11 Best Packing Tips To Travel Light

Looking for tips on how to save space when packing for your next trip? Here are 11 of the best packing tips to travel light.

I have been meaning to write this post forever, but somehow January and February got in the way.

Remember when we took off halfway ar0und the world and told you I packed perfectly for the trip?

Okay it was just the Caribbean—but you get my point.

In all my trips and all my journeys, I think it was my proudest packing moment.

I know this is a little random, but I kind of went to packing university. I never really paid that much attention to how I packed before, but I knew with this trip I had limited space in my suitcase and a whole lot of events that I wanted to attend and I didn’t want to miss an outfit opportunity so I did a little bit of packing research.

I wanted to try and fit everything into one suitcase.

So I found some packing products that I love.

And a few packing golden rules that I think every packer should live by.

Here are my top 11 best packing tips to travel light (and bringing everything you need and making it all fit.

// three-piece luggage set //

Before I get started with the best packing tips to travel light, I think it’s important to go all Julie Andrews and start at the very beginning (it’s a very good place to start) before you ever start packing.

I started with this three-piece luggage set. I LOVE this set so much. It kind of reminds me of a vintage luggage set and the three pieces pack into each other (which was perfect for storing on the cruise.

I used the largest of the set to take on the cruise and packed everything I needed for the week in this suitcase.

You can see the luggage set here.

Next, I used a packing list. Now—it’s important to note that I am normally I am not really about a list. I love the IDEA of a list—but the actual list is usually too much for me. I have the greatest of confidences (which is ALWAYS misplaced) that I’ll remember everything on my own recognizance.

Umm.

No.

Just no, KariAnne.

This time I gave myself a good talking to and sat down and actually made a list. I jotted down everything I needed for the trip—including travel documents, etc. I also laid out all my outfits in the craft room along with jewelry and accessories and shoes so I could see what went with what and what I was duplicating.

1. Roll, Don’t Fold:

Yes, please. I know this is Captain Obvious. But I’ve never really rolled before.

All my packing research on the best tips for packing light said that rolling your clothes not only saves space, but also helps prevent wrinkles.

You can get SO MUCH more in your suitcase if you roll—just try it. 🙂

Plus, it allows you to easily spot and access specific items without rummaging through your entire suitcase (which was perfect when we first got to the cabin and I needed to try and find my bathing suit).

2. Use Packing Cubes:

Have you ever used packing cubes before?

They are SUCH a game changer.

You can see the packing cubes I used here.

They come in a set of seven lightweight organizers that help you separate everything. You can sort your items by category or outfit and I also used them to organize everything in the shelves in the closet on the cruise (total aside—I also have used them in the drawers in a hotel to keep socks, etc. organized).

I’ve also seen compression bags like these recommended, too, but I didn’t use these on the trip.

They are on my list to try in the future.

Have you ever used them before?

Also—this luggage scale is GOLD if you have a weight restriction where you are traveling.

You can see it here.

3. Pack Multi-Purpose Clothing:

When you make your list and lay out your outfits, look at your individual pieces and make sure they are versatile.

Everything should mix and match and do a little heavy lifting.

Here are some of the ideas that I used to streeettttchhhh my outfits:

large scarf: use as a shawl or a cover-up
Leggings: use for a workout or pair with a button-up shirt and tennis shoes
Button-Up Shirt: use for a lightweight jacket and tossed over a dress
Convertible Backpack/Purse: use as a backpack and a shoulder bag
Maxi Dress: dressed up with heels or dressed down with sandals and a denim jacket
Cardigan: Layer a cardigan or buttoned up as a top
Elastic waistband Skirt: adjust the waist (I roll mine up or down to make it longer or shorter)

4.Layer Strategically:

I never thought about this before I did a little research.

5. Use a make-up bag with individual compartments:

I found this one for the trip that matched my packing cubes.

I’ve had a make-up bag before without compartments like these and my make-up can get jumbled and broken.

This was under $10 and it’s the best $10 I ever spent.

I actually used it for the entire trip because it kept everything in its place.

You can see it here.

I also use these travel make-up brushes that roll up so it keeps the power and blush from getting all over the bag.

6. Travel Size Toiletries:

I saved so much space withtravel-sized toiletries.

They can get a little pricy, so you can also get a set of reusable travel bottles like these.

The travel bottles are on sale right now and they have a leak-proof design that prevents liquids from leaking or spilling (which could be disastrous in a suitcase on a trip).

7. Wrinkle-Free Clothing:

I have a travel steamer that I love.

It’s super lightweight and it’s easy to use.

But if you are in a hurry or can’t use a steamer (like on a cruise) pack Downy wrinkle release spray to keep your clothes looking fresh.

This travel-size Down wrinkle release spray is a game changer.

8. Wash clothes so you have to bring less:

This was INVALUABLE.

To save space, I ended up washing a few things in the sink. You can use these Tide packets designed for the sink.

I also packed a collapsible laundry hamper like this to help with laundry.

9. Zippered organizers:

Along with the packing cubes, these zippered bags were such a space saver.

They are surprisingly well made for the price with individual compartments on the sides to help keep everything in it’s place. They were perfect for jewelry and even my smaller electronics.

I have this smaller zippered bag.

And this larger zippered bag.

These bags come in tons of other different colors and patterns, too.

10. Nested Packing:

I also made use of every single inch of my suitcase.

When you are packing—pack smaller items within larger items to save space. For example, you can place socks inside shoes or roll smaller clothing items along with larger ones to make the most of every inch of space in your suitcase.

11. Collapsible Tote Bag:

I didn’t end up doing as much shopping as I planned on. There wasn’t really any good shopping in any of the ports.

But I was prepared just in case.

Packing a collapsible tote bag can be such a space saver and prepare for all those extra shopping trips.

This one is GOLD.

You can see it here.

And one last tip—this pillow that turns into a blanket is PERFECT for traveling.It’s superlight weight and compact and it’s on sale right now with an extra coupon.

You can see it here.

This is the smiling face of a packer that’s packed and ready for any occasion.

I’m extra happy that I figured it out.

Spoiler alert.

There are a lot more trips and adventures just around the corner. 🙂

disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.

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Posted On: March 28, 2024

Written By: KariAnne Wood

11 Best Packing Tips To Travel Light - Thistlewood Farm (2024)