Since most airlines give their passengers a hard time regarding their luggage size, weight, and the extra price of checked-in bags, it is better to master the art of packing light. But really, who wants to travel pulling several bags along, especially when you visit different countries in a limited time? To prevent this from happening on your next trip, we’ll share with you some tips to master the art of packing light.
Choose the right luggage
Investing in a piece of good luggage is very important. Most well-known brands will offer hard-side suitcases that are lightweight—thus providing you with more weight to fill. Most models also come with spinner wheels for easy rolling, and this is your best bet for safe and durable luggage.
Pre-pack with a pre-plan
Take the time to decide on the outfits you will take with you, and try them on a couple of days before packing. Try to make choices that you can mix and match, or wear on multiple occasions. Write a list of all the things you will bring to make packing faster; the list can include all electronics, shoes, undergarments, accessories, and toiletries. Remember to avoid repetition—you can share with your partner any electronics or toiletries to save place.
Pack for functionality
Some people like to try different outfit styles when traveling. You can get one or two smart outfits, but try to pick the rest according to your pre-planned activities.
Roll your clothes
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will save up a huge space in your luggage. Packing masters state that if your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, then you are taking too many clothes to your destination.
Shoes are valuable storage space
Do not underestimate your shoes! Especially if you have big size shoes, it is the perfect place to store accessories, electronics, or just socks.
“What if I need it”
Get rid of every object you are doubting. It is normal that traveling to an unknown place makes us overthink, but try to be more practical in your decisions to be able to travel light. Remember; if you forget anything, you can probably still buy it from there.
You can wash everywhere
Do not decide on the number of clothes according to the duration of your stay, because you know your clothes can be washed. In all countries, you will find laundry shops and local cleaners—or some detergent from the supermarket will do the trick. A good rule of thumb is to wash one, dry one, and wear one; so you can take three T-shirts for a week-long trip, and still look and smell good.
Wear bulky to the airport
If it’s wintertime, pick only one pair of boots and one jacket for your trip. Wear your bulky boots and jacket to the airport, rather than taking up space in your suitcase.
Mastering the art of packing light might take a bit of practice and a courageous personality—it’s not easy to leave a lot of things behind. Yet, it is worth it for a host of reasons: for airline regulations, easy transportation between cities, saving space for souvenirs or presents for loved ones, and many more.
