9 Ways To Stop Stressing Out About How To Pack For a Trip

If you are stressed out about how to pack for a trip, I know how you feel. Packing used to be the thing that stressed me out the most about traveling. What if I forget something? What if my suitcase is too heavy? What if I don’t have that thing I might need even though I’ve never needed that thing before.

The way I used to ease my stress about packing is by bringing everything with me. I was a chronic over-packer. And, if the situation ever came up where I had packed everything and I still had a little space left in my suitcase, I felt like I’d won the lottery. More space = more stuff. I’d run around looking for other things that would fill the empty space. I might need that stuff. You know … just in case.

How to Pack: 9 ways to stress less so you can enjoy your trip

One time I went to Mexico for less than a week. I brought 5 pairs of shoes plus the ones I was wearing, and then wore flip-flops for the entire trip. What was I thinking? Today, my entire 3-month wardrobe (see what I include in the caption) fits in a carry-on bag. Living with less has inspired me to travel with less. Everything I pack fits into a small carry-on suitcase and tote bag or I don’t bring it. That goes for a trip that last several days or several weeks. If you love to travel too and want to see the world with a little less baggage, I hope you’ll enjoy some of my best minimalist packing tips and resources.

1. Create a travel day uniform.

Assign one outfit for your travel days. Then you don’t have to think about what to wear on the plane, train or however you are traveling. No matter where you are going, your travel uniform can be the same. I typically wear a black pair of leggings, short-sleeved shirt or tank, and black zip up sweatshirt with a scarf (on or in my tote bag). Even if I’m traveling to a warm destination, I know I’ll get cold on the plane. If I’m going somewhere cooler, I’ll wear a trench coat or heavier coat too.

2. Pack for half of your trip.

A great way to experiment with packing light is to pack for half of your trip. Start by practicing with your own stuff and not for children. Once you have a little practice, you’ll feel more comfortable paring down in other ways. If you are going to be away for a week, ask yourself what you need for three or four days. Don’t be afraid to outfit-repeat. People barely notice what you wear in your day-to-day life. It’s unlikely anyone will notice or care while you travel.

3. Create packing lists.

This is helpful if you travel frequently. Before your next trip, list everything you bring with you. Check each thing off when you use it. At the end of the trip you’ll know you can leave anything home that wasn’t crossed off on that type of trip. Keep your list handy with details about where you went and what time of year, and save so the next time you take a similar trip, you’ll know exactly what to pack.

In, 7 Ways to Pack Like a Minimalist, Tammy Strobel shares her packing list and writes, “Before I take a trip, I make a list of the items that I’m going to pack in my journal or in the Notes app on my phone. Making a packing list tames my anxiety. Plus, the list ensures that I won’t forget important items like my Passport, wallet, or my phone charger. When I travel to places with different climates, I pack clothing that I can layer. My list helps me remember to do this!”

4. Leave your aspirational items at home.

Planning for every possible scenario when traveling never results in less stress when packing. Instead pack for the reality of your trip. If something unexpected comes up, you can figure it out when it happens. Really though … you probably won’t need those extra things.

5. Understand your laundry opportunities.

Will you be staying somewhere with a washing machine? I’ll rent an apartment from Airbnb specifically because it has a washing machine if I am staying somewhere for longer than a few days. Some hotels have laundry rooms for guests. At the very least, you’ll have access to your bathroom sink where you can wash and line dry certain items.

6. Know when to fold ’em.

I’ve tried rolling, stacking and folding my clothes for packing and haven’t noticed a big space difference. In her book How to Pack, author Hitha Palepu says, “I roll my bottoms and fold my tops—I find my clothes end up with fewer wrinkles and I can fit more in my bag.” The only way to really know what works best for you is to experiment. I recommend rolling your clothes for the first leg of your trip and then folding or stacking them on the return trip. See which method you prefer.

7. Remember … just in case means never.

When you notice you are adding items to your suitcase just in case you might need it, stop. Ask yourself why. Will you really use it or (like I was) do you feel compelled to fill the empty space in your suitcase? Can you get it at your destination if you need it? What’s the worst thing that will happen if you don’t bring it?

8. Don’t forget what matters. 

If all of your focus is on your stuff and what to pack, you may miss out on what really matters like connecting with people on your travels or enjoying new locations. More importantly, don’t forget about you. Take care of yourself while traveling. Also, instead of bringing a bigger bag so you shop on your trip, consider only taking memories home. Bring fewer things back. Take pictures and journal your travel. Then you won’t have to declutter souvenirs in five years.

9. Forget all of these packing tips.

We are all different. Traveling will less stuff may cause you more stress. As Nneka Okena says in this article, “Maybe it’s aging and realizing how inherently hard travel is on the body. Maybe it’s wanting to give myself a little more ease, a little more space with what I bring on a trip to ensure my ultimate comfort. But mostly, I feel carry-on culture misses that some travelers have different needs—and those needs can only be met with the peace of mind that a checked bag can bring.” In other words, do what is best for you.

Stress less about how to pack with these packing tips. Pack the essentials, bring lots of patience and create space to slow down and enjoy.