Greetings from London! I’m on my annual sibling trip with my brother, Max. We’re on our way to Paris via train and plan to walk a million miles a day and eat our way through the city.
Max is an even more minimal packer than I am, so I thought I’d share some of our collective tips for packing lighter and smarter.
International travel standards can be quite strict when it comes to carry-on allowances, but we’ve found that as long as your suitcase passes the test (approx. 21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 inches) you can get away with a pretty massive tote to stow under your seat. I use my tote to pack my plane essentials (laptop, book, toiletry kit, headphones) as well as bulkier items like my laundry pouch or gifts on the way home. I also like to tuck a small crossbody bag inside my tote - Amanda Cercone makes the most chic and compact version which clips inside any tote.
I swear by packing cubes, not just for the space saving compression, but for creating order within your bag. I use one for socks, underwear, and swimsuits, one for pjs and workout, one for blouses and tops, and one for dresses and bottoms. Tip: pack one extra (a dust bag or large pouch works well) so you have a place to stow dirty clothes on the go.
One for walking (wear on the plane) and one that feels a bit more elevated (ballet flat, mule, kitten heel, loafer). Pack one and wear one. Shoes are a major space suck, so this will create so much more room in your suitcase.
Wear your jacket, chunky boots, and heavier layers on your body rather than trying to shove them in your suitcase.
I fill one pouch with my “mini pharmacy” including advil, cold and flu meds, vitamin C, and daily meds, and another for my charging cords and adapters. Instant order in my bag and nothing floating around or getting lost in the void. I’ve had these pouches for years and find them to be the perfect size and shape. I monogrammed one “RX Kit” so I can tell them apart at a glance.
Even if you’re not a neutrals person, opt for a cohesive color palette (2-3 base colors) so you can mix and match everything you pack and maximize your outfit options without overpacking.
I don’t own a jewelry pouch or travel organizer because I just wear my jewelry and never take it off. If you want a signature item like a large gold hoop or special necklace just tuck into your toiletry bag.
Toiletries are where people really run into trouble. I limit myself to what fits inside my compact toiletry case - typically deodorant, mini face wash and moisturizer, one all-purpose hair product to tame frizz and add hydration, SPF, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and my makeup essentials (lip and cheek tint, mascara, brow groomer, concealer).
Max recommended packing a handful of compact detergent sheets for longer trips so you can do laundry on the go, whether at a laundromat or in your hotel sink. You could also locate a local wash and fold option mid-trip, which I treated myself to last summer when I was gone for three weeks.
As my brother likes to remind me, “you’re not going to Mars.” Most hotels or rental homes come stocked with the essentials (including soap, shampoo, and even a travel steamer), and you’re always a pharmacy or drugstore away if you find really need something.
Reader Prompt: I’m sure you have your own smart packing strategies - please share any hot tips in the comments. Packing questions? Ask away!
Bookmarked: Packing Sudoku!! (a genius packing hack)
Reading: late to the party, but devouring Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Fewer Better Faves: a fun swimsuit collab, the cutest screen-free digital camera, a giftable box of swedish candy, refillable coconut floss, and I love these pale pink pants
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