By Evelyn Evans 
Choose the Right Bag
Your journey to packing light starts with choosing the right bag. A small carry-on suitcase or a durable backpack sets the tone for how much you can bring. If you start with a large suitcase, you’ll be tempted to fill it with things you might not need. But when space is limited, you’re forced to be more selective, which is the key to minimal travel.
Look for something lightweight and easy to carry around. A backpack with multiple compartments can be great for organizing your items without adding bulk. If you’re flying, make sure the bag fits the airline’s carry-on restrictions so you can avoid baggage fees and waiting at the carousel. Keep it simple and functional.
Pack Versatile Clothing
Instead of packing a separate outfit for each day, go for clothes that can mix and match easily. Neutral colors like black, white, navy, or beige work well together and can be dressed up or down. A pair of pants, a few shirts, and maybe one dress or nicer outfit can go a long way with the right combos.
Try choosing items made from materials that don’t wrinkle easily and can be worn multiple times without looking worn out. Clothing that can be layered helps you adjust to different temperatures without needing extra outfits. A good rule is to pack for a week, even if your trip is longer—just plan to do laundry.
Stick to Essentials Only
Be honest with yourself: how many pairs of shoes do you really need? Or how often do you actually use that third phone charger? One of the best ways to travel light is to make a clear list of essentials and stick to it. This means only packing what you absolutely know you’ll use.
Think in terms of daily use. Toothbrush, toothpaste, one pair of comfortable walking shoes, one jacket, and maybe a travel towel. If you find yourself thinking “just in case,” chances are you don’t need it. Minimal packing is all about cutting out the “maybe” items and sticking to the “must-haves.”
Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
Packing cubes are game-changers for light travelers. They help keep everything neat and in its place, so you don’t end up digging through your bag for a single sock. You can organize clothes by type—shirts in one cube, underwear in another—or by outfit, which makes dressing a breeze.
Compression bags are also super handy, especially if you’re trying to squeeze a bit more in without increasing your bag size. Just be mindful that while these save space, they don’t reduce weight. Still, these tools help keep your packing compact and efficient without making your bag feel like a mess.
Limit Toiletries
Toiletries are one of the most overpacked categories. But truth is, most places you go—whether it’s a hotel or Airbnb—already provide basics like soap and shampoo. Bring travel-sized versions of your favorite products, and only carry what you’ll actually use. A small bottle of all-in-one soap or shampoo can work wonders.
Also, consider solid toiletries like shampoo bars or bar soap instead of liquids—they take up less space and won’t spill in your bag. Keep your toiletries in a small pouch, and don’t forget items like deodorant, a toothbrush, and maybe a small comb. Skip the “full routine” and focus on the basics.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items
If you’re traveling somewhere cold or need a heavy jacket, don’t stuff it into your bag—wear it instead. The same goes for sneakers or boots. Wearing your bulkiest items while in transit frees up a lot of space in your luggage and makes it easier to pack light.
This trick not only saves space, but it also keeps you warm in over-air-conditioned airports or chilly airplane cabins. Plus, jackets often have pockets, and those extra pockets come in handy for holding boarding passes, headphones, or even snacks. Smart travelers dress with their luggage in mind.
Do Laundry on the Go
One of the best tricks to traveling with less is doing a little laundry along the way. You don’t need a full washing machine—just a hotel sink and some travel detergent will do the trick. If you plan for it, you can re-wear outfits by giving them a quick wash every few days.
Many hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs also offer laundry services or machines you can use. This allows you to pack fewer clothes and recycle outfits instead of carrying your whole wardrobe. It may seem like extra effort, but in exchange, you’ll move around lighter and faster.
Digitize What You Can
Paper adds up faster than you think. Travel guides, tickets, maps, and even books can weigh down your bag before you know it. Try going digital wherever possible. Download tickets, maps, books, and itineraries to your phone or tablet to lighten your load.
Apps like Google Maps, airline apps, and even offline reading apps make it easy to travel paper-free. If you love reading, carry an e-reader or use your phone instead of lugging around physical books. With everything backed up in the cloud, you’ll stay organized and reduce the clutter in your bag.
Adopt a Minimalist Mindset
Packing light isn’t just about your luggage—it’s also a mindset. When you stop worrying about having everything “just in case,” you’ll realize how little you actually need to travel comfortably. You’ll move quicker, feel less weighed down, and spend less time organizing stuff.
Start small. Even if you don’t get it perfect the first time, you’ll learn what you really need by traveling more. The goal isn’t to have nothing, but to have enough. A minimalist approach to travel not only makes the physical trip easier—it often makes the whole experience feel more freeing and intentional.