I’ve always been fascinated with minimalist packing — the idea of bringing only what you really need and using every single thing in your suitcase. The past three years have given me so many opportunities to travel, and every time, I’ve found that I can do with less and less. Today, I’ll be sharing the end result of my journey to minimal packing — if you’re looking for a simple list that is adaptable to whatever trip you’re taking, look no further!
When I was in my first year of college, I was involved in a student leadership program that involved frequent weekend trips up to a university in northern California. I remember that for my first meeting, I brought a stuffed suitcase and a backpack — for a two day trip. Over the course of that year, I streamlined my packing process. Last August, when I flew to Texas and stayed with a friend for a week, I used only a single bag!
Carry-On:
In your suitcase or duffel bag or equivalent, you’ll pack your clothes and toiletries. I’ve found that rolling clothes or folding them vertically is the best method for saving space in your bag (Lavendaire has a great series of tutorials on how to fold things the KonMari way). Packing cubes are amazing for maximizing space (I use these ones from Amazon).
Clothes:
- pajamas
- one change of socks per day
- one pair of underwear per day
- a pair of jeans/shorts
- 2-3 top
- 2-3 jackets/cardigans
- a dress (if that’s your style)
Toiletry Bag:
- toothbrush and paste
- deodorant
- washcloth or cleansing wipes
- hairbrush and bands
- travel bottles of facial cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo, and spritz perfume
- makeup: mascara, concealer/tint skin, blush and brush, lip balm
- Optional: razor, laundry packets, bandaids, ibuprofen pills, medications
Personal Bag:
For this, I usually use a backpack or purse to carry my essentials — all the things you need to access on short notice.
- iPhone and headphones
- wallet (cash, license) and keys
- pouch: hand sanitizer, lotion, lip balm, gum/mints
- sunglasses in case
- eyeglasses in case
- moleskin journal and pen
- snacks for the trip
- a good book to read
- refillable water bottle
Other Notes:
Travel Outfit: Whatever I wear on my way to the destination is the same thing I’ll wear on the return trip. Whether you’re traveling by plane or car or even train, make sure what you wear is comfortable. I like to use this combination:
comfortable dark wash jeans + lightweight top + jacket/cardigan + slip-on shoes
For Flights: stick these in your personal item if you are taking your trip by plane.
- passport (and photocopy)
- confirmations of flights/tickets/train
- fresh socks and underwear
- eyemask and flight pillow
Keep it mind that this method is what works for me, and if you have other travel needs (prescriptions, hair products, skincare routine, etc.), be sure to alter it as you see fit. Also, I highly recommend that you smuggle along something to make the trip enjoyable — a good book to read, dark chocolate, a candle for your hotel room, a fuzzy blanket, your favorite tea, etc. It’s the little things that count, right?
Happy travels,
<3 Olivia Grace
