How to Pack Smarter and Lighter for Your Next Trip

Before going on a trip, it is crucial to do a bit of planning. That includes also packing – deciding what kind of clothes and things to bring with you. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have to follow a certain limit. Thankfully, there are a lot of small tips and tricks that can make the process a whole lot easier. Here are our favourite tips for packing sufficiently for a trip.

Think about what you must bring with you

When getting ready for a trip, half of the battle is figuring out what you will need during your travel adventures. When you have an idea of what you think you should bring, lay it all out in front of you. In this way, you will be able to compare everything you are planning to pack. Get rid of anything that seems too similar. For example, you probably won't need five pairs of blue jeans. Stick with the ones that you feel most comfortable with and, of course, take into account the number of days you will be gone.

Arrange your clothes

There are three main techniques for packing clothes. Truth be told, there is no right or correct way – it all depends on the occasion.

Folding clothes

This method is what you have probably done throughout your whole life. Simply fold all of your clothes. At the bottom of your bag (or suitcase), place those pieces that seem to be the most flexible. This is important – if you put the wrong things in the bottom, the packing will become harder. Then stack your longer and bigger sized clothes, for example, cardigans, jumpers and pants, on top of the previous things. If you have anything that requires gentle handling (sunglasses, jewellery, perfume), place it on top.

Rolling clothes

Although folding clothes is definitely a more popular choice among travellers, it may not be the most efficient. In order to save some space and avoid annoying wrinkles, try rolling your clothes. This works especially good if you are travelling with a duffle bag or backpack. What's more – use this method with any kind of fabric. Whether it is synthetics, knits or maybe even denim, you won't be disappointed by the result.

Bundle packing clothes

Another great alternative is to pack your clothes in a bundle, which means wrapping smaller items inside larger ones. This is an excellent choice if you plan on going on your trip with a suitcase or any other flat bag.

Pay attention to the fabric of clothes

Of course, even if you do pack as best as you can, you might still notice wrinkles on your clothes. That can be quite disappointing, especially if you have an important meeting and there is no iron in your accommodation. Truth be told – there's nothing to be done about your clothes getting messy. What you can do – choose materials that resist wrinkling and stains. For example, seek out lightweight merino wool for outerwear, quick-dry synthetics for underwear and SmartWool socks.

Buy a travel iron

Thankfully, many companies offer travel irons that will become your favourite travel companions and will make your days a lot easier. Just make sure it's lightweight and practical in size, so it fits perfectly in your luggage. Some brands also offer a 2-in-1 option – an iron that also works as a steamer. Sounds great, doesn't it?

Keep in mind the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule

You must be realistic. Even if you are the biggest fashionista, you don't need a hundred different dresses and tops for a few day trips. That is why it might be a good idea to practice the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule. It says that for a week-long trip, you should pack one hat (for the colder seasons), two pairs of shoes, three pairs of pants or skirts, four shirts, five pairs of socks and six sets of underwear. Of course, you can adjust this list to your needs and preferences. When going to a tropical place, your list might look a bit different than when heading north. 

Choose digital

Indeed – there is nothing better than opening your favourite book at the end of a long and exhausting day. But when it comes to travelling, try to replace materials with digital. You will probably take your phone or computer with you. In that case, consider downloading any apps that might be useful to you, for example, travel guides, e-books, translation apps, maps and so on. However, do keep in mind – always take printed versions of your documents with you since some places may not accept digital copies.

Organise your toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, it is essential to consider what are the products you actually use on a daily basis. Pack only these products and nothing else. To save more space, try to choose items that have dual or triple purposes. Put the liquids in smaller containers – you won't need the whole package for just a few days. 

Invest in a good bag

Sometimes you can pack as efficiently as you want – if you have an unpractical bag, it won't work. Nowadays, suitcases and other travel bags are equipped with divided sections, compressions straps, 360-degree wheels and, in some cases – even digital tracking tags. Of course, suitcases can be quite expensive, but it’s worth the investment if you do travel regularly. When purchasing a carry-on, find out if it complies with airline carry-on rules. For the last couple of years, the requirements have become tighter and tighter.

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