Minimalist Packing: What to Leave Behind on Your Next Vacation

Are you going on vacation soon and feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing? Nothing will ruin your vacation faster than dragging huge suitcases to the airport, on public transport, through cobbled streets, and up a few flights of stairs. Even worse? Spending a week in the clothes you flew in wearing because your bag never arrived. The answer? Minimalist packing.

The minimalist packing process is essential for stress-free travel, and if you desperately need something, chances are you can find it at your destination. A newcomer to minimalist traveling may assume that they need to bring less stuff, but it is quite the opposite, a tactical change that involves a lot of careful organizing to get right!

Do you want to travel light but don’t know what to bring? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will discuss the essentials for minimalist packing. We’ll tell you what to bring with you on your trip and what to leave at home and get you in the minimalist mindset. Follow our tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about your bags!

Benefits of Minimalist Packing

Travel and Spend Less

Carry-on luggage is the perfect way to save money on your next trip. By packing light and only bringing what you need, you’ll avoid having to pay the extra cost of checked luggage fees.

Not only that, but by only having one bag, you’ll also be able to move around more easily, meaning you don’t need expensive taxis and can use public transport.

Travel and Worry Less

When you’re traveling, the last thing you want to worry about is losing your bags. By packing light and bringing only what you need, you’ll be able to move around more easily and won’t have to worry about your belongings. You will also worry less about what to wear as there are fewer options!

Travel and Stay Flexible

Minimalist travel means you can be flexible with your plans. If something comes up and you need to change your itinerary, it’s much easier to do when you’re only carrying a small bag.

You’re also not weighed down by excess baggage, meaning you can move more easily and explore your destination fully.

Travel and Move Quickly

Skip through the airport without having to wait around the baggage carousel. You can also arrive at the airport late (having checked in online) and skip straight to security.

If you’re traveling by train or bus, you can save time by not having to wait for your luggage. It will also make packing and unpacking in your hotel room and breeze!

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of minimalist travel let’s take a look at how to do it!

How to Pack for Minimalist Travel

1. Make a list of what you’ll need and stick to it

You will save a lot of time if you stick to a minimalist packing list rather than randomly pulling items out and then having to put them away again!

When making your packing list, be sure to think about what you’ll need during your trip. Try to be as specific as possible and think about the activities you’ll be doing to help pack light.

Make your packing list ahead of time, so you can purchase any items you need before you have to pack. Having a list to stick to will make it easier and less emotional when it comes to choosing items!

Ask yourself the difficult questions- can I really not live without this? How often do I actually use this? Could I temporarily simplify this habit or routine?

Once you’ve created a minimal packing list that works for you, I recommend creating a template that you can reuse for the future.

2. Get a smaller bag

The type of bag you use will make a big difference in how much you can fit inside and how easy it is to carry. If you’re struggling to narrow down your items, consider getting a smaller bag.

This will force you to be more selective with what you bring and help you travel lighter. I highly recommend a carry-on-friendly bag that can be taken on every trip, that way, you’ll be forced to pack minimally!

A small backpack is ideal for minimalist travel, although you may prefer a duffel bag if you need more space. If you’re traveling carry-on only, be sure to check the size and weight restrictions with your airline before packing.

Bonus points if you can get your bag down to personal item size, so you are not competing for overhead bin space on the plane with the other many travelers!

The bag itself should be super lightweight with lots of pockets for easy storage while you’re on the road; we need to stay organized when packing minimalist! Check out this article for our favorite lightweight travel bags.

3. Start by packing the essentials 

When you’re packing for minimalist travel, it’s important to start with the bare minimum essentials. These are the items that you will need during your trip and just can’t do without. Only once you’ve packed the essentials should you start adding other things.

Some essential items to pack include, your passport/visa, tickets/ boarding pass, cash/credit cards, phone and charger, medication and a basic first aid kit.

Of course, the items you’ll need will vary depending on where you are going and the trip you’re taking, so take some time to think through any other necessities.

4. Create a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small selection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This is ideal for minimalist travel as it means you won’t have to pack many clothes.

To create a capsule wardrobe, start by choosing a color palette; neutral tones usually work best. Then, select a few key pieces that can be worn in different ways and based on what style of trip you will be taking.

Stick to lightweight fabrics that can be easily washed and dried and won’t take up a lot of space. This is obviously a bit easier if you are heading for warm weather!

Make sure you check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

See if there are any laundry facilities at your accommodation to consider if you can refresh your clothing during your trip. It’s always nice to have clean clothes!

Some fabrics pick up smells faster than others, so skip the polyester and pack some merino wool!

5. Plan your toiletries very carefully

Toiletries are one of the easiest things to overpack, they are heavy, bulky, and most of them are over airplane carry-on regulation size.

Try to source sample or travel-sized versions to take away with you and see what products can multitask in your beauty routine.

You can also consider investing in some travel-sized containers to store small amounts of your favorite wash items. A small amount can last quite a while when living like a minimalist!

Solid toiletries are a great option for minimalist travel as they are lightweight, take up minimal space, are suitable for your carry-on bag, are environmentally friendly, and last forever.

They can also be difficult to overpack as you only need a small amount.

6. Choose multifunctional items

Whenever possible, choose clothing items that have multiple uses to add to your minimalist travel wardrobe. Packing versatile pieces will save you space and weight in your bag and make it easier to create different outfits.

This could be a scarf that can also be used as a sarong or a dress that can be worn as a skirt. Also, consider clothing that can be dressed up or down with a few accessories.

Dr. Bronner’s pure castile soap can be diluted in different ways for very different purposes. You can use it as a facial cleanser, shampoo, makeup remover, body wash, laundry soap for handwashing, dish cleaner, and more.

7. Consider what you can buy at your destination

There are some items that you may not need to pack as you can easily buy them when you arrive. This includes things like sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats.

Of course, this will depend on your destination and the type of trip you’re taking. At the end of the day, unless you are going to Antarctica, you will be able to buy some shampoo.

8. Limit your electronics

Do you really need to bring your laptop, SLR Camera, tablet, and e-reader? Probably not. 

Choose which devices are essential for your trip and leave the rest behind.

If you’re traveling for business, you might need to bring your laptop, but if you’re going on a beach vacation, you probably won’t need more than your phone and a Kindle. 

Try and use vacation as an opportunity to switch off and relax away from your screens.

9. Pack your bag like a pro

Now that you know what to pack, it’s time to start packing! The way you pack your bag can make a big difference in how easy it is to carry and how much stuff you can fit. The last thing we want is to carry heavy luggage, so follow these packing tips below:

To start, roll your clothes or use the KonMari method to fold them. This saves space and prevents creases. Use packing cubes- they make it easier to find things and keep your bag organized.

Personally, I make sure I use a packing cube with a mesh portion so I can see what I am grabbing from my bag. I can’t emphasize enough how much a set of cheap packing cubes will organize your bag and save time, space, and energy for your trip!

Pack the heaviest items at the bottom of your bag and put lighter items on top. Place shoes and other larger items around the edges. Stuff the shoes with socks and underwear to save space.

Use small bags or pouches to organize your toiletries, electronics, and other small items. Utilize every nook and cranny in your bag, but don’t try to fill it completely- this leads to over-packing unnecessary items; just enjoy that extra space! Read more of our expert packing tips to squeeze every inch of space out of your travel bag.

10. Don’t overbuy souvineers

It can be tempting to buy a lot of souvenirs when you’re on vacation, but they will just add unnecessary weight to your bags and clutter up your home. Instead, limit yourself to one small item that will remind you of your trip.

Send postcards to loved ones instead of buying unwanted gifts. Or better yet, take a photo instead!

11. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane

If you have any heavy or bulky items on your packing list, wear them on the plane. This will free up more space in your bag and keep that precious weight allowance down. Items like scarves can also double as a pillow on long-haul flights!

Always wear your heaviest pair of shoes and if you have any big coats or sweaters, make sure they’re part of your travel outfit too!

Obviously, this is more for cold weather vacations, but even those heading to warm climates will need a sweater or light jacket for the plane!

12. Revisit everything you packed when you get home

Now it’s time to perfect your minimalist packing list! Once you’re home from your trip (or after a week or two of long-term travel), take a look at everything you packed and see what you actually used.

This will help you refine your packing list for future trips. Make a note of the items that were essential and the things that you could have left behind. You’ll be able to pack light without the hassle next time!

6 things NOT to pack for Minimalist Travel

1. Snacks from home

You can find food wherever you’re going, so there’s no need to pack snacks from home. If you have dietary restrictions, it might be worth packing a few snacks just in case, but for the most part, minimalist travelers should avoid packing too much food.

If you’re worried about getting hungry while flying, bring along some snacks like nuts or granola bars. But try to limit yourself to a small bag or container.

2. Heavy boots or shoes

Bringing heavy boots or shoes will kill your weight allowance (and your back).

Instead, as mentioned earlier, wear your heaviest shoes and make do and opt for a pair of lightweight running shoes or flip-flops that can be easily packed into your bag. If you’re looking for some great travel shoes you can check out our recommendations.

3. Spares or back-ups of items

Do you really need two pairs of sunglasses or three different types of sunscreen? Minimalist travelers should only pack the essentials and items that will be used every day.

If you can’t live without a certain item, make sure to pack a spare or backup. But for the most part, one should suffice.

4. Multi-step skincare routines

You might want to pare down your skincare routine to the bare essentials when traveling light.

Having lots of breakable glass jars full of serums and creams may be fine for your bathroom at home, but it won’t fly on the road. Just remember to pack a sunscreen with at least SPF 30!

5. Statement clothing

You might want to leave your loud clothing and statement pieces at home when minimalist packing.

A minimalist packer should focus on packing items that can be easily mixed and matched to create different looks. A simple black t-shirt can be dressed in a lot of different ways!

6. Valuable or sentimental items

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Minimalist travelers should avoid packing any valuables or sentimental items in their bags that could be easily lost or stolen. If you can’t live without it, make sure to keep it on your person at all times.

FAQs about packing minimalist 

1. What is minimalism?

In its simplest form, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we value most and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.

Minimalism is not a lack of something; it’s simply the perfect amount of something. 

It is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom from things.

At its core, minimalism is the intentional living with only the things that you need – and in turn, freeing up your time, energy, and resources.

It is a tool to rid your life of the excess so you can make room for what’s important – whether that’s more time with family and friends or just amazing travel experiences.

2. What if you forgot to pack something you need?

The fear of suddenly being caught without something you need is one of the main hurdles that would-be minimalist travelers stumble over.

You can almost certainly live without it, and you can almost certainly buy it. You have to think about the hard questions, if I didn’t have this item and needed it, could I buy it, do without or use something else in its place?

Nine times out of ten, you can either grab what you need from a local store or will be just fine without it. 

Always triple-check that you have the essentials (passport, credit cards, medications, etc.) before leaving home.

3. What should you bring for a week-long trip?

A week’s worth of clothes is all you need to bring anywhere with the minimalist lifestyle. For trips longer than this, I find somewhere to do laundry!

Create your staple wardrobe by mixing and matching pieces as much as possible, and remember those neutral colors- day-to-night looks work best too.

To simplify things, pick outfits that can be worn with a consistent style of underwear and bring a couple of extra pairs just in case (they are only small). 3-4 tops and 2-3 shorts or pants, 1-2 pairs of shoes, and you should be starting to get somewhere.

Your list will depend on the destination’s climate and planned activities so make sure you consider these and adapt.

Lay everything out and eliminate anything that doesn’t serve a specific and important purpose.

4. How can you pack light for long-term travel?

While this may seem daunting, it’s not much different than packing for a week!

Remember you will be doing laundry, and you can top-up toiletries on the way, replace anything that breaks, and buy anything you forgot!

Think carefully about the weather, and If you will be going through multiple climates- if so, then pack layers!

Final thoughts

Minimalist packing is all about being intentional with what you bring and knowing what you can live without.

By following the tips in this article, you should be able to pack everything you need for your next vacation or long-term trip while still staying within the bounds of minimalism.

Just remember that it’s okay to adapt these guidelines to fit your own needs and adjust them for each individual trip.

Before you know it, you will be a minimalist packing pro, whizzing through the airport with just a carry-on and zipping stress-free to your destination.

Have you tried the minimalist travel approach? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Travels!