Ever come home from a trip to unpack nearly half of your belongings you didn’t touch? All of those cute dresses wrinkled and extra shoes crammed at the bottom of your luggage?

We have all been there. On my first trip abroad to Italy, I remember packing tons of different outfits with shoes, jewelry, and bags to match. I even had three different bathing suits for the three separate days I would be at the beach, and hiking boots just in case I decided to hike the Cinque Terre trail! I quickly realized I didn’t need HALF the things I packed, and that on my next trip I would not be caught lugging anything through airports, onto trains, or up cobblestone paths that I did not need.

That next year on a backpacking trip through Nicaragua, packing minimally was not just necessary, but something I totally embraced. Everything in my backpacked served a purpose and I felt free from the material items that were taking up space in my bag, and space in my life. That trip changed the way I looked at all material things, and led me to embrace a more minimal life at home and especially traveling abroad.

The backpack I used for years! This bag got me through two weeks in Nicaragua, three weeks in Thailand, and Vietnam.

Whether your are going for a few days or few months, packing minimally has some major benefits besides having to deal with the hassle of checking bags and lugging them around. You already have a million things crossing your mind abroad… when the train departs, where to go to dinner, how to get to that museum. By keeping your bag simple, you eliminate one less thing to worry about. Overall, less stuff means less stress.

Your travels are about enjoying your experiences and seeing new places, so stop rummaging through your bag. Go see that place and go do that thing!

only a carry on- this bag has got me through a month in Europe, a month in India, and a month in Asia. YES a month’s worth in a carry on.

To save your arms and keep your travel simple, here are my favorite packing tips:

THINK LIKE A MINIMALIST

First off, as mentioned, you need to change your mindset. The more you let go of your attachment to material possessions, the more space you will create to make memories and experience new things. No one will notice (or care) if you re-wear an outfit, so be realistic about what you need. Each item you pack should have a purpose and you should LOVE that item! If you are looking for more motivation on going minimal, watch this documentary from The Minimalists, or check out their blog or podcast.

Yes, these are the only pieces of clothing i used for a whole month in asia!

ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE

Use small bags and containers to keep everything organized and fit. Each compartment within the luggage should be like opening a drawer- one for clothes, one for toiletries, electronics, first-aid, etc.

GET STRATEGIC

Now think of your bag like puzzle. Try to avoid any “dead” space by rolling clothes (this also reduces their chance of getting wrinkled), folding socks and underwear in shoes/purses, and using compression cubes. There are plenty of hacks on youtube for packing a suitcase, including my favorite way to pack a hat. You may need to play around and rearrange to find the perfect fit.

it’s like a puzzle! find small spaces to fit items perfectly

you may need to rearrange a few times to find the perfect fit!

CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU GO

Is it going to be rainy season when you go to Thailand? Winter in New Zealand? Look ahead for the general weather conditions and pack accordingly. Do not prepare for the crazy weather situation that could happen. That’s right you heard me, do not prepare for unexpected weather, as in don’t pack snow boots or a heavy jacket for that 1% chance it snows in southern Italy in August. If it does happen, you can buy weather related emergency gear when you get there- along with everyone else.

STICK TO A COLOR PALETTE

By staying in a color theme, you can mix & match, layer, and get creative with top/bottom combinations. When I travel, I like to keep things solid in color, neutral, and of earthy tones so I can easily coordinate different outfit options. For example, pack a maxi skirt that matches all tops your bring, and pick tops that can match to multiple bottoms. Before packing each item, ask yourself if you have a more versatile version.

here i stuck with a black and tan color scheme!

PICK THE RIGHT FABRICS

The last thing you want to do on your trip is waste time ironing or steaming clothes, so they will most likely take residence at the bottom of your bag the whole trip. Pick lightweight garments that don’t wrinkle like cotton and linen, which are also easy to wash and hang dry. This leads me to my next point…

DO LAUNDRY

No matter the length of the trip, try to pack for seven days and wash clothes along the way as needed. Hotels can usually wash clothes for a small fee, find a local laundromat, or wash items yourself in the sink using a wash bag, detergent and hang them dry.

LIMIT SHOES

This will save you the most room so choose shoes that are comfortable, versatile, and lightweight. I like one pair of sneakers for the plane and for long walking days, one pair of walking sandals, and another pair I can dress up like black sandals, slides, flats, or bootie. Depending on the trip, I rarely pack heels or wedges, save your feet and the room in your bag!

shoes are lightweight, versatile, and able to dress up/down if needed!

CHOOSE ACCESSORIES WISELY

You will most likely end up wearing the same pair of earrings and using the same purse 95% of the time, so do not bring different accessories for every outfit. You also don’t want to worry about losing an expensive or sentimental piece of jewelry or hand bag! Go for one watch (so you are not always checking your phone for time), one pair of sunglasses, one hat, and one or two fun items like funky earrings or a neck scarf to dress outfits up. I always include one scarf that serves as a great makeshift pillow on the plane or shawl for visiting churches or temples. Stick with two purses- one larger tote or backpack for personal items, and one smaller crossbody bag for out and about.

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

First, decided if you can temporarily cut any non-essential beauty practices. Do you need to bring all eight steps of your skincare routine? Can you maybe embrace your natural hair and leave bulky hair dryers and irons at home? If that is out of the questions, check ahead if your hotels/airbnb/hostel provides a hair dryer, or see if a friend has a travel sized one. I am currently obsessed with this cordless and tiny travel straightener that I also use to curl to get the job done! Keep makeup minimal by only bringing one of each product- one foundation, one bronzer, one blush, one mascara, etc. Of course, everything- toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and face wash should be travel sized. I like to refill my own products in clear containers, just remember to keep it under 3.4oz!

USE PRODUCTS THAT DOUBLE DIP

I love getting creative and finding products that double up for other uses- like my scarf that works as a neck pillow, shawl, or blanket. My other go-to’s include coconut oil that can be used as a moisturizer, eye make up remover, and shaving cream. Dr Bronners soap can be used as a facial and body cleanser, shampoo, laundry detergent, and more! I am currently obsessed with Honest Beauty’s magic balm to tame my brows, and also as a highlighter and moisturizing lip balm. A small microfibre towel can be a face towel, back up towel, and used to dry hair or clothing.

Other Pro Tips:

Before packing each item ask yourself: is this comfortable? Does it have a purpose? Do I have a more versatile option? Do I LOVE this item? If not, keep it at home.
Layer and wear bulky or hard to pack items like sweaters, jackets, or your hat on the plane.
Consider packing a compact bag or foldable tote in your suitcase to use for things you buy on your travels (if you plan on it). You can check your suitcase on the way home, and use the duffle as your carry on.
Download audio books (I love audible) onto your phone instead of bringing bulky books.
Downsize your wallet before you leave. Bring only ID’s and cards that you NEED, and leave old crinkled receipts and your Crate & Barrel gift card at home.
At the least, remember leaving extra stuff at home gives you space to purchase that hand-knit scarf or piece of art that steals your eye on your trip!

Do you have any other tips on packing minimally? I am always looking for other tips and hacks to make travel easier! Please comment below or share with me on social media. Bon Voyage!