Packing light is an art that every traveller should master. In fact, travelling with carry-on luggage only, has become quite popular amongst many travellers in recent times. I am one of them and I won’t ever look back. A cabin trolley & a personal bag and I have managed a trip for 4 weeks.
So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a holiday to one of the cheap countries to travel from Australia, a business trip, or a month-long adventure, learning how to pack light and efficiently can save you time, money on excess baggage charges, and unnecessary stress. It can also save you from going through the nightmare of lost and delayed luggage and create less anxiety on those short transit times.
Learning how to pack light is particularly great for solo travellers who already experience anxiety when travelling alone as it takes off a layer of stress from their travel planning.
Master the Art of Packing A Carry On
1. Start with a Packing List
One of the most effective ways to ensure you pack only what you need is to create a packing list. Start by listing the essentials: clothing, toiletries, electronics, travel documents, and any specific items related to your destination or activities. Having a well-thought-out list not only keeps you organised but also prevents overpacking. If you don’t have a list you can head on over and download this ultimate travel packing list which includes items you probably didn’t think of.
When you have sorted out your list, think about all the items you don’t need to carry with you and the items you can easily buy at your destination and leave behind once used. Things like shampoo/conditioner, sunscreen lotion are things you can buy, use and dispose of.
2. Choose the Right Luggage
To master the art of packing a carry on, opt for a lightweight and versatile suitcase or backpack that meets the requirements of your trip. The type of luggage you use can significantly impact your packing choices. Remember that smaller bags discourage overpacking because they limit the available space.
You could easily shave off a kg or two just by searching for a lightweight cabin luggage.
A few examples of lightweight carry on luggage:
Cabin Trolley Hard Shell
Samsonite Lite Shock Sport comes in at just 1.7KG / 3.74 lbs (55CM/36L).
Cabin Trolley Soft Shell
Samsonite 73H Spinner comes in at 1.9KG / 4.18 lbs (55cm/38L)
Backpack
Inateck Carry on Backpack comes in at 1.65KG / 3.63 lbs (55cm/40L)
Carry On Luggage Allowance
Airlines and transportation services often have size and weight restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage, so make sure your bag complies with these guidelines.
Most airlines allow for a combined of 7KG / 15.4 lbs in Economy Class. This would be one cabin trolley plus one personal item (handbag, briefcase, laptop bag).
If you have mastered travelling in business or first class for free and If you are travelling business or first class most airlines allow for a combined 14KG / 30.86 lbs. This would be 1 x cabin trolley up to 7kg plus 1 x personal item of 7Kg. In fact the new JAL A350-100 in first class allows up to 2 cabin trolleys to be placed in a compartment space provided within the suite.
3. Stick to a Colour Scheme
Selecting a colour scheme for your clothing can simplify the packing process. Choose neutral colours like black, grey, white, or beige for your wardrobe’s base. These shades are easy to mix and match, allowing you to create various outfits with just a few key pieces. You can then add a few colourful accessories to change your look without adding bulk to your luggage.
4. Pack Versatile Clothing
Versatility is key when it comes to learning how to pack light. Instead of packing separate outfits for each day, to master the art of packing a carry on, choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched. For example, a pair of black jeans or khaki pants can be paired with different tops to create multiple looks. Additionally, consider clothing that can serve multiple purposes, like a lightweight jacket that can double as a raincoat.
Best Travel Pants
Women’s Ikala Treggings by KJUS
I have searched far and wide and i have finally found the best travel pants. Here’s why they are great:
1. Fantastic Slim Fit (all the way to the ankle – great length)
2. Waterfproof
3. Stretch
4. Extremely Comfortable
5. Deep Pockets (front and back)
6. Belt Loops
7. Lightweight
8. Look casual and formal at the same time. I wear them with sneakers and evening shoes.
Available in 4 colours and i have 3 of them. Black, Navy and Beige.
Head on over to KJUS.com and look for the Women’s Ikala Treggings
Priced at $169 – best money you will ever spend.
Here’s what clothes I packed for four weeks to Europe last summer:
1 pair of jeans (wore while travelling)
1 long sleeve shirt (wore while travelling)
1 sweater (wore while travelling)
1 lightweight puffer jacket (wore while travelling)
1 pair of hiking shoes (wore while travelling)
1 pair of black pants
3 pairs of shorts
7 t-shirts
7 sets of underwear
7 pairs of socks
1 light scarf
1 bathing suit
1 pair of flip flops / thongs
1 pair of running / walking shoes
I aimed to wash every week. I did this four times and was set for my whole trip.
5. Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
Packing cubes and compression bags are invaluable tools for organizing your luggage. These handy accessories allow you to separate your clothing and compress them to save space. Pack similar items together in different cubes or bags, making it easy to locate what you need without rummaging through your entire suitcase.
I Use ZoomLite – great quality, great colours, and sizes suitable for all my needs. It keeps everything rolled up which is great for saving space. (our next point).
6. Roll, Don’t Fold
A popular packing technique when learning how to pack light, is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles. Start by folding your clothes in half vertically, then roll them tightly from the bottom up. This method is particularly effective for lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
7. Embrace Travel-Sized Toiletries
Toiletries can quickly add weight and take up space in your luggage. Opt for travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other essentials. Many hotels also provide these items, so check in advance to avoid packing duplicates. If you have specific products you can’t do without, consider investing in reusable silicone travel containers.
8. Plan for Laundry
If you’re traveling for an extended period, plan for laundry stops along the way. Most destinations offer laundry facilities, or you can wash your clothes in the sink if necessary. This allows you to pack fewer clothing items and refresh your wardrobe as needed. On my recent trip to the Big Blue Island of Amorgos, the accomodation I was staying in were so generous in allowing me to use their washing machine for my laundry.
9. Limit Your Shoe Selection
Shoes can be a major source of bulk in your luggage. Limit yourself to a maximum of two to three pairs of shoes; one for walking or exploring, one for more formal occasions, and a comfortable pair for lounging or traveling. A key point when learning how to pack light is to wear the bulkiest pair of shoes while travelling to save space in your luggage (our next point).
10. Wear Your Bulkiest Items
Maximize your clothing’s potential by wearing your bulkiest items while traveling. This might include your heaviest shoes, a thick jacket, or a sweater. By wearing these items, you free up space in your luggage and ensure you’re prepared for fluctuating temperatures during your journey. This is actually one of the most important hacks when learning how to pack light or mastering the art of packing a carry on.
11. Consider Your Electronics
Electronics are essential for many travellers, but they can also be heavy and take up valuable space. Prioritize which devices you truly need and invest in multi-purpose gadgets whenever possible. For example, a smartphone can serve as a camera, GPS, and entertainment centre. Remember to bring necessary chargers and adapters but avoid carrying duplicates.
12. Be Mindful of Souvenirs
It’s tempting to buy souvenirs during your travels but be mindful of their impact on your luggage. Consider purchasing smaller, lightweight items or collectibles that can easily fit in your bag. If you plan on buying larger souvenirs, budget for shipping or plan to mail them home to avoid overloading your luggage.
13. Re-evaluate Your Packing
Before zipping up your suitcase, take a moment to re-evaluate your packing choices. Are there any items you can do without? Are there redundancies in your luggage? Removing unnecessary items can lighten your load and make your journey more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Learning how to pack light and mastering the art of packing a carry on is a skill that can make your travels more safe, enjoyable and less stressful. By starting with a well-thought-out packing list, choosing the right luggage, and focusing on versatility, you can streamline your packing process. Remember to pack only what you truly need, embrace organization tools like packing cubes, and be mindful of the weight and bulk of your items. If you are travelling with kids the idea of packing light is totally feasible using the above concept. They have an allowance of their own where luggage is concerned so you wouldn’t really be in excess. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your next adventure with a light and manageable load.
Happy travels and remember never post your boarding pass on social media. And don’t forget your travel insurance!
