Tips for Packing Light

luggage-006.jpgOn a recent business trip, my airplane seatmate and I got to chatting (shocking, I know) and she thought it was amazing that I hadn’t checked a bag given that my trip would last seven days, so I thought I’d share a few tips with you for packing light.
This is what was in my rolling carry-on bag. There’s the large Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder which holds all my clothes (except the jeans, t-shirt and sandals I was wearing when I took the photo), the three smaller Eagle Creek zipper pouches which hold my underwear, my non-liquid toiletries, and my cords and chargers.
Next to those you can see my little blue cosmetics case and my regulation quart-size Ziploc bag of liquid and gel toiletries, my orange pashmina wrap and baseball hat. Below those, there’s my curling iron and two pairs of shoes. Look closely and you’ll see my sneakers are stuffed with socks and a sports bra. (Gotta have something to wear in the hotel fitness center)
OH and I almost forgot… I had my laptop and cooling mat in my carry-on bag too! That was one tightly stuffed bag, I’ll tellya, but I was bound and determined to NOT check any luggage. My point is that if you’re creative and you think ahead, you can pack for an entire week in just a single carry-on (and a fairly large purse).
Here are some tips I find handy for packing light:
** Plan your wardrobe around a limited color scheme. I brought black pants, brown pants, grey pants, and blue and neutral tops. This way I can mix, match, layer and create a bunch of different outfits without needing a ton of items.
** Use your shoes as containers. I can get three pairs of socks and my sports bra into my sneakers! Mens’ dress shoes are roomy too, as are some ladies shoes.
** Call your hotel ahead of time to see what they offer in the way of conveniences to save space in your luggage. I almost never need to haul a hair dryer, a steamer or an iron, because most hotels will provide them at no charge.
** Leave home inessential toiletries. Now that the airlines are so fussy about liquids and gels, you can pretty much get away without bringing shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash because most hotels will also provide those items.
** Get yourself a couple of Eagle Creek Pack-It Folders! They keep your clothing all folded up into a nice tight bundle and reduces movement thereby reducing wrinkling. You can find these at The Container Store. [LG]I love these travel organizers from stacksandstacks![/LG]
** Try to bring shoes that will serve more than one purpose rather than a specific pair for each outfit. Shoes with a low heel for ladies can usually serve multiple functions and are a great compromise because they can dress up or down depending on the outfit.
** Keep your travel size toiletries full and packed in their travel case at all times. This way, you never have to scramble to pack toiletries and you won’t risk forgetting something important.
How are you able to travel super light to avoid checking luggage? Do you have any great tips or secrets to share? Do tell!

0 thoughts on “Tips for Packing Light

  1. Raymond Green

    I agree wholeheartedly with the use of these travel organizer bags by Eagle Creek.
    I’ve used them for years and save much time and space. One of my favorite stories about the bags has to do with the fact I’m on a TSA watch list. I have the same name as an IRA terrorist in Dublin. I am constantly pulled out of line to be spot checked. The TSA officer who checked my bags went through my luggage and announced to me and his fellow officers:
    “Now this is how to pack a bag!”
    I almost felt vindicated, by his acknowledgement.
    RDG

     
  2. Sharon Kreighbaum - Staged Makeovers

    I often travel throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia and some of Asia. I have become a one-bag packer even when travelling for two weeks or more. I just plan on wearing things twice then washing them half-way through the trip. I also “throw as you go” items that I’m tired of, leaving room for items purchased while there. Your suggestions are right on the mark.

     
  3. Marcia Francois

    Oh my word, I’m inspired. I have gotten better over the years but I still have to check in a suitcase. Before it was 2 – 3 suitcases 🙂 (no, I’m not joking)
    How I’ve been able to pack lighter
    I also stay within a particular colour scheme
    I only pack travel size toiletries
    I take reading material that I can throw away or leave there (2nd hand books, printed e-books, etc.)

     
  4. Maire Kennedy

    I love to travel light! I love sailing out of the airport with my one carry-on, while everybody else is hunched around the baggage carousel.
    One thing that I like to do is just ship things like gifts and souvenirs back home as I buy them, rather than try to make room for them in my bag. Usually stores will do it for a decent rate, and if not, I’ve found that the quick detour to the post office is definitely worth it.

     
  5. Melody

    I have a small travel bag that is always packed with all my bathroom things. That has made a huge difference in the time it takes to pack and unpack. This one very small bag (which opens into two zipped sides) has my make-up, cleanser, creams, razor, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. It is an “extra” set so I never have to pack or unpack.

     
  6. Verena

    I would like to add my vote for the Eagle Creek Pack It Envelopes. They do a great job condensing clothes. I first purchased them when we went to Italy for 11 days two years ago. We each took only one carry-on on that trip.

     
  7. Beth

    I use packing cubes from eBags.com. Same kind of idea as the pack it envelopes. I have 3 sons, and we go from Boston to Disney World every year. I use a different color packing cube for each kid. Cuts down on unpacking time, too, as I just drop the cubes in the drawer and I’m done.
    Once, at the Orlando airport a skycap said our bag was too heavy. He brought me a cardboard box and I opened my suitcase, whipped out a few of the cubes, and my repack was done. He commented it was the fastest he’d ever seen.
    Since that event, I’ve bought several smaller suitcases. Airlines really have low weight limits, so for our family it’s better to bring 3-5 small bags than 1-2 larger ones. Someday if it is just my husband and I maybe I will try the carryon only trick! 🙂

     
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  9. Naomi Hamilton

    Using your shoes as a containers is a great idea! I have never thought they will gather so many things! I am glad that I have found your tips! Thank you for sharing them! Best regards!