I used to be an over-packer. I would pack anything and everything for any trip just in case. But I’m changing my mentality and getting better at packing light for those short city breaks, and even for longer trips too, trying to keep things to hand luggage only. It can be super daunting to know where to start with packing, there are so many items you use day to day to think about and reduce down to one small list, so where to start?
Create a master list
Whether it’s digital or physical, creating a master list you can refer back to again and again and again will save you so much time in the future and free up your brain from the worries of forgetting anything. But what is a master list? It’s a list of every key item you need, the things you can’t live without like medication, underwear, toiletries, clothes, chargers, etc. The idea is that you create this one list to use multiple times and you just add to it depending on where you’re going and your needs in that specific location. I find this method very helpful because it means I’ll never forget anything and stops me from remembering an item to add just as I’m drifting off to sleep or locking up the house for my trip.
Pack light
I know this one seems pretty obvious given we’re talking about how to pack light, but I mean it literally, pack light clothing. Get a few clothing pieces that are designed to be travel-friendly and easily fold/roll up into your bag that won’t weigh you down too much. Packing bulky clothing items sometimes can’t be avoided, so in these cases try to travel wearing your biggest and heaviest items of clothing like a winter coat and boots. Remember you can always bring clothes soap with you to wash things whilst you’re away. Also, don’t forget to fold up any smaller items and put them inside bigger items like shoes, it really helps save space!
Bring multi-use clothing
When thinking about what clothes you could bring with you, think about which pieces you can use more than once. Whether it’s a natural material that doesn’t retain odor, so can be worn two days in a row, or if you’re going out somewhere formal, pack an item of clothing that could work not only in the formal setting but during the day too.
Keep it organised!
It will help you so much in the long run on your travels if you’re keeping things somewhat organised in your bag, especially if you’re traveling with a rucksack. I know there’s a split opinion in the travel industry on packing cubes, but I think when used well they can be so, so handy to save space! You can check out the packing cubes I use here.
Really think about what you need
Even if you’ve created a master list and have everything packed, take some time to really think about what you will need. I try to live in the mindset of if I don’t have something, I don’t have it, and if I still need it I can try to buy it out there. I’ve seen people say lay everything out you want to pack and then half it, but I think that only works if you’ve really, really overpacked. But still, lay everything out and think about what you really need.
Buy it whilst you’re there!
As I’ve mentioned above, if you really need it, buy it out there. Obviously, this won’t always be cost-effective, so weigh it up, but think about how much it would be to check in a bag vs buying a slightly bigger item out there like hair spray. It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth considering when you’re trying to cut down on space and weight.
So those are my top tips for packing light, I hope this has helped before your next city break!
