It’s just a few days left before your weekend trip to another state, but there’s just one thing in the way from you enjoying your vacation: packing! Has packing become a stressful event that you are constantly putting off because you are not excited in the slightest to get it done? Then when you finally get to it, have you packed everything and the kitchen sink (or tried to) in your carry on bag? Don’t worry, I’ve made that mistake plenty of times before. These are some packing guidelines I’ve learned that will help you pack minimally and more efficiently, thus getting the job done faster and without the bulk.
1. Pack Basics -- Not Outfits
By basics, I am referring to your wardrobe essentials: tshirts, black leggings, and some jeans. Any items that can be paired in multiple ways to create an easy outfit later during your trip are ideal.
This eliminates the time and thought put into planning each individual outfit, which you’ll probably decide you don’t feel like wearing later anyways if you’re anything like me.
Doing so also allows you to pack more outfits with less items. Therefore, saving space!
Find new outfits and combinations with the clothes you already own. 
The app Cladwell on iOS helps you see your wardrobe in a different perspective by creating outfits curated to your personal style, and based on the clothes you already have in your closet (or suitcase). It is the perfect tool for packing light.
I have no affiliation with the app – it just seems like a really useful concept that I think my readers can benefit from.
2. Pack Multipurpose Clothing
Do not pack sleep attire (or aim for a single outfit at the most). Pajamas are in fact single-purpose clothing. It is better to try packing day clothes that can also function as sleep attire. In my case, I usually pack gym clothes that functions as sleep attire. Remember: the washer machine is your best friend when traveling.
A shirt that can function both as a hiking tee and an out-in-the-town tee is a definite plus. On the other hand, a flowy chiffon blouse, mini skirt, and wedges are very specific for a fancy dinner. It cannot be worn in different situations and is, therefore, taking up very precious space in your bag without offering much functionality.
Remember, the goal is to pack as little as possible while still having lots of options (plan on doing laundry frequently). The only time occasion-specific clothing is okay to pack is if you are going to a planned event such as a wedding, Coachella, a party, whatever.
3. Invest in Compact Items
If you are doing a lot of traveling, it would be a good idea to invest in compact items such as a folding toothbrush, folding hairbrush, reusable bottles, and a pill case.
Not only will you be saving lots of space from full-size versions, but these compact items can stay in your toiletry bag. Thus, leaving one less thing for you to worry about while packing.
4. Minimize Makeup
This can be a hard one to do for some travelers, but embracing your natural beauty can be very liberating. Also, while traveling, I find it rather refreshing that I don’t have to spend a half-hour doing my makeup in the morning when I could be exploring instead.
I minimize my makeup down by putting liquids such as foundation, concealer, and facial moisturizer in smaller containers. In addition, I mostly only use blush, highlight, contour, mascara, and lip tint.
Sometimes I’ll bring a small eyeshadow palette if I plan on spending more time in the city and have room to spare.
5. Minimize Shoes
Probably even harder than minimizing makeup is minimizing shoes, especially as a woman. However, shoes take up a LOT of space, so if you can do it, your bag will be significantly lighter and smaller.
Try to pick one or two pairs that match well with the majority of your outfits – most likely your most frequently worn shoe. I typically pack a pair of Vans for exploring and walking, and another pair that can be dressed up if needed.
If you pack a smaller shoe, such as Toms Or sandals, you may have room to sneak another pair. Do take into consideration that you will be wearing one pair at all times, so there should really only be one pair in your bag if you’re following the two pair guideline.
6. Invest in a Packable Jacket
Oh, cold weather. Why must you require such bulky clothes? The best way to pack for cooler temperatures is with high-quality layers, such as thermals, long johns, and most importantly a packable jacket.
Packable jackets are awesome because they fold up really tiny into one of its pockets. You also have the option of wearing your jacket while traveling so it’s not taking up space in your bag, but if you’re like me and don’t like dealing with that, investing in a packable jacket is an excellent solution.
Down-filled puffy jackets are the most durable, warm, and packable jacket I have found for traveling.
Synthetic-filled puffy jackets are a good option as well. However, the synthetic filling tends to lose its springiness and warmth after a year or so of being consistently worn.
I highly recommend investing the extra money in a down-filled jacket that will last you years on end. If you’re looking to save some money, and won’t need the durability of a down-filled jacket, then go with the synthetic-filled jacket.
7. Buy Toiletries at Your Destination
If you are packing for a trip lasting two weeks or longer, consider buying your toiletries at your destination to save space in your bag.
It will be difficult to survive on the tiny travel-sized items for things like toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, face wash, contact solution, and laundry detergent. Plus, it is cheaper and less time-consuming to buy these items in their normal size upon arrival, so you won’t have to worry about making multiple trips to the store when you should be vacationing.
8. Pack Different Headgear
This cool little trick I discovered to make your outfits look different while wearing the same clothing is to change up the headgear.
Wearing different hats, sunglasses, headbands, and scarves change an outfit instantly without adding much bulk to your carry on. So you can take a million pictures on your trip and not look the same in everyone.
9. Do NOT Skimp on Underwear
Not much of a guideline, but more of a reminder: please Please PLEASE do not skimp on undies.
Yes, you are trying to pack minimally, but an extra few pairs will not take up a lot of space. And it is such a pain to have to do laundry for the simple fact that you don’t have underwear.
So unless you plan on going commando, packing an extra few pairs will definitely be worth your time.
10. Pack Laundry Detergent
Another reminder: Don’t forget laundry detergent!!
I cannot stress this enough. The whole basis of packing minimally is being able to wear the clothes you bring over and over again. You can’t do that unless you’re able to do a few loads of laundry.
11. Consider Space-Saving Vacuum Bags
If worse comes to worst, packing with space-saving vacuum bags is an option. Put your clothes inside, then roll out all the air from the bag. Voila! You now have tons of space in your carryon.
Be aware that since you’re compacting everything down, it is very tempting to overpack and exceed 50 lbs. So be careful with that if you’ll be carrying your bag everywhere or have to check it in.
WARNING: Do NOT pack puffy jackets, fur, or leather in the vacuum bags. The suction will ruin the texture of the materials, and you will not be happy.
And that’s it! Everything you need to know about minimalist packing for a carry-on. It will definitely take some practice, but after you’ve done it a few times, you will learn what you do and don’t need.
If you get anything out of this read, I hope it’s the importance of packing strategically with multifunctional, space-saving items, and doing laundry frequently.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips, tricks, or questions about what to pack.
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