How to: Pack Like a Minimalist

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Recently I have been traveling a lot lighter.

The old me wanted to be over prepared for everything. I would bring 3 outfit changes a day, and a weeks worth of shoes and bathing suits. But I was getting tired of checking a bag and feeling overwhelmed with decisions while I was supposed to be on vacation relaxing without a care. I was forgetting which items were to go with what and wasting a lot of adventure time, making choices about what I was wearing. I noticed I only wore a third of the clothing I was bringing and usually stuck to about one or two shoes the whole time. So I got to thinking. What would happen if I limited my packing to the bare minimums? 

This past year I fell in love with little knit sets. What I love so much about them is 1. how comfortable they are 2. how easy they are but 3. how many options I could mix and match with just a few items. Now this kind of packing isn't for everyone. It requires wearing each item you bring at least three times. But the freedom and ease that comes with the pairing down on items I bring for a trip are well worth it. Plus most resorts/hotels/ or Airbnb's offer some sort of laundry facility (also it is super easy to just bring a 3 ounce bottle of Dr. Bronner's all purpose soap to wash clothes in the sink or shower (this is what I do, I wash items right before bed and hang dry over night). 

The other major reason I love packing light, is that most of the time I am traveling places I would love to shop. Packing light gives me the freedom to find something from a market or shop to bring home as a souvenir. Waikiki is one of my favorite places to shop, and while in Tulum I found some amazing pieces that have become staples in my wardrobe. 

If you wanted to add in one more piece for a special night out, it would not be overwhelming to add in a nice dress for an upscale dining experience (or you could wait and see if you find something there).  

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 Knit set (top and bottom)
  • 1 Breezy blouse
  • 1 Graphic tee
  • 1 Skirt
  • 1 Pair of jeans (choose your own style preference)

THEN there are what I call the daily essentials (these are things you can wear on the plane so that they are not taking up real estate in your bag) these include:

  • 1 Jacket
  • Your signature jewelry (this can be simple pieces you wear daily)
  • Sunnies
  • 1 Hat
  • 1 Pair of sandals 
  • 1 Pair of wedges or heels (I usually wear the biggest shoes on the plane, so that I am packing my littlest pair.)

OBVI

  • Under garments
  • Bathing suit
  • A large scarf or beach wrap
  • PJs
  • Cozy sweats
  • A curling iron (I have stopped traveling with a hair dryer, unless I am going somewhere that does not offer one for every room. You can call ahead to find out.)
  • Sunscreen

Cutting out the nonsense gets me to my adventure much faster. I think there is a lot of pressure to pack for social media, but it takes all the fun out of the trip and takes us out of the present moment. 

What do you think? Am I bonkers out of my mind? Let me know!

xo,

Fashion, Most PopularSararose Krenger