Plan Then Go

Packing Smarter

Overpacking is the most common travel mistake — and one of the easiest to fix. With the right system, you can travel with half the luggage and twice the freedom.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method

This simple formula works for trips of any length. For every five days of travel, pack:

  • 5 tops — mix colors that coordinate with your bottoms

  • 4 bottoms — pants, shorts, or skirts in neutral tones

  • 3 layers — a jacket, cardigan, and lightweight fleece or scarf

  • 2 pairs of shoes — one walking, one dressier

  • 1 versatile outfit — something that works for a nice dinner or unexpected event

The Power of Packing Cubes

Packing cubes aren’t just organizational tools — they’re compression devices. By using medium and small cubes, you can fit significantly more into your bag while keeping everything accessible. Color-code your cubes by category: one for tops, one for bottoms, one for undergarments and sleepwear.

Compression packing cubes go a step further, squeezing air out of bulky items like sweaters and jackets. They can reduce the volume of soft items by up to 60%.

Building a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile pieces that all work together. The secret is sticking to a neutral color palette — think navy, black, gray, and khaki — with one or two accent colors. Every top should pair with every bottom, giving you dozens of outfit combinations from a handful of pieces.

Invest in wrinkle-resistant, quick-dry fabrics. Merino wool is excellent for travel because it regulates temperature, resists odors, and dries quickly. Many travel-specific clothing brands now offer stylish options that look good from the airplane to the restaurant.

Toiletries: Less Is More

Most hotels and rentals provide basic toiletries. Instead of packing full-size bottles, invest in a set of reusable silicone travel bottles and fill them with your preferred products. Solid toiletries — shampoo bars, solid deodorant, toothpaste tablets — save even more space and avoid liquid restrictions.

💡 Pro Tip

Lay out everything you plan to pack, then remove 30%. You almost certainly won’t miss those items, and your back and shoulders will thank you.

The “Wear Your Heaviest” Rule

Always wear your bulkiest items on travel days — your heaviest shoes, your thickest jacket. This alone can save several pounds of luggage weight and free up valuable suitcase space.

Your Next Step

Before your next trip, try the 5-4-3-2-1 method and see how much lighter you can travel. Start building your capsule wardrobe with versatile, neutral pieces you can mix and match across multiple trips.