This efficient packing method lets you mix and match clothing to create a wide range of outfits. With this approach, you can fit at least two weeks’ worth of outfits into a single carry-on bag. This method of packing is versatile and allows for personalization to your particular style.
This method is easy to remember, with a simple formula to follow for less stress when packing. The trick is packing items that can be mixed and matched, so you wind up with a large variety of outfits for your trip without overpacking.
This method is simple:
- 5 Shirts/Tops:
- 4 Pants/Bottoms:
- 3 Shoes
- 2 Cardigans/Jackets
- 1 bonus item (SwimSuit or Dress)
Make this work by packing neutral colors or colors that are all in the same color family, so that all the tops you bring match with all the bottoms you bring and so on.
You can adapt this packing method for all types of travel. If you are visting in summer, you can skip the jackets and bring skirts instead. Just make sure that every top can be worn with every bottom.
Do laundry during your trip. Even if you do a quick sink wash of a couple of your tops once on your trip, you can get more days out of each piece. Most pants can be worn more than once without requiring a wash. Tops might need to be washed during your trip, but you can avoid this by packing high quality fabrics such as Merino Wool. Merino wool resists odors and wrinkles so you can often wear the top a couple of times before it needs a wash. I always pack a couple of laundry detergent sheets into my luggage for vacation laundry. These dissolve easily and pack flat, weighing practically nothing. Just pull a few sheets off and pack in a ziploc bag.
Pack wrinkle free clothing such as Merino Wool, Tencel Lyocell or Viscose.
Merino wool is a very versatile fabric that is moisture wicking, temperature regulating, non wrinkle fabric that resists odors. It is the queen of travel fabrics. I personally have multiple merino wool t-shirts in a variety of neutral colors that I regularly pack for vacations.
When buying Merino wool, you must look for NON-MULESING Wool. Mulesing is a painful process of removing skin from the sheep, it is unnessasary and terrifying for the sheep. Always buy your merino wool from a reputable company that states on their website that they source Mulseing FREE wool. Companies that are mulesing free include Woolx, Patagonia, H&M, and SmartWool. Remember when buying merino wool products, that it is an investment piece. Merino wool is more expensive than cotton and polyester fabrics, but you are paying for high quality fabric that will last for years.
Viscose fabric is made from plant fibers that have been treated and spun into yarn it is wrinkle resistant, soft, smooth, and has a delicate sheen.
It can imitate the feel of silk, wool, cotton, and linen
It’s breathable and moisture-wicking
Finish off your clothing packing with enough underwear and socks for at least a week. These items take up less room and weight than clothing items. I also always pack a swimsuit, just in case. This is my one non-negotiable “just in case” item that I will pack.
Pack light with accessories and jewelry. Bring jewelry that matches with each outfit, or a neutral scarf that can be thrown on to dress up your outfits. I like to pack my jewelry in this type of flat foldable case. This case actually holds quite a bit of jewelry and holds more than I typically bring, but gives you options if you are someone who likes to change up your accessories daily.
Pack comfortable high quality shoes. I like the brand Cariuma for walking shoes. They are a Brazillian company that makes high quality, sustainable shoes, and they plant trees in the rainforest for each pair you buy! Whatever shoes you pack make sure they are comfortable to walk a lot of miles in! I also like to pack a pair of ballet type flats, because these can be dressed up for night-time but are also comfortable to wear during the day while sightseeing. Allbirds makes a really comfortable pair of flats for walking.
Limit your Toiletries and Liquids. There are a ton of products that come in solid form these days. You can pack almost all the liquids you need, in solid form. Avoiding liquid restrictions that come with Carry On travel.
See my article here on minimalist travel for more solid form products.
Happy Packing!
-Beck
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