Minimalist Packing

Packing is almost always the hardest part of taking a trip. What do you bring? What do you leave? What do you take in case of emergency, and what is too much? Minimalist packing alleviates this problem and makes your trip a lot less stressful. Instead of worrying about what to wear—and if your suitcase will be over the weight limit—you can enjoy the time you have in your new location.


Here’s your guide to Minimalist Packing:

  1. Prepare yourself

    Packing can be stressful. Make sure you’re in the right mindset when packing and set aside a chunk of time to do so. Pick out the clothes you want to take and lay them all out on the floor. Ask yourself what you will be doing on the trip and if these items go with that vibe. If you’re backpacking, you probably don’t need many dresses for going out. If you’re on a cruise, you probably don’t need your hiking boots. Finally, count the number of items you have compared to the length of the trip and prepare for the next step

  2. Don’t pack by days, pack by versatility

    A lot of people count the amount of days they will be away and pack that amount of clothes. This is an easy way to overpack. While logically this makes sense, practically you will not wear everything you bring. The only exception to this rule is underwear and socks.

    In order to pack versatile, pick items that go with more than one thing. Create a capsule wardrobe for your trip where everything goes with everything and can be mixed and matched into different outfits. Pack your best pair of jeans, and a few tops that go with it. Dresses that go over a shirt are a great option that give you different outfits while still being just two pieces. Shoe versatility is probably the most important. Pick two pairs (or better yet one) that go with every piece you are bringing and allow you to be comfortable in any setting you find yourself in. Get creative with your wardrobe!

  3. Pack light

    Unless you’re going to the arctic, you can leave that bulky jacket at home. Pack your lightest clothes and layers in order to maximize your suitcase. Layering is a trick I learned a while ago, but never found the true value in until I started traveling. While one bulky item may take the place of a couple lighter items, the two items will ultimately be more useful, versatile, and take up less room.

  4. Roll your clothes!

    When packing, most people fold their clothes like they would at home. Rolling your items gives you more space and you can even roll clothes together. Put your shirts on your light jacket and roll them on up! Stuff rolled socks and underwear in shoes before you pack them. There are many different combinations, but you’ll ultimately find that you have more room when you combine and roll!

  5. Just in case items

    Emergencies happen and it’s important to be prepared; however, it’s easy to go overboard. My recommendation for this is to create a travel emergency kit. Find a small bag that will zip or seal up—and will fit snugly in your suitcase—and pack items that you might need in that. Limited space (i.e. the small bag) will allow you to really think about what’s important enough to go in it and what isn’t. The best part is, you only have to make this bag once, and it can go with you on your travels for years to come.

  6. The 20/80 rule (The Pareto Principle)

    Stolen from economics, this rule basically states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In terms of packing this means that 20% of the stuff you’re planning on taking will be sufficient for your trip. This important rule is something I’ve truly taken to heart when traveling as every space counts. So after you’ve gone through this list, count all the items you are planning to bring, figure out what 20% is, and try to pair it down even more!

Follow these tips for your most minimalist trip yet, and remember if you forget something important, you can always pick up a little souvenir on your travels!