Planning a vacation but don't want to drag the whole house with you? Taking everything you need and putting it in a small bag is not an easy task, even for experienced travelers! However, there are time-tested tips that will help you organize your things compactly and conveniently.
The art of packing begins with understanding the purpose of the trip
One of the main aspects of traveling is the ability to pack your things so that everything you need will fit in your hand luggage or a small suitcase. Despite this, even experienced travelers sometimes face the problem of effective packaging, because it is very easy to overestimate your needs and take too much with you. To avoid these mistakes, let's start with a method from a well-known travel blogger.
The 5-4-3-2-1 method
Travel blogger Hammer Tsui offers a 5-4-3-2-1 packing method that helps to significantly reduce the number of things and make life on the road easier. The essence of the method is to limit the number of each category of things:
- 5 outerwear items (tops, T-shirts, sweaters);
- 4 items of "underwear" (skirts, trousers, leggings);
- 3 accessories (glasses, watches);
- 2 pairs of shoes (for outdoor activities and "for going out");
- 1 swimsuit.
This method helps to form not only a minimalistic capsule wardrobe that is easy to combine with each other, but also to avoid impractical things.
However, we still recommend having two swimsuits, so that one of them always has time to dry.
Capsule wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe is another key point. It is important to choose things that are easy to combine with each other. Neutral colors such as black, white, gray, and beige make a great base – add a few bright items to them to make your outfits look more lively and spectacular. Thus, even with a minimum number of things, you can create many different looks.
Advantages of a soft suitcase
Which suitcase to choose for your trip? Experienced travelers may recommend soft suitcases: they are more flexible and can hold more items due to their ability to stretch slightly, making it easier to pack things and use every free corner.
Organizers for things
Buying storage planners is a great way to organize your clothes and make packing more convenient. Such small bags not only keep things in order, but also help to find the right items faster. With them, your things will not wrinkle and will be found in your suitcase faster.
If there are no organizers, then use zipper bags.
Lightweight Travel Clothing
The weight of luggage can be significantly reduced by choosing light and weightless items. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, and polyester take up less space and dry faster, which also allows you to fit more items into your luggage without adding weight.
Double-sided items
Double-sided items are a real discovery for those who want to reduce the amount of luggage! Things that can be worn on both sides allow you to increase the number of possible outfits without adding extra weight. For example, a jacket that has different colors on both sides, or a top that can be worn on both sides.
Laundry Planning & Versatile Items
Plan for laundry on your journey – if you've been traveling for more than a week, this can be your lifesaver. Most modern hotels and guesthouses provide laundry services, many city laundries work around the clock.
Choose versatile shoes: a pair of sneakers or sandals that are suitable for both walks and evening outings will save space in your luggage.
Minimalism in cosmetics
The last tip is not to take care cosmetics with you, as most hotels provide guests with soaps, shampoos and other products. Traveling is a great time to try out mini versions of your favorite products or buy a cute set of small bottles!
