We have all been there.
At some point in our travel excursions, we have all made the mistake of thinking we packed light enough just to arrive at the airport and be charged for the extra weight and luggage we seem to be carrying. While going for the minimalist approach in packing your travel essentials may seem natural for some people, it can be quite difficult for others who are accustomed to having the luxury of everything they need–or they think they need.
Indeed, for some individuals, packing light does not seem to be an option as they have mistakenly equated packing light with sacrificing style or comfort. However, this is not always the case but minimalist packing does require you to rethink travel basics as suitcases and shoes. Bear in mind that when you are packing a trip, even the smallest ounce here and there can quickly add up. And while that may seem insignificant at the time, you may soon be singing a different tune once you check in your bag and incur extra baggage fees. With that said, the minimalist approach should not be your alternative option when it comes to packing your travel essentials. Instead, you should consider it as your default one. Having a minimalist approach to packing allows you to be more comfortable and more mobile. More importantly, you have less to worry about considering that you only packed your essentials with you.
With a minimalist approach, you can feel free like a bird and not packed like a mule. Once you force yourself to pack smarter and lighter, traveling and being on the road becomes so much easier and more convenient. In any case, below is a detailed guide about the minimalist approach to packing your stuff.
REASONS TO PACK LIGHT
1.) Overpacking is costly
As with anyone who has experience carrying luggage that exceeded an airline’s weight limit, overpacking is one way to cost you money. Today, airlines are not as flexible as they once were with overweight luggage insomuch that even the slightest ounce over the limit would cost you extra. To avoid the excess baggage fees, it is always better to pack less and smarter. Before going on your trip, check your airlines for specific policies to avoid any surprise fees when you reach the check-in counter.
2.) Less waiting time on the carousel
One of the best perks about packing light in a carry-on is getting to skip the check-in queue. With web check-ins being the modern trend, passengers who have a single carry-on bag can go straight to the gate to wait for their flights. More importantly, packing light means that you no longer have to wait at the luggage carousel. Plus, it ensures that you do not lose your luggage.
3.) Impractical when changing travel means
If something comes up at the last minute, you might have to use another form of transportation when you arrive and depart a city. With that said, packing light and having a carry all makes it easier for you to get around. The same cannot be said if you are weighed down by a myriad of luggage and suitcases.
4.) Easier unpacking and repacking
Packing fewer items into your carry-on allows you to easily unpack them. Similarly, with fewer items to take mental stock of, you can easily repack them as well which mitigates the risk of losing any of your personal effects and belongings.
5.) Extra room for souvenirs
Packing light means inevitably having room in your carry-on which would then allow you to bring souvenirs home.
WHAT PACKING LIGHT REALLY MEANS
* “Must haves” do not mean “nice to haves” or “just in case”
Packing light requires sacrifice. In this regard, you can expect an outfit to last you for days instead of changing it every single day. With that said, you cannot bring clothes for every possible situation. Bring your core wardrobe that you wear at home as that will cover more than eight percent of the situations you will encounter on the road. Similarly, it is best to research the weather ahead so as to bring clothes you can maximize wearing.
*Ultralight suitcase
If you cannot pack everything in a carry-on, choose a suitcase that is ultralight instead. Remember, your suitcase’s overall weight will also count towards the overall baggage weight, so choose one that you can easily carry around and would not cost you extra in baggage fees.
*Comfortable but stylish shoes
It is impractical to pack shoes for every occasion. With that said, pack your most reliable pair and bring them with you. At most, you should only have two pairs of shoes with you.
*Gadgets with dual purpose
Maximize the use of your gadgets. These days, you no longer need a gadget for everything considering that your phone already has most of the features you need. As a good rule of thumb, you should only bring portable gadgets that you can take anywhere with you. Anything more than that is unnecessary and would easily add to the overall weight of your luggage.
* Toiletries in sample sizes
If you can go without them, the better considering that you can depend on your hotel to provide you with the basics or buy them once you arrive. However, if you cannot travel without these, consider packing only the sample sizes. If possible, choose solid shampoos, conditioners and small bars of soap as these weigh less than their liquid counterparts. You can travel even lighter by cutting the bar and taking the portion that you would need for your trip.
With the tips above, you are ready to take on a minimalist approach to packing. With much fewer things in your bag to worry about, you can enjoy your trip better and have a better experience overall. So, do not let the task of packing light weigh you down. With the techniques above, you can now travel to your destination with a lighter bag and spirit but with a better mindset.
