Minimal travel sounds easy enough, but if you are someone that likes to feel like they are prepared for anything and everything then you understand the stress that packing for a trip can cause. I’ve done a lot of reading on how to pack lightly, and not worrying so much about the just in case items. Most of what I would pack would be for “just in case.” I liked to have options. You know “what do I feel like wearing today”? This is absolutely the worst way to think when you are trying to pack.
Drastically minimizing my wardrobe has helped with this as my total number of choices has decreased, making it easier to get dressed every morning as well as packing for a trip. If you love everything in your closet and you know it fits well then packing should be easy, right?
Do I really need 4 pairs of shoes for a weekend trip? No, of course not. I’ve learned that a good pair of leggings and a nice pair of jeans can take you a long way. It’s really okay to wear them more than once without washing them, I promise! Unless you are rolling around in the dirt or spill something on them you are good to go! You really do not need to pack a pair of pants for every day of your trip. If you are going to be gone a few days or a week 2 or 3 pairs will be sufficient.
Here is what I packed for a recent weekend trip (the weather 32° – 53°F):
- Black pair of tennis shoes – black because it goes with 90% of what I own.
- One pair of flip flops – for wearing around the hotel.
- Gray pullover
- Gray tank top
- Black vest
- Lavender long sleeve athletic shirt
- Gray scarf
- One pair of jeans (Madewell)
- One pair of leggings (Fabletics)
- PJ’s
- Underthings
- Toiletries
I didn’t pack any jewelry. I only took what I was wearing. A simple pair of earrings, necklace, and the bracelets I wear almost everyday.
Everything I pack now can fit into a small carry on suitcase. This is a huge improvement from the past, where I would fill up the largest suitcase I could find.
How can you challenge yourself to pack lighter?