Packing can be overwhelming and let’s be honest, it’s way easier to over pack than to under pack. This post relates to A Minimalistic Mindset and is going to introduce some tips that can help lighten your carryon weight and simplify the process of preparing for your trip!
1. Let’s start with your luggage: Consider the length of your trip and what will be the most practical for you to carry. If you’re flying, make sure to check your airline’s carryon bag restrictions to avoid extra fees. A backpack with compartments works best for me because I can separate everything I need and fit enough to last me about a month. Also, I can take it around with me easily wherever I end up exploring on my trip!
2. Lay everything out: make a note of everything you think you need to bring, depending on weather and conditions of where you’re going, and then cut it in half. Some tricks I use to cut my list in half are:
- The rule of 3: bringing only three of each clothing item cuts down the amount tremendously and ensures you have one to wear, one to wash, and one to dry.
- Versatility: if it has more than one use, count me in. A sarong can be used as a towel, blanket, changing room, and a sunshade. A parachute chord can be used to tie items on the outside of your pack, and as a clothes line. These are just a few examples and I would love to hear if you have any more in the comment section below!
3. Fit it all in: now that you have your pack, and what you’re bringing let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to store it.
- Roll instead of fold your clothes, you will save a lot of space this way. If your clothes fill more than half of your pack you are probably bringing to much.
- Stack the heaviest items like pants or bulky clothes at the bottom of your pack and save the lighter ones for the top.
- Stuff socks or smaller items into your shoes or other compartments to consolidate. You can separate your toiletries and other smaller items into ziplock bags as well!
These tricks are simple and that’s the whole point. Less is more and this is the perfect way to continue sticking to the essentials by packing smart and as minimal as possible. Now get out there an explore this beautiful planet we call home!
Dope! One thing I always wondered about is washing your clothes in your hotel sink… Is there a shampoo you’d recommend for that?
That’s a great question! I would recommend a chemical free wash, that way if you end up doing laundry in a lake or river instead of a hotel you are not releasing any toxins into it. I really enjoy Honest Shampoo + Body wash. It’s chemical free and I love the lavender scent.