Traveling with just a carry on is kinda scary. But it is totally doable but it does take a bit of preplanning. In this post, I shared how to pack less.
I did not come from a jet-setting family. We were farmers, and usually, that means you don’t get off the farm much. So when Jesse and I made the decison to get out and see things, and I started planning and doing research (like a nerd), I knew I didn’t want to be one of those people lugging around a massive suitcase with all of our worldly possessions inside.
I wanted to be one of those cool hipsters traveling with a backpack. And I know saying that you want to be cool is the first thing that makes you not cool, but a girl has to dream, right?
And the fact that I have a reasonably minimal wardrobe makes this pretty easy.
Packing for a long trip in a carry-on doesn’t have to be hard. All it takes is a bit of common sense, a hard truth, and a mindset shift. So let’s get started!
Check the weather.
This one should be fairly obvious, but I am going to throw it out there anyhow – check the ten-day forecast of your destination before you start to pack. While it might be a good idea to bring a hoodie or sweater for chilly nights on the beach but you certainly don’t need a down jacket and a stocking hat. If you are heading on a ski trip, a pair of shorts or crops is pretty unnecessary. Use your common sense.
Pull out what you want to pack, then get rid of half of it.
And then get rid of a couple more things. Seriously. You don’t need all of that stuff.
Use the 3 to 1 golden rule.
When preparing for a trip a few years ago, I read that you should pack three tops to one bottom and then mix and match. This little ratio has not steered me wrong once. It also means that in all but the longest trips I can get away with just packing one pair of jeans (assuming that I am wearing jeans for the flight).
Change your mindset
The first step in mindset change is to plan on wearing your clothes more than once. Pants and jeans in particular. It is also very likely that you may have to wash clothes (sometimes in the sink) or you may need to buy something when you arrive. Things happen. And it is impossible to pack for every occurrence or occasion. So don’t stress yourself out about it.
Whether you are heading out for an around the world trip or a weekend trip with your gal pals you can travel with just one bag. The first time you do it will be hard, but it gets easier each time. I promise!
PS – What worked on my road trip + Simplify your travel.
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