The skill of taking everything you need, but not putting anything extra in your luggage will come in handy for any traveler. Opt for multifunctionality.
1. Make a list of the most necessary things and think about how to optimize it
Such a checklist will help you pack your luggage faster, and during the trip you won’t find that your suitcase is full, but there is nothing really necessary in it. Therefore, it is worth first writing down what you definitely need, and then packing your things. Here are the main categories:
- documents;
- equipment;
- clothes;
- shoes;
- accessories;
- first aid kit;
- hygiene items;
- cosmetics.
Divide the sheet or file into thematic columns and write down all the things you remember. You may need to add additional columns – for example, “children’s things” or “fishing gear”. Don’t forget about them.
If the list is too long, think about how to optimize it. For example, instead of different chargers for a smartphone, tablet, and fitness tracker, take one universal one. And instead of several face creams, leave one that moisturizes the skin and protects from the sun’s rays.
Pack your suitcase or backpack, guided by the list you received. If you are not sure whether you will definitely need some of the things from the list, remember whether you took them with you before. And make a decision depending on the answer:
- Took and used often. Perhaps, then the item is worth taking without thinking.
- Took and used 1-2 times. If the luggage is quite light, the item can be taken. If the suitcase is already difficult to close, think about what you can replace it with. It is possible that an alternative can be easily found – then you can leave the item at home. If not, decide whether it would be easier to buy it on the spot. If the answer is again negative, it is worth taking.
- You didn’t take it and realized that the item would definitely come in handy. In this case, take it with you. If you won’t need it on one or two trips, proceed as described in the previous point.
- You took it, but never used it. Or maybe you didn’t even take it out of your luggage. Feel free to cross the item off the list and forget about it.
If you pack your luggage according to this principle, it may turn out to be much lighter than you expected.
2. Check the weather forecast
The weather forecast will help you take clothes that you will be comfortable in. If they predict heat and bright sun, you can put one set of warm clothes in your suitcase. If they predict a change in the weather, rain, or a cold snap, you should take more of them. Perhaps you will decide to put not only a weightless raincoat and sweatshirt, but also a windbreaker or a quilted waterproof vest with a hood.
In order not to overload your suitcase, try to choose the lightest of the warm clothes. So, a fleece jacket or hoodie weighs less than a long wool sweater, but they are no less warm.
Choose your shoes carefully. It may make sense to wear sneakers on the road that are not afraid of rain and puddles, and put light sandals or other shoes for hot weather in your suitcase – they weigh less.
3. Choose clothes and accessories according to the capsule principle
It is worth taking several things, each of which is combined with the others. From such items of clothing, you can easily put together several sets that will look fresh and relevant. Also try to take things that can be worn in several layers. This way you can warm up, if necessary, and always look stylish.
A universal item on a trip is jeans. They combine with clothes in a variety of styles and are always relevant. But they are sometimes heavier than light trousers, a skirt or shorts, so you should not put them in a suitcase, but wear them on the road.
When choosing jewelry, choose those that go with most or all of your items. Try to take accessories that are lighter in weight and volume. For example, instead of a massive metal bracelet, you can put a light leather one.
4. Use mini-packages and travel sets for cosmetics
You can take the smallest bottles of shampoo or cream on the road – mini versions are often sold alongside the same products in larger volumes. Or choose a convenient set for travelers – such cases are available on almost any marketplace. Miniature bottles can be filled with your favorite shower gel, toner or cream.
You can also take laundry detergent with you – then you may need less underwear or socks. Today, it is easy to find, for example, washing powder in onedisposable packaging. This will allow you to easily tidy up several pairs of underwear.
5. Optimize the size of your travel first aid kit
If you are going to the forest, then you should take all the medications that you might need and fill your travel first aid kit to the maximum. But if you are going to rest in a city where it is easy to find a pharmacy, you can take only the most necessary medications.
If there are medications that you take regularly as prescribed by a doctor, first of all, pack the necessary supply. Then be sure to put an over-the-counter pain reliever and antipyretic drug, an antispasmodic, an anti-allergy drug, a supply of patches of different sizes. You can add an antidiarrheal drug and an antacid – suddenly unfamiliar food causes digestive problems.
The rest of the products, if necessary, you can buy at the pharmacy. But if you are going to rest in a country where the medications that you often use are sold only by prescription, it is better not to risk it and take at least one blister with you.
It is worth packing both the first aid kit and the rest of your luggage the day before your trip. Then you will have time to remember if you forgot anything important. And buy what you need, if necessary.