Traveling light can be a struggle, but it’s a skill you can learn and master over time. We have nine tips that will help you get rid of all that extra weight in your suitcase, and it starts with the luggage you’re packing.
Whether you’re trying to stay under a specific weight limit or you’re just tired of dragging around unnecessary bulk, just follow these tips to start traveling light!
Start With a Small Suitcase
Ditch the big suitcase. First thing’s first – if you want to travel light, you’ll have to pack in a smaller suitcase. So, ditch the 32” expandable checked suitcase, and pick up your smallest carry-on bag. There are a lot of great options when it comes to quality carry-on suitcases, but if you’re looking for a premium item, it’s best to stick with Samsonite or Delsey.
When it comes to the bag with your travel necessities, consider a bag that fits under the seat instead of a backpack or a classic travel tote. They’re more convenient for flights, and they offer excellent organization capabilities.
Make a Packing List
Use a packing list. Don’t just look at your closet and start throwing things into your suitcase – you’ll end up with way too many things that you don’t need and not enough things you’ll actually wear.
Instead, make a packing list. Think of how long you’ll be staying and how many outfits you plan to change – one pair of jeans can work for different outfits, and you never need more than two or three pairs of dual-purpose shoes.
Use Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are a godsend – at least, the good ones are. Instead of putting clothes directly in your suitcase, fold them and put them in compression cubes first. The quality ones can compress your clothes by some 30%, which is absolutely amazing. You might just be able to pack for a 10-day trip in a carry-on!
Another thing I like to do to save space in my suitcase is put all my underwear and socks in bags and then stuff them inside my shoes.
Ditch the Full-Sized Items
Invest in travel-sized versions of your favorite product instead of packing the full-sized items. This means everything from a hairdryer to your favorite perfume.
Pretty much every hygiene and makeup product is available in a travel-sized version, and buying these can save you a lot of space in your suitcase. Why carry around a 200-ml facial wash, when 50 ml is more than enough for your trip?
Don’t Pack Toiletries
If you’re staying in a hotel, you definitely don’t need to pack any toiletries. Even AirBnBs these days are likely to provide you with some essentials like shower gel and shampoo, so you can definitely leave those at home. Plus, you can always buy new products when you arrive at your destination – it’s not like buying shampoo and some toothpaste will break the bank.
If you absolutely must bring your own toiletries, just don’t use full-sized bottles even if you’re packing them in a checked suitcase. It’s a waste of space as it’s highly unlikely you’ll use up the entire tube of toothpaste during your trip. You can always buy those reusable 1oz bottles – just fill them up with your favorite products, and you’re good to go.
Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes
If you need to bring a pair of boots and a bulky jacket on your trip, it’s better to wear them instead of packing them. You’ll save a lot of space in your suitcase, allowing you to pack a few additional items you might not have space for otherwise.
Traveling With an Animal?
First thing’s first – to truly travel light, you’ll have to swap your Great Dane for a small Goldendoodle. They’re so much smaller and easier to travel with! I’m only kidding, of course. But, you should think twice about the bag for your animal, whether it’s a cat or a dog. Get a carrier that has extra pockets and compartments so that you can actually carry all the necessities for the animal in its own carry case.
Use a Travel Scale
Airlines all have their own baggage allowances, so it can get confusing. The only way to know if you’ve actually packed light is to weigh your suitcase and check the numbers. Get a travel scale – there are loads of those you can just attach to the handle of your bag and weigh it like that.
This is the best way to know whether your luggage is under the weight limit. It’s much better to be aware before you leave the airport than to get a nasty surprise while you’re trying to board the plane.
Invest In a Good Power Bank
A really good power bank (like the Anker PowerCore) can help reduce the number of adapters you need to pack, which ultimately frees up space in your bag. You’ll just need the cables, and even then just stick to one type of cable – don’t pack five different USB-C cables. You don’t need them. In case you actually need to use more than one at a time, you can buy them dirt-cheap.
With a juicy quick-charging power bank, you don’t need any adapters. You can use it to charge your iPad, smartwatch, phone, earphones – if it’s charged with a USB, you can plug it into the power bank. Plus, you can use it anywhere and just charge it with your laptop.