The Best Tips For Packing Light
Are you looking for packing tips for your next trip? You’ve come to the right place! Packing can be an overwhelming chore, especially when you are traveling for a long period of time. We’ve combined a list of packing tips that will help you prepare for your next trip without overpacking!
1. Layer Your Clothes
If you are traveling to a destination where you might experience various climates, pack clothes that can layer! This is especially helpful for hiking trips where the temperature may drop as you climb to your destination. One of the best packing tips is to look at the weather forecast for your destination ahead of time so that you can prepare accordingly.
Tanktops and moisture-wicking shirts are great base layers. We recommend packing 2-3 tank tops, 2-3 long-sleeved shirts, and 2-3 t-shirts for layering. If you get sweaty, you will have other base layers to use and you won’t have to do several loads of laundry!
Quarter-zips and sweatshirts are easy to put over your base layers! We recommend packing 2-3 quarter-zips, 2 sweatshirts, and a raincoat. With those layers, you will be prepared for any climate you may encounter!
2. Roll Your Clothes
Out of all the packing tips, this one will change your traveling life! Rolling your shirts and pants will save space in your suitcase and keep them from getting wrinkled! Nobody wants to have wrinkled clothes, and if you are away from home you might not have access to an iron. Try to roll your clothes the next time you pack and see how much space you can save!
3. Buy Clothes
If you are traveling internationally, consider buying clothes that suit the climate. Places like Southeast Asia and India sell cheap garments that keep you comfortable without breaking your bank. Even if you aren’t traveling internationally, consider leaving room for clothing souvenirs! I like to buy a t-shirt from every place I visit, so make sure you leave room for any mementos that you pick up!
4. Use A Hanging Toiletry Bag
Ask any expert traveler, and they will tell you that using a hanging toiletry bag is one of the best packing tips. These bags have various compartments that will hold your toiletries, and they come with a hook so that you can hang them in your bathroom. These accessories are useful for any trip, but they are especially practical for bathrooms in campers and cruise ships where you have limited space. Hanging toiletry bags will keep your necessities organized for quick access and compact if you have minimal suitcase space. You can find these bags in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes on Amazon or at an outfitter store near you.
5. Use Travel-Size Toiletries
Travel-size toiletries take up very little space, and they will fit great in your hanging toiletry bag! You can find travel-size toiletries at your local drug store, grocery store, or online. If you have specific liquids that you need to bring, we recommend buying travel-size bottles and filling them at home. You can find empty travel-size bottles at the store or on Amazon.
If you are flying, you will need to purchase travel-size toiletries that fit the airline’s requirements. We recommend looking online ahead of time so that you aren’t caught by surprise at the airport! If you are traveling with liquids, make sure that they are secured in an airtight container. Changes in altitude will cause liquids to react, so we recommend putting your containers inside a plastic Ziploc. If they explode, the bag will contain the mess and protect your clothes!
6. Plan To Do Laundry
If you have the option to stay somewhere that provides laundry facilities, then take it! No one likes doing laundry on vacation, but if you can do laundry then you can bring fewer clothes! Consider bringing some laundry detergent pods and softener sheets so that your clothes have a scent of home.
It can be very expensive to do laundry at a laundromat, especially in foreign countries. This is where buying clothes that suit the climate comes in handy. If you don’t want to buy more clothes, consider bringing a travel line for drying your clothes. You can use dawn dish soap to wash them in the sink, and then hang them out to dry on a rack or in your shower. Stain sticks are also helpful, and they take up very little space! Doing laundry while you are traveling will save space in your suitcase and save you extra work when you get home!
7. Shoes
Make sure that the shoes you wear on travel days are comfortable and easily removable. This is especially important if you are going through customs! Chacos are a great pick because their latch is easy to fasten and loosen. If you are running through the airport to catch your flight, you want a pair of shoes that will stay on your feet!
If you are bringing heavy boots on your trip, you may want to wear your boots on your travel days. This is especially helpful for backpacking trips, where your packing space is severely limited! Wherever you are traveling, it is a good idea to have at least two pairs of shoes. One pair for your main activity, and one pair for comfort during travel or rest days.
8. Travel Bag
Your travel bag will depend on your destination(s) and the length of your trip. Should you bring a backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag? Obviously, the smaller the bag the better, because that will help you pack lighter!
Backpacks and carry-on suitcases are great bags because you won’t have to wait for your luggage after a flight! You can exit the plane and get on to enjoying your trip. You just have to remember that you can only bring a limited amount of liquids as a carry-on, so keep that in mind when you are packing your toiletries!
Suitcases are great for longer, single-destination trips. They can carry more than a backpack, and you will have extra room for souvenirs. If you are flying, remember that the airline will have a weight limit on your suitcase. It is always better to pack light when traveling via airplane!
You will also want to have a day bag that will hold your personal belongings. You will want this bag to be compact and sturdy so that it can hold all your necessities without weighing you down!
