Hi, it’s me – a retired overpacker. Just a year ago, I constantly had an overweight suitcase. I have to confess that at one point, I even got my bag up to 75 pounds. A bottle of rosé was calling my name, so under the plane it went, along with about 5 outfit changes a day.
Somehow, I changed my pace. A few good podcast episodes about minimalism can do that to you. For me, it was also the frequency of my traveling. I started flying so regularly that it didn’t make sense for me to spend 4 hours packing my bag. I perfected my packing routine and I’m here to tell you that I still require a minimum of 3 outfit changes a day, but now I can do it all in a carry-on AND in half the time. Let me tell you how.
DON’T: Plan your outfits the night before
Tip #1: Plan your outfits as they come to mind
I used to scramble over a pile of mismatched clothes, trying to find an outfit the night before a flight. Now, I jot down outfit ideas in the notes app of my phone as they come to mind, even if it's weeks before the trip. Also, if I order items I'm considering wearing on the trip, I'll note that down as well. By doing this, when the time comes to pack, I already know precisely what to put in my suitcase."
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A foldable woven bag has been a requirement in my suitcase for beach days.
Farm Rio is always in my suitcase.
A matching set gives you multiple options for styling if you're going on a long trip.
And so is Triangl.
Everyone asks me where these linen pants are from.
My go-to brand for vacation sandals.
DON’T: Unpack and repack your toiletries
Tip #2: Have Travel Sized Duplicates of your toiletries and makeup items always ready to go
The most significant time-saver for me coincidentally involves the magic of a well-organized makeup bag. I now maintain a duplicate set of travel-sized beauty items in this makeup bag at all times. When it's time to pack, I simply toss these pre-packed bags into my suitcase. This prevents me from sitting on my bathroom floor with a list and wasting precious time.
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A cute makeup bag is essential.
Travel-sized iterations of your favorite skincare products should always be on hand.
I bought this for a trip to Europe and still am mad at myself for accidentally breaking it.
The type of product I buy in large and small.
Bringing your lotion is key to ensuring hydration.
DON’T: Bring a checked bag
Tip #3: Let your carry-on limit what you bring with you
I'm writing this to you while I sit on a plane, with my overweight carry-on bag above my head. That thing is heavy. As someone who loves to have numerous outfit changes, traveling with just a carry-on has always seemed impossible. It feels like a miracle that I can now manage with only a carry-on. This has significantly reduced my packing time, as I spend less time searching for things to fill it with. Packing cubes also play a crucial role in this process.
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I just got back from a girls trip and almost all of us had this suitcase, it's that good.
If duffle is moer your style this one has multiple compartments that hold it all.
These packing cubes feel like magic, everything somehow fits.
This method got me through two weeks in Europe with just a carry-on. Vacum seal everything, you'll thank me later.
DON’T: Go rogue
Tip #4: Have a pre-prepared packing list that you revolve your plan around
Since I was a little girl, I had a little notepad that included a packing list. I’ve been following it every time I’ve packed since even as an adult. Not only that, but I have a list on my phone of frequently forgotten items. I will contribute to it every time that I forget something on a trip, I add it to the list and check it every time I pack. Genius life hack.
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This is the exact notepad I used as a kid, anyone else?
I'm buying it in this cute color next.
DON'T: Think too much about packing basics
Tip #5: Wear as many basics as you can on the plane
I almost always end up at the airport in jeans, a white t-shirt or tank, and a blazer. Piling on as many basics as possible has helped me make the most of my travel wardrobe. The basics I wear on the plane can be used again and again to optimize my wardrobe. Waiting to wear them on the plane keeps me from overthinking the other outfits that I pack.
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Sunglasses really don't need to break the bank.
These are classic for a reason.
I recentley tried this blazer on and I'm obsessed.
I'm always looking for more good basics like this.
The jeans I have been wearing on every summer flight.
The perfect travel day tote.
These feel very elevated for being sneakers.
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