When it comes to traveling, there is a lot to look forward to like the sights to see, food to eat, people to meet, and the photos to take. However, one thing that people can agree on is that one of the least exciting parts of traveling is the packing of the luggage.
You have to plan everything beforehand and make sure that you don’t leave anything behind. At the same time, you wouldn’t want to overpack because you wouldn’t want to pay fees because of the heavy baggage you’ve brought. Plus, it can be difficult to carry around huge luggage with you on your travels.
With that said, if you are a frequent traveler, then you must learn the art of packing light. It’s not a complicated thing to know, but it’s not as easy as pie either. On that note, below are some packing tips you can check out to help you master the art of packing light.
1. Start with the right bag
Of course, your bag will be keeping all of your belongings in one place so you have to know where to buy a luggage that can comfortably fit all of your belongings.
Aside from having a comfortable fit, it should also not be too bulky if you plan on taking it as a carry-on.
If you want to pack light, you need to have a bag that restricts you. It should restrict you enough that even if you tried to pack it with as much stuff as possible, you would still end up not going overboard.
The right bag is made with light but durable material. It should have enough space to fit all of the essentials, while still being small enough that you can carry it around with ease.
2. Pack the must-haves, not the nice-to-haves
When you’re starting to pack all of your things, you should make a packing list of all the things that you definitely need during the trip. Think about underwear, toiletries, gadgets, and their chargers first. For shoes, you shouldn’t pack more than two if you want to pack light.
It can be intimidating thinking about the idea of not being anywhere near your home where you have everything you need and want. However, don’t give in to the fear of being underprepared.
As long as you’ve made a list of all the things you do need to have on the trip and checked that you’ve got them, then you’re good to go.
3. Don’t pack the last minute
Packing light requires quite a bit of planning on your part before the trip. If you’re rushing too much to pack your things right, then you might find yourself in the airport with a bunch of items you don’t even need for the trip.
Avoid rushing and procrastinating your packing for the trip, and pack a few days before the trip itself.
On the day of the trip, you can just recheck that everything important is accounted for and then you can go have fun. The earlier you pack, the more you can look at some of the things you’ve packed and realize that maybe you really don’t need to bring that with you after all.
4. Limit the number of bags you bring
If you want to pack light, then you need to create certain limits in your packing situation.
Aside from limiting the size and capacity of your bag to make sure that you don’t overpack, you should also limit the total number of bags that you bring.
You should bring, at most, two bags with you during your trip if your goal is to pack as light as possible. If you bring in more bags, then it defeats the purpose of limiting your bag’s size and overall capacity.
Plus, if you’re going to be on the move a lot, then having too many bags will be a huge hindrance to your portability. A limited number of bags will not only help you travel better but it will also help you pack lighter.
5. Pack layers, not bulk
It is a challenge to pack for travel when you’re going to be traveling to a place that’s cold.
You need to bring in enough clothes so that you’re protected from the cold weather, but then, you also need to pack a few enough clothes so that your luggage isn’t too heavy. Otherwise, you might have to pay for extra baggage fees.
On that note, one solution is that instead of packing bulky and thick coats and layers, you should pack a lot of thin clothing that can go over one another instead. This will help make sure that you are warm enough without losing space in your luggage.
6. Don’t roll your clothes
A hack that people would tell others when it comes to packing is to fold their clothes in interesting ways so that you have more space to pack other items in. The problem with that is the extra space will entice us to pack more stuff which is the opposite of your goal of packing light.
If you want to have an easy time carrying your luggage around, then instead of rolling your clothes (which is said to reduce space in your luggage), you should leave it folded. A loose packing style and packing only the essentials will ensure that your baggage is lightweight, and you’ll have no problems backpacking.
7. Don’t pack thick and heavy clothes
Thick and heavy clothes take up a lot of space and add significant weight to your baggage. If you really need to pack thick and heavy clothes because of their warming capabilities, then opt for technical clothing that can do the same without having the same heft as the heavier clothing.
If you really think you want to have one around you, then maybe you should wear it instead of bringing it along with you in your luggage. Maybe wrap it around your waist instead of wearing it on your body.
However, if an article of thick clothing is a preference rather than a need, then forego bringing one along all together.
8. Reconsider toiletry needs
Although toiletries are definitely a part of essentials for packing, you might want to think about which ones you actually need. Your fancy cosmetics might not be needed or you might not have the time during your travels to use it and pamper yourself. Aside from that, if you’re staying at a hotel, then they may provide toiletries for you there instead.
Avoid bringing bottles on bottles of your toiletries if you think you can buy them wherever you’re going to so that you aren’t carrying anything unnecessary with you. Do make sure that if you are bringing any toiletries, that they are only at a size that will last you for your stay, and not bring the entire content of your bottle with you.