. You really only need 2-3 bottoms max and can mix and match tops and maybe throw in a few fun dresses. I try to travel with two shoes, a comfy tennis shoe or something I am going to wear for travel and a nicer shoe I will wear for dinners/events.
Next I add in a few lounge/workout outfits and my jammies. I’m usually a “one pair for every two nights gone” type of girl. So, for a four night trip I would pack two pairs of pajamas. Now onto underwear, sports bras, and normal bras. Think about whether you need a strapless or sticky bra for any of your outfits. Here is a link for my favorite super comfy strapless that stays put and doesn’t dig in. Here is my sticky bra I love that is re-wearable and you can wear with swimsuits so it’s water/sweat proof!
I write out my list with the amount of boxes next to it that I need to check off. So, if I need two pairs of jean shorts I write “jean shorts” with two boxes next to it. After I pack each pair I check the boxes off. This helps keep you on track of how many bottoms, tops, nice outfits, etc. you really need and keep your packing light.
Make Categories
Making categories for each thing is crucial in not overpacking. My categories typically are:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Toiletries
- Purse
- Miscellaneous
- To Get
Remember to write everything down. Even if it feels silly. Toothbrush, curling iron, vitamins, phone charger, book. Don’t leave any of it to chance that you will remember it. Having it all on one list that you check off keeps your mental space clear and organized.
Ok, here’s a quick recap 1. plan 1 outfit per day and 1-3 nicer outfits for dinners depending on length of trip 2. try and make outfits around the same 2-3 bottoms 3. figure out the undergarments you actually need and jammies 4. make a list. a detailed list. 5. Gather all your things to one location (I usually use my bed) so you can see everything and pack strategically.
Now you are ready to put the things in the bag!
Packing Your Bag
You now should have all your things gathered and in one location. All your toiletries should be in travel size containers because you don’t need a full size shampoo for a week long trip. I will link my little toiletry bag/reusable containers HERE that I love!
The next thing that is going to be a game changer, especially if you are packing in a back pack is packing cubes. Now, don’t get me wrong, these are not a necessity, but they will be super helpful. The key to making packing cubes worth their weight in gold is filling them up. If you only put a few things in each one it will keep it organized, but it won’t help you save space. When you fill them to the brim and then zip them shut you compress the clothes to take less space.
I typically divide mine into two if we are doing a 3-5 day trip and I am using a back pack. A smaller one for all of my undergarments, pajamas, socks, and athletic or lounge wear. The second is for all of my day clothes. Toiletries go in their own bag I linked above. Here are some affordable packing cubes if you’re in the market!
This all fits in the main compartment of my backpack with room to spare usually so I can add in a sweater or cardigan and my curling iron. My front pocket gets my extra shoes, my hair brush, and any other odds and ends. I’ll wear a comfy outfit and a sweatshirt so I have that as well, but don’t have to take up the space. plus planes are usually freezing!
A standard size backpack, packed this way, fits under an airplane seat and counts as a personal item. I’ll wear a cross body bag on my chest for my phone, travel documents, hand sanitizer etc. This allows us to not have to pay for any bags!
Example of What I packed for Our 5 Day Anniversary Trip to Mexico
Here’s exactly what I packed for our anniversary trip to Mexico. My husband and I have been married for 10 years already! You can read more about our story and why I got married at 19 HERE!
- 4 bathing suits
- 2 pairs of jean shorts (could’ve done one)
- 2 cute tops (only ended up wearing one)
- 3 dresses
- 2 pajamas
- 1 swimsuit cover up
- 1 pair of athletic shorts
- 1 workout tank ( I knew I probably wouldn’t work out more than a time or two)
- a pair of Reef sandals. Literally the best. They look cute and are so comfy but are fully water proof. I’ll link mine. Super cute, functional sandal!
- Crochet sweater I wore as a cover up with shorts or on chilly nights
- Toiletry bag
- Curling Iron
- Brush
- Jewelry
- Book club book (Read my post on our book club books, how we choose them, and my reviews!)
I wore comfy shorts and a tank with a chambray button up over the top and my Hokas to travel.
This all fit in my trusty back pack I’ve had since college! I packed super light and still had items I didn’t use. Packing in a backpack however, Made traveling so easy!
Final Thoughts on Why Packing Light is Lifechanging
Packing doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart systems and simple packing hacks, you can save space, stay organized, and spend less time worrying about what you forgot. You can apply these methods to any luggage and adjust depending on length, climate, season etc. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a road trip, these packing tips will help you travel with confidence.
I would love to see your packing jobs! Find me on Instagram at the.miller.methods and tag me!
If you want to see all my travel faves in one place you can find them HERE. These are affiliate links and I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
