Following a minimalist lifestyle offers a number of advantages. It helps you to save money, enjoy a spacious, decluttered living environment, and, for many people, can reduce stress, especially when it comes to choosing something to wear.
When it comes to packing for a trip, however, it can be tricky to maintain a minimalist lifestyle. What if an emergency arises, and you desperately need an item that you haven’t packed?
This anxiety causes many of us to overpack when we are going on a trip, and this can result in stress, heavy bags, and hefty fees to pay at the airport.
Fortunately, there are a number of tips that you can follow to help you stay minimalist and still pack everything you need for any trip. Read on to discover the secret!
- Write a list. The first thing you need to do is to make a list. This will help you to establish exactly what you really need, by forcing you to think your choices through. It can also help to highlight any duplicates before they reach your suitcase.
- Try writing a list by going through the days of your trip, and the activities for each day. This will prevent you from repeating items.
- Be choosy with footwear. Footwear is often the item that takes up the most space in your case, so be prepared to be choosy and selective with the footwear that you take with you. If possible, opt for just one or two pairs of shoes.
- Wear your heaviest shoes on the journey. This saves space in your case.
- Choose multifunctional outfits. Just as with shoes, try and select outfits that serve more than one purpose. This will limit the number of items that you need to take with you. With a little creativity, you can get multiple uses out of a single item.
- Accessories are your best friend here - a belt or scarf can totally transform an outfit.
- Do your research. There is no sense in taking a bikini on a ski trip, or three pairs of jeans if the local temperature is 90 degrees. Do your research before you go to make sure that you have packed items that are appropriate for your trip.
- Create a rough itinerary. If possible, create a rough itinerary of your trip to help you gain a better sense of what you will need and when. You may spot opportunities to reuse an outfit, or realize that you have missed something from your list.
- Check washing facilities. One of the easiest ways to travel light is to consider whether there will be an opportunity to wash your clothes. This will seriously limit the amount you need to bring, and you may be able to get away with just one or two changes of clothes.
Learning how to pack in a minimalist manner doesn’t have to be stressful; on the contrary, it can reduce your anxiety, lighten your load, and means that there is no need to worry if your luggage takes a detour.
