TIPS 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.

// striped sweater (similar) // linen skirt with slit // gold medallion shoes //

Two quick things before I chat about packing.

1. Happy birthday, Denton. You are the most amazing son on this planet, and I love your heart and your smile. I still remember when they put you in my arms all those years ago and you looked up at me as if to say, “This is going to be fun.”

And it has.

Every. Single. Minute.

2. Have you ever seen a cuter skirt?

I’ve never really had a skirt with a slit before.

And now?

I’m not sure I can go back.

We are heading out for Cape Cod again, and I needed separates that could live large—separates that I could dress up or dress down, and this skirt from Quice is PERFECTION.

You can see it here.

It’s linen and really good quality at a super affordable price point, and I have about five outfits planned with it.

It’s pieces like this that make packing easier.

I know this is a little random, but I feel like I just 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 (like a couple of showers and a book signing and a mahjong party) 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—bringing everything you need and making it all fit.

// three-piece luggage set //

11 Best Packing Tips To Travel Light

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 is perfect for storing the set when you aren’t using it). There’s also an extra zipper that unzips and gives you about 2″ of additional vertical space in the suitcase.

I used the largest of the set to take with me and packed everything I needed for the trip 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 and 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.

The list was really the start of the perfect packing journey.

And then?

I used these tips.

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.

I was able to add an entire additional stack of clothes because I rolled them.

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.

(total aside—I also have used them in the drawers in a hotel and at the Cape 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 (like this linen skirt).

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 (and you can also use it as a cover-up)
• Cardigan: Layer a cardigan or button 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.

Heavier items and crush and wrinkle items.

When packing bulky items like jeans? Put them at the bottom so they don’t wrinkle the lighter items like a lightweight dress.

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.

I just keep my make-up in it for the entire trip because it keeps everything in its place.

You can see it here.

I also use these travel make-up bag that rolls up, so it keeps the powder and blush from getting all over the bag.

6. Travel Size Toiletries:

I saved so much space with travel-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).

I love these packets of tanning wipes, too, that are so easy to take on a trip. They work so well and I’ve used them for years.

You can see them here.

7.  Wrinkle-Free Clothing:

I have a new favorite travel steamer that I love.

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

But if you are in a hurry or don’t have time to use  a steamer—-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:

I mention these every time I talk about packing.

The Cape house has a washer and dryer (but someone is always using it). So to save time, I usually always wash 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 store dirty 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 always find so many cute things at yard sales up at the Cape.

And I want to be 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.

// striped sweater (similar) // linen skirt with slit // gold medallion shoes //

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.