Minimalist Packing Guide

I believe that anyone who wants to pack minimally for a trip can.

It may seem impractical at first, but with a few minor adjustments, it can be possible for almost anyone.

Here’s a few key benefits to packing minimally.

1. Less baggage to drag around meaning you can get from point A to point be easier.
2. Save money by not checking a bag when flying.
3. If backpacking, packing minimally will take less toll on your back.

Minimalist Packing Tips and Checklist

Here are some factors that can impact how you approaching packing for a trip as a minimalist:

Type of Trip

The type of trip you’re taking can greatly affect how you pack.

Packing for Disney World in July is vastly different than packing for Disney World in February. Instead of only packing shorts and lightweight shirts for July weather, you may have to pack jacket, pants, jeans, and scarves for February.

Alternatively, packing for a business trip that may require formal businesswear will vary vastly from packing for a company retreat at a beachside resort in Hawaii.

Length of Trip

The length of your trip is probably the biggest factor when packing for a trip. Personally, I would only need on shirt, one pair of pants, one underwear, and one pair of socks per day/night. I honestly make it my goal to never have to do an outfit change midday which enables me to pack less clothes.

If I was just going on an overnight trip, I would prefer to pack everything in a personal item if flying to help cut down clutter.

However, if traveling for 5 or more days, I would still strive to pack just enough clothes to get by for the week while also having it all fit in a carry-on bag.

Activities

Another major consideration when packing is what you plan to do on your trip.

If I were going to Disney World, I would pack theme-park-friendly clothes which consists of something comfortable, breathable, and athletic. And personally, one of the best parts of traveling to Disney World is that dress-codes are not very strict, so you can technically eat at most every restaurant in your park clothes. This is significant because that means there is less clothes you’d need to pack.

However, if I were going to go hiking Iceland, I would aim to pack extremely comfortable boots and jackets that were warm enough to keep me toasty during the day but also thin enough to pack in a bag when not in use. The last thing I’d want to do is bring too many jackets or an extra pair of boots, especially if I was trying to pack lightly.

Budget

I don’t think your budget will affect your packing directly, but it can affect it indirectly.

For example, if you’re looking to save money on your next flight, I would aim to pack everything  in carry on to avoid any unnecessary checked bag fees.

Also, if you’re looking to save money on food, you probably won’t have to pack any additional formal or business casual clothes for a high end restaurant.

Instead you can rock your daily outfit while stuffing your face with some cheap, yet incredibly satisfying snacks.

Minimalist Packing Checklist

Here is everything you’ll generally need to pack when trying to travel minimally. This of course depends on where you’re going and the weather. But these are just staples that you’ll almost always certainly need to pack:

• 2 short sleeved shirts – one to wear, one to wash when dirty
• 1 pair of shorts – personally, I love Lululemon shorts because they are light, comfortable, and dressing in athleisure is superior to anything else in my opinion
• 1 pair of pants 
• 2-3 underwear
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 hat
• 1 pair of comparable shoes
• 1 pair of sandals or slippers
• Smartphone
• Laptop or iPad
• Phone charger
• Headphones (preferably AirPods or something small and portable)
• Just the bare essential toiletries that are carry-on compliant:
  • toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • lotion
  • contact solution if needed
  • cologne/perfume
  • makeup
  • makeup wipes
  • floss, etc)

I normally the lotion, shampoo, and conditioner that can be found in almost every hotel room because that’s just a lot of extra things that I won’t need to pack.

Well, that’s it!

Not bad, right?