Four steps to pack like a minimalist

Let's start by discussing two scenarios...

Scenario 1: Packing like a NON-minimalist

1. Sit on your bag to close it.

2. Get a taxi (because taking the bus would be almost impossible with 20kg luggage)

3. Put your bags in the trunk.

4. Get to the airport, make a line to document your bags (your lucky if you have a priority pass). Go through security check, wait for your boarding time.

5. Take the plane, arrive.

6. Wait for your bags.

7. Get a luggage car at the airport to carry your bags.

8. Exit the airport, take a taxi (again, you have too much luggage).

What is your stress level so far?

Scenario 2: Packing like a minimalist

1. Pack your essentials.

2. Choose any transportation method (if you can, walk).

3. Get to the airport, go directly to security check, wait for your boarding time.

4. Take the plane, arrive, exit the airport, choose any transportation method.

5. Easy, you are ready to enjoy.

Yes, today we will talk about minimalist packing. A topic that I bet will change your stress level significantly when traveling and will save you money too!

But wait... why do we pack so many things?

How much do we really need to take? I guess there are a lot of ancient reasons, the main two:

1. Wanting to be prepared for any kind of scenario.

   1. Taking the high heels in case (dangerous words) we go to a nice restaurant or bar, or to dance...

   2. What if it rains? Let's pack the rain boots, the rain jacket and an umbrella.

   3. What if it's cold? What if it's hot?

2. A fashion reason, not wanting to repeat outfits. Wanting to look different in all the pictures (which by the way you can do, with smart color choices).

We've all been through thoughts like that while packing. How can we simplify it? How can we pack light, simple, in just one carry-on bag and take only the essentials? Continue reading and you will find the best tips!

Four steps to pack like a minimalist

1. Research. First, we need to define the trip's purpose. Where are you going? What's the weather forecast? What activities will you do?

2. Plan. Once you know where you are going, for how many days, and what you will be doing, determine what items are THE essentials. Just remember, you don't need to take all the Pantone variations of your outfits. Just the basics. To avoid over-packing also plan based on the duration of your trip, although I can tell you that is possible to travel for a year with a carry-on luggage.

3. Prioritize. Choose neutral colors that can match with everything else you take. My personal favorites: Black, White, Grey, Pale pink & Blue.

4. Optimize. Look at the clothes you chose and evaluate the amount of space each piece will occupy. The simpler and lighter, the better. For example in a 18º - 25º weather trip: T-shirts don't use a lot of space, are comfy and they go with everything, I would take more of those. Sweaters in neutral colors can be used with different outfits, I would take 1 or 2 at most. One jacket does the job. One bathing suit. Two light dresses. One work-out outfit. Shoes are the best way to optimize space... I just wear my sneakers and pack the sandals, which take almost no space. In 9 months I've never had an issue of needing shoes.

Now put it into practice and let me know how it goes!

Happy smart traveling!