Packing for a trip can be super difficult, especially for me. We feel as though we need to take everything we own with us. I tend to overpack and then I am left with a whole bunch of clothes and objects that I don't have room for or did not even use.
It always depends on how long you are staying somewhere/how many days you need clothes or shoes.
Here are some tips that I have taken into consideration when packing for a few days to a week trip.
Pick the clothes and shoes you will wear before the trip, not during.
When going on a trip, I use to pack 3-4 extra outfits just in case, but I realized that it took up a lot of space and I never ended up wearing them. DO NOT PACK THEM. It is ok to wear clothes twice. You can wash them if needed or if you have the right amount it is totally fine.
With minimalism, I like to shop a lot of neutral colors like black, white, brown, beige (the list goes on) which helps because it is easier to style basic colors with anything. If I took two black shirts and 2 white shirts in different styles, I could wear one with jeans, another with shorts or even adding a jacket or cardigan. It makes the style look simple yet a little different.
Lay out the clothes you own and go day by day with what you will wear as well.
Limit your shoes.
Shoes can take up a lot of space within a suitcase, so pack the shoes you know you will wear. For me, I usually wear a sneaker and pack sandals and a boot (if cold) or a pair of converse/vans. Pack shoes that you know will compliment your outfit and don't pack more than your suitcase can handle.
Pack essential things within smaller bags to stay organized
Things can get scattered so quickly on a trip trying to find any item you thought was in one place but ended up in another. Have small bags for hair care, toiletries, small electronics, etc. That way things stay together and you know where they are. I even put my shoes in a bag so the bottom of the shoes does not get anything dirty.
You can even use packing cubes when packing as well if that is something that you see that you need and will help you stay organized. I usually take two packing cubes: one for shirts and one for pants.
Don't take more than two big bags on a trip.
I completely understand if you are going on a huge trip to take multiple bags, especially for big families, but when it is just you, you should rethink what you packed.
If that question comes to mind like "do I really need to take this?" that just might mean you don't need it.
I usually take my one suitcase or duffle (depending on how long I am staying somewhere) and my backpack to store my laptop, chargers, earbuds, water bottle, and a book. (sometimes I take a book and end up reading it, but if you know you aren't going to read that book, then don't take it.)
If you can get down to one bag, that is awesome!
When buying a suitcase or bag, make sure it will last you!
Sometimes the cheapest is not the best, buying a suitcase that will last you a lifetime is always best. I bought a suitcase that was $26 and it broke the first time I used it. Never settle for less.
If you are flying or riding a train, I would highly recommend traveling with a carry-on size bag that is sturdy and you can take on the airplane or train with you. (You never know how they toss your bags when checking in a bag)
Some great suitcase/duffle brands are Away, Calpak, Beis, or Pakt bag
Everyone is different when packing for a trip. Different trips require different items. If you know you need something for a trip that is essential, then take it, but if you know it will be sitting in the suitcase the whole time, then I would recommend keeping it home.
I hope these tips help you when getting ready for your next trip. From personal experience, it is always best to pack lightly.
If you have any tips yourself or questions about packing, do not hesitate to ask in the comments below!
-Azalea Brown
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