Following a minimalist lifestyle offers several advantages. It helps you save money, enjoy a spacious, decluttered living environment, and, for many people, can reduce stress, especially when choosing something to wear. Unfortunately, we have never mastered this skill. No matter how much we try, we continue to overpack. Some of it is “beyond” our control. At our age, we practically need a carry-on for our “pharmaceutical” requirements.
Even if you are talented at packing, it can be tricky to maintain a minimalist lifestyle when packing for a trip. What if an emergency arises, and you desperately need an item you haven’t packed? Many of us overpack on a trip, resulting in stress, heavy bags, and hefty fees to pay at the airport.
Tips Before You Begin
- Write a list. The first thing you need to do is make a list. This will help you establish precisely what you need by forcing you to think your choices through. It can also help to highlight any duplicates before they reach your suitcase.
- Try writing a list by going through the days of your trip and the activities for each day. This will prevent you from repeating items.
- Be picky with footwear. Footwear often takes up the most space in your case, so be prepared to be choosy and selective with the footwear you take with you. If possible, opt for just one or two pairs of shoes.
- Choose multifunctional outfits. Just as with shoes, try and select outfits that serve more than one purpose. This will limit the number of items you must take with you. With creativity, you can get multiple uses out of a single item.
- Do your research. There is no sense in taking a bikini on a ski trip or three pairs of jeans if the local temperature is 90 degrees. Do your research to ensure you have packed items appropriate for your trip.
- Create a rough itinerary. If possible, create a rough trip itinerary to help you better understand what you need and when. You may spot opportunities to reuse an outfit or realize that you have missed something from your list.
- Check washing facilities. One of the easiest ways to travel light is to consider whether you can wash your clothes. This will seriously limit the amount you need to bring, and you may be able to get away with just one or two changes of clothes.
Learning how to pack like a minimalist doesn’t have to be stressful; on the contrary, it can reduce your anxiety, lighten your load, and eliminate the need to worry if your luggage takes a detour.
Travelling light as a minimalist can make your journey smoother, more efficient, and surprisingly liberating. Fortunately, there are several tips that you can follow to help you stay minimalist and still pack everything you need for any trip. Here’s a guide to packing essentials for a minimalist trip that covers convenience and versatility.
1. Choose the Right Bag
| Bag Type | Size Recommendation | Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack | 30-40 liters | Comfortable straps, multiple compartments, water-resistant |
| Carry-On Suitcase | Max size for airlines | Lightweight, with wheels and a sturdy handle |
| Daypack | Small, foldable | Can be packed into main luggage for day use |
Depending on the destination and trip type, choose a compact but sturdy bag that you can carry easily on your back or roll.
2. Plan Clothing Around Versatility
Pack clothing items that can mix and match for multiple outfits. Prioritize lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
- Outfits: Aim for 3 tops, 2 bottoms, and 1 outer layer. Select neutral colours like black, gray, or navy for easy matching.
- Shoes: One pair of walking shoes and one multi-use pair (e.g., comfortable slip-ons that work for both day and night).
- Accessories: Minimize to 1 belt, 1 scarf (optional), and any small items that complement multiple outfits.
3. Toiletries and Personal Care
Stick to a compact set of essentials and decant liquids into travel-sized containers to save space.
- Essentials Only: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a small bottle of body wash, and a compact hairbrush.
- Travel Bottles: Use 100ml bottles for shampoo and conditioner, especially for carry-on.
- Multi-Use Products: Look for items that serve multiple purposes, like a moisturizer with SPF or a 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo.
4. Streamline Electronics and Gear
Technology and gear can quickly take up space. Limit yourself to only necessary gadgets.
- Phone and Charger: Essential, covers many purposes (maps, photos, booking).
- Tablet or E-Reader: A slim tablet is more space-efficient than books if you need something for reading or entertainment.
- Portable Charger: Handy for long travel days when outlets are scarce.
- Universal Adapter: Essential if traveling internationally.
5. Organize with Packing Aids
Packing cubes or compression bags keep items organized and maximize space.
| Packing Aid Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Packing Cubes | Helps organize clothes into categories |
| Compression Bags | Reduces the volume of bulky clothing |
| Toiletry Bag | Keeps liquids contained, easy access |
| Shoe Bag | Keeps dirt from shoes off your clothes |
6. Essential Travel Documents and Accessories
Keep these in an easily accessible part of your bag.
- Passport/ID: Store in a waterproof pouch.
- Tickets and Travel Itinerary: Keep digital copies as backups.
- Cash and Cards: Limit the number of cards and bring local currency if possible.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated without adding plastic waste.
7. Minimalist Packing Tips
- Roll Clothes: Rolling conserves space and minimizes wrinkles.
- Layer and Wear Bulky Items: If you bring a heavier jacket or shoes, wear them on the plane.
- Limit “Just in Case” Items: Only pack items you know you’ll use.
