You’re ready to go! Your destination is set, you’ve got a plan, but do you know what you need to pack? Whether it’s just a weekend away, a month of remote working in a new town, or taking a gap year, packing is a crucial part of the success of any trip. We know it would be ideal to snap your fingers and have the perfect packing list fall right into your hands and then into your suitcase.
While it can’t be that quick, it can be that simple. Learning to fine-tune your packing skills and declutter your bags is a surefire way to rid your trip of anxiety and allow for the ultimate travel experience. With a touch of minimalism, you can become a pro at efficient travel packing. We present to you the 5-step Minima-Lists packing guide:
Step 1: Don’t Panic! Trust the Flow
Each time you begin packing for a trip, take a moment to remember why you’ve made these plans in the first place. Put on a playlist that eases your mind, light a candle, or turn on your essential oil diffuser, and take a deep breath. You might find this time to be more relaxing than you thought possible. It might even feel somewhat meditative when treated this way. Any time you are packing and start to feel anxious, try this step to bring you back to a happy place.
Step 2: Focus on the Set Agenda and Break Down Your Plans
Situate each of the activities you have planned. Perhaps naming the trip as a whole will give you a sense of what you want to accomplish from the journey. Then, each planned activity throughout the trip can be assigned a “go-bag”: it can be a large packing cube, a small organizer, a superlight container, or a waterproof one. Depending on the relevant features of the activity, you are free to pack how you please—just keep in mind limits such as maximum weight or volume allowed in cases like flying.
Each of these “go-bags” will become your Minima-List modules. Also consider necessities for in-between activities, including any downtime you might have. If you’re properly prepared for this, all of your time can be enjoyable. Most importantly, make an effort to be as realistic as possible when it comes to the possibility of any of your plans going awry—a backup plan is always a good idea. Be reasonable with yourself about each of the plans you’ve made and the fact that some of them might change a little or completely. By doing this, you’ll allow for maximum space in your bags and the ability to do each activity however you’d like.
Step 3: Throw in Extra “Stuff”
Once your well-thought-out “go-bags” have been packed, the fun part begins! With all of the room you’ve saved in your bags or suitcase, you have the opportunity to include extra items as a luxury. Each of your “go-bags” should be able to carry something or several things that are more for fun than necessity. These little luxuries might be included in each activity, or they might be something of their own that brings a bit more excitement to your trip.
In this step, there are no limits. We only suggest that, if you are adding items that adhere specifically to each activity, you consider how they can benefit said activity. For example, if you choose to add sunscreen to a “go-bag,” you could add it to your sports bag instead of your basic toiletry bag, as you’ll need it when playing outside. A collapsible water bottle or a silicone portable travel toiletry bottles are other excellent additions, providing convenience without taking up much space.
Step 4: Visualize On-the-Spot Alternatives to Packed Items
In this step, the goal is to lighten your load as much as possible. Not only is decluttering your bags easier for carrying and transporting them, but it’s much more functional to free up space for things you might want to add along the way. It’s always a good idea to leave room for whatever you might want, and you may be surprised by the things you find! We believe that destination shopping can be much more fulfilling in the long run than overpacking original items. It has the potential to connect you with your destination and take a piece of your journey home with you. Having such a treasure will give you a tangible memory you can always reflect on.
Step 5: Prepare Your Own FAM—Frequently Asked Minima-Lists
Having FAM under your belt whenever you travel will allow you to prepare for any occasion when planning a trip. They will make packing a breeze and help you feel more confident in the plans you make, creating a sense of peace and happiness throughout your time traveling. Listen to your own advice so that you can think ahead and feel prepared no matter what. We suggest preparing FAMs that are agenda-focused (a night out or a remote work week) and composed of “go-bags” for each activity. The more specific you can make your “go-bags,” the more smoothly your plans will flow.
The secret is to follow your own, individual lifestyle modes and build your “go-bags” based on your personal needs. Try not to think about what you want but what you are in the moment—you are exactly where you need to be! Pack for things you know you love or new things you want to try. Discovering new sides of yourself can set you up for growth and learning, which is always a positive thing to gain from any trip, if not the goal. Finally, add your own insight into each thing you pack—listen to yourself and your needs or wants.
By following these minimalist packing tips, you can achieve stress-free travel and enjoy your journey to the fullest. Happy travels!
