Tired of paying money at the airport for a suitcase full of stuff you don’t even end up looking at when you’re traveling?
If you don’t need it, don’t bring it. All you have to do is start packing light. Unfortunately, this is much easier said than done.
We’ve put together this guide to show you how to pack light without leaving any important items behind when you hit the road (or the sky!)
1. Start With a Small Suitcase or Bag
You will fill up the space you have. If you pull out your biggest suitcase, odds are you will end up packing clothing, shoes, and other items that you don’t really need.
One of the best business travel tips for frequent travelers is to choose a small suitcase, backpack, or bag instead. Since you don’t have any extra space for unneeded items, you’ll be forced to pack light.
2. Create a Packing List in Advance
Put together a packing list several days in advance. List out all the essentials you need then lay all those items out on your bed or table to see what you have. (If you don’t know what to bring, you can find a light packing checklist online).
Now that you can see everything, try to remove a few things. For example, if you want to bring three dresses each with a matching pair of shoes, see if you can pick a single pair of shoes that will work for all the outfits.
3. Pack Lightweight Clothing
Before you fold your clothes and layer them in your suitcase, put them in a compression bag first. This will help you squish your clothes tighter than you could on your own, and it will leave more space for other items.
Depending on the season, do your best to pack lightweight clothes that are thin. If you do have to bring thicker, winter clothes, wear your bulkiest outfit when going through airport security and on your flight. You can even wear layers if you aren’t worried about getting too hot.
4. Only Use Travel Sizes Toiletries
You probably won’t need a full bottle of shampoo when you’re going on vacation. Instead, buy travel-sized bottles and only take what you’ll actually use.
Do this with all your toiletries and makeup. It’s also a good idea to leave your makeup bag behind when you travel. Pull out only the cosmetics you’ll use, and put them in a smaller, drawstring bag.
5. Don’t Bring Anything You Can Buy Once You Get There
If you can buy something once you arrive at your hotel (or wherever you’re staying), don’t pack it. Toothpaste and a toothbrush are only a few bucks, which can help you save a lot of money on checked baggage fees.
This also applies to things like:
- Food
- An umbrella
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Shampoos and soaps
- Etc.
These things can take up a lot of space in your bag, so you can fit in more important items if you simply buy them when you arrive at your final destination.
Save Money by Packing Light for Your Next Trip
Packing light can take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself saving money. And you won’t even have to go without any important items during your vacation.
Want to learn some other helpful travel tips?
We’ve got you covered! Make sure you take a look at our guide to learn some advice that’ll help you get through your next adventure!
