Packing 101

Packing for a trip doesn't have to be a source of stress! Over my years of traveling, I’ve gotten pretty good at "the squeeze," but my ultimate test came in the summer of 2022. After COVID delays, my family was finally heading to Europe for a month. Between canceled flights and the "summer of lost luggage," we decided to pivot and go completely carry-on for all four of us.

That 28-day trip taught us exactly what is truly important when you're on the move. Here is how you can pare down and maximize your space like a pro.

Several suitcases lined up ready to travel.

1. Start With the Trip, Not the Suitcase

Most overpacking happens when we pack for every "what if" scenario instead of the likely ones. Before you grab your bag, ask yourself:

• What is the actual climate?

• What activities am I really doing?

• When will I have laundry access?

Pro Tip: If an item doesn’t clearly match a planned activity, it stays home.

2. The Magic of a Color Palette

This is a total game changer. Limit yourself to 1–2 neutral base colors (like black, navy, or beige) and 1–2 accent colors. This allows you to mix and match everything, making your clothing count drop by nearly half. Trust me, the people you meet on vacation won't remember what you wore Tuesday vs. Thursday!

3. Conquer the "Space Stealers" (Shoes)

Shoes are the biggest space hogs. Try to limit yourself to:

• One walking shoe (wear your bulkiest pair on the plane!).

• One dressier option.

• One specialty shoe (like sandals or hikers).

• If going to a warm weather area the sandal can double as the dressier option often allowing you to go with just two pairs of shoes (bonus space)

Hack: Stuff your socks, chargers, or belts inside your shoes to reclaim that wasted space!

4. Roll It or Cube It

• Packing Cubes: These are great for compressing clothes and preventing the "exploded suitcase" look. Use one cube per category (tops, bottoms, etc.).

• Rolling: If you don't want to invest in cubes, rolling is a fantastic alternative. It reduces wrinkles and makes it way easier to see everything you’ve packed at a glance.

• Bundling: For bulky sweaters or jackets, try "bundle wrapping"—layering them around a core item like a shoe bag.

  
  

5. Decant Your Toiletries

You don’t need full-sized products or "just in case" backups.

• Check the hotel: Most places provide the basics, so you can skip them entirely.

• Go solid: Swap liquids for shampoo bars or solid deodorant to save space and hassle at security.

• Rule of thumb: If you can buy it there, you don't need to pack it.

  
  

6. The 7-Day Rule & The Final Edit

No matter how long your trip is, pack for only 7–10 days. Plan to re-wear bottoms 2 - 3 times and do a bit of laundry along the way. If you don’t have a machine, you can always spot-wash in a sink.

Before you zip up: Do a final edit. Remove one top, one "maybe" item, and one bulky piece. You won’t miss them, and you’ll appreciate the extra 15% of space for souvenirs!

Bonus: The "Split-Pack" Strategy

If you aren't traveling solo and do decide to check a bag, try this: pack half of your clothes in your partner's suitcase and half of theirs in yours. If one bag goes missing, you both still have enough to get by for a few days.

We often check just one bag for our family of four to handle liquids (like big bottles of sunscreen) while keeping our essentials and enough clothing for a few days in our carry-ons.

Would you like an essentials packing list to help you pack smarter? Contact me to request and I will send you a free copy of my Essentials Smart Packing List.