How to Pack Like a Minimalist
Pack Clothes That You Can Wear in Different Ways
Do you have a sweater that you can wear with slacks, a dress or a skirt? As opposed to packing three different sweaters to go with the three outfits, try packing one sweater per three outfits, depending on how much time you intend to go away. The same goes for tops and shoes.
Pack Interchangeable Pieces
Can you pair most the outfits that you've packed with each other without looking mismatched? Avoid too many different prints and patterns. Instead, go for plain colors. Examples of plain colors that you can pair with almost anything are blue, black, white, green and grey.
Don't Pack for Every Situation
A lot of people pack things that they don't need because they anticipate situations in which they might need them. Don't assume that it might rain at your destination and carry heavy jackets and sweaters.
There are plenty of resourceful online websites and apps that you can use to check coming weather for the place you wish to travel to beforehand. From there, you can pack your clothes according to the weather, instead of carrying clothes to suit different climates.
Buy a Hard-Shell Suitcase
Unlike a regular suitcase that comes in a flexible material that allows you to keep squeezing in items, a hard-shell suitcase comes in a rigid material. This suitcase has limited space and will leave you with no choice but to only pack what is necessary.
The suitcases also last longer, meaning that you'll get value for your money. Another great thing about a hard-shell suitcase is that it comes with a USB charging port, meaning that you don't have to wait in airport outlets to charge your devices. If you're a new minimalist packer who can't decide on what to pack, this suitcase is an absolute necessity.
Pack Clothes With Quick-Drying Fabrics
Are you traveling to a location with no washers and dryers and will, therefore, have to wash your clothes by hand? Go for clothes with materials that dry quickly upon washing. That way, you’ll have the opportunity to clean your dirty clothes without worrying that they'll take too long to dry. If your clothes take too long to dry you might need to buy more clothes at your destination.
Pack Comfortable Shoes
Are you that girl that loves her stilettos? When traveling, always pack sensible shoes that will allow you to move comfortably around when sightseeing. If you carry your favorite pairs of high heels, you might end up buying flats at your destination, which will increase your luggage on your way back home.
Invest in Reusable Lotion Containers
If you're traveling for a weekend, you don't need to carry huge bottles of moisturizers, cleansers and lotions. Instead, buy small reusable containers that you can use to transfer only small amounts of lotions.
Another helpful tip when it comes to lotions or makeup is to look for items that serve different purposes. For instance, some cleansers also serve as makeup removers while some moisturizers contain SPF for sun protection. Instead of packing a body lotion with no SPF and a moisturizer with an SPF of 50, go for the latter to help you pack minimally.
Start Packing Early
Last minute packing can make it harder for you to decide on what items to carry because it’s chaotic and rushed. In the end you might find yourself taking more than you need.
Give yourself enough time to decide on what items are necessary for your trip. Come up with a strategy that will help you pack intentionally. An excellent period to execute a minimalist packing strategy is about a week.
