Pack light, lighter than that, even lighter, just the bare essentials!

I had to pack for a 5 month trip through Europe, I left mid May and I’ll be returning to America mid October. Packing for such a trip can be extremely daunting. Even before this I travelled about once a month for work or fun, I got so good at packing for all different kinds of trips and traveling through airports so much I felt like George Clooney in Up in the Air.

For a trip lasting more than a month, I suggest a lot of practice packing. I find practice packing to be really fun. I like imagining where I’ll be going and what I’ll be doing, the different scenarios that I’ll need different things for. Practice packing is just packing fully for your trip ahead of time, this really helps so that the day before you leave you aren’t panicking because you need something from the store but the stores are closed or you can’t find that one item of clothing you swear you need. Try practice packing at least a week before your big trip minimum. Also the best way to practice packing, is to have a calendar out to look at the days and time you’ll be gone, and most importantly to put on fun dancing music! If you ever get stressed out, dance it out!

This is my favorite magic packing video by YouTuber Biaggi Luggage

In the video, you can see she rolls up all her clothing, I’ve also found this is better than folding when it comes to fitting a lot into a little space. Then I recommend using packing cubes, they are miracle packing bags that help save a lot of space! Click Here for a link to TripSavvys best packing cubes to buy.

I recommend packing the smallest amount possible for a long trip, you can always find laundromats and stores to buy things you need along the way! If you’re like me you might always be thinking, but what if, while packing. But what if I get into a situation where I need this exact dress I own, but what if I get there and regret not bringing my favorite pair of shoes, but what if. The best way to combat the “what if” voice inside your head is to practice packing multiple times before your trip. Start by packing two weeks ahead of time, then again a week before you leave, than again three days before you leave where you can then just leave most of the stuff in your suitcase. Always pack less than you think you’ll need. I had such a struggle. Originally I wanted to bring four shorts, five dresses, seven shirts, etc., etc. But after thinking about it and making decisions for a few days, I realized I could live off half that if not more than half. Keep in mind the bare essentials that humans can live on and keep in mind there will always be shops and laundromats. I was finally able to fit five months’ worth of clothes & hygiene products into one backpack and one hard-sided 4 wheel suitcase I got from Target.

My best advice is to keep this mantra in your head every single time you pack, and just keep repeating it: Pack light, lighter than that, even lighter, just the bare essentials!

Good Luck
– Allie
July 15th 2018