Packing Like a Minimalist: Comprehensive Guide to Stress-Free Travel

For years, packing meant making a long list of everything you might need, checking it twice, and adding just a few more things. All these items often required multiple bags, which, if you were flying, needed to be lugged through the airport, stuffed into overhead carriers on planes, and left piled up on your lap on the shuttle from the airport to your hotel in your final destination. When there, you had to dig through all this clutter to find the things you actually needed.

Does the trip include stops in multiple locations and hotels? You probably see where we’re going and may have even experienced this “maximalist” approach to packing for a trip in the past. In short, all the stuffing and lugging felt anything but relaxing — the antithesis of a getaway. In fact, was it even a getaway if you brought half your stuff with you from home?

Enter minimalist packing. The exact opposite of all of the above, a minimalist approach has streamlined travel packing. Essentially, you pack precisely what you need, so the items in your luggage bring you joy. Stress-free minimalist packing makes it easier to carry bags, find necessities, and even help the environment. It’s taken off, and for good reason. Ready to learn how to pack like a minimalist? These minimalist packing tips will help you with everything from wardrobe planning to toiletries and digital streamlining. 

Mindset Shift to Minimalism

The quest for minimalist packing tips is aligned with an overall societal shift to a more minimalist lifestyle and aesthetic. Gray became the neutral of the moment in the late 2000s and remained a popular paint color despite frequent talk of its demise. Other neutral tones, like beige, have also gained favor. Look at #minamalistinteriors on Instagram, and you’ll see a grid full of neutral tones, clean lines, and overall simplicity. 

Organization experts like Marie Kondo also rose to fame for their emphasis on ensuring stuff brings you joy — and thanking and bidding farewell to items you no longer need. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic also caused some to do a “life decluttering” of sorts. With the world shut down, people began focusing on what was important to them — and what didn’t matter. For some, that was experiences over possessions (a trend that was brewing pre-pandemic, too). In fact, a pre-pandemic Harris Group Study found that people, particularly Millenials, preferred experience gifts to things around the holidays. 

Travel makes a great experience gift, and it’s not surprising that minimalism is influencing how people pack for these trips, such as developing a capsule wardrobe for travel and strategies for organizing the intentional items that make the cut (and suitcase).

Planning a Minimalist Wardrobe

You want to focus on bringing minimalist travel essentials. And you want to look and feel your best during your travels. The good news? Both can be true if you devise a capsule wardrobe for travel. “Capsule wardrobe” is another buzzy term these days. For the unfamiliar, a capsule wardrobe is a minimalist collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched in different settings. Think of items like a black cami that can go underneath a blazer for work or worn alone for a night out. Shoes and accessories are also included in capsule wardrobes.

Capsule wardrobe streamlines packing, so you’re truly bringing the items you need and leaving the rest for when you return home. It consolidates packing, so you travel lighter —literally and mentally.

To build a capsule wardrobe for travel, consider these tips:

1. Think about the weather. First of all, consider the climate and weather at your final destination. You want the items you choose to be functional — it sounds obvious, but that sequined sweater won’t do you any good on a Carribean escape. Alternatively, you’ll want to layer over that aforementioned black cami if you’re skiing in Aspen over the December holidays.
2. Prioritize versatile pieces. It’s perfectly fine to wear something twice on a trip. However, if you want to feel different in a piece the second time around, it’s possible if it’s versatile. Solid v-neck T-shirts can be casually paired with denim or layered over swimsuits during daytime exploration/beach lounging. When the sun sets, pair them with trousers or a skirt for something more night-out friendly. The solid color and classic silhouette allow for all this mixing and matching.
3. Choose shoes wisely. Do you have a pair of metallic sandals or wedges? These items can easily be dressed up or down. Prioritize footwear that can work in casual and dressier settings to avoid bringing your entire shoe closet.
4. Accessorize. Jewelry is an excellent way to dress repeat pieces up or down. Bring a few statement pieces to help you spice up outfits here and there. 

Multi-Functional Items

Multi-functional items are like the Swiss Army knives of minimalist travel essentials. They’re essentially the secret weapons for people looking for must-haves for efficient packing for minimalists. Think of a Swiss Army knife — you can use it to open a bottle of vino or cut through packing tape, negating the need to bring a wine opener and scissors. Now, we’re not suggesting getting a Swiss Army knife through security. However, you may begin to consider some of these items as minimalist travel essentials. For example:

• A scarf that can keep you warm (even on a chilly plane to an 80-and-sunny destination) or add an element of style to your capsule wardrobe for travel
• Convertible backpacks that can transform into a purse when the occasion calls for one
• A slim phone charging passport holder that easily slips into your carry-on and negates the need for a charger
• Travel adapters are clutch for people who are going to multiple locations or frequently jet-set, ensuring you can always keep all your devices charged.
• A pill organizer, which can be used to store medications and also mini-travel toiletries 
• A luggage strap, which can hold bags together at the airport and just-in-case weather essentials, like a raincoat or sweater, to your backpack should Mother Nature throw you for a loop (even with minimalist packing, preparing for the elements is essential)

Limiting Toiletries and Beauty Products

Toiletries and beauty products can be a sneaky way to add clutter to your otherwise minimalist travel organization strategy. They’re small, but they add up. You’ll want to streamline your toiletries set. These tips can help jumpstart that process.

First, ask yourself, “What do I use daily?” A minimalist skincare routine likely includes the essentials: A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF during the day. Those are must-brings. From there, think about what else you use daily (and if you like using it — if not, this trip might be an excellent time to experience life without it and re-assess when you arrive home).

From there, multi-functional items are once again your friend. Think chapstick that doubles as lip balm or a stick that can cover eyes, lips, and cheeks. Hair heat styling products can have multiple functions. All-purpose creams can keep hands, feet, and your face well hydrated.

Also, think about what you can leave behind. For instance, if you’re bringing cleanser and body wash, do you need a bar of soap (especially given that the hotel or rental may provide one)?

Digital Minimalism for Travel

Physical clutter isn’t the only thing that can pile up when traveling. Digital minimalism will also help you enjoy a stress-free getaway. As a best practice, keeping digital copies of essential documents, like your driver’s license, passport, boarding passes, and even hotel information and itineraries in case hard copies go missing is a good idea. Apps like TripIt keep documents in one place, though you can also save them in a file on a cloud-based service. 

Speaking of apps, ones like PackPoint can streamline packing. Plug in where you’re going, for how long, and even whether your hotel has laundry facilities you plan to use, and the app will make a list for you. Hopper can help you score the best deals on flights and rental cars, while Airbnb and TripAdvisor help you manage your bookings and itineraries in one place.

That said, you don’t want to spend your whole time staring at your phone. Consider setting time limits on social media use, which platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow. Other apps like Opal let you block apps and notifications, leaving time for a digital detox.

Efficient Packing Techniques

At the heart of minimalist travel is streamlined packing and organization. The goal is to fit what you need and be able to find it when you need it. You might use some popular minimalist travel organization tools. However, one method that requires zero products — a minimalist’s dream — is rolling clothes. Instead of folding like you’re doing laundry, tightly roll the clothing you wish to pack. Even with this method, you might opt for some products that are actually helpful to keeping you organized, such as:

• Packing cubes. As the name implies, these cube-shaped items let you compartmentalize your suitcase. Put items together or group by outfits for a truly streamlined capsule wardrobe.

• Compression bags. Flatten bulky items like sweaters and jackets, freeing up more space in your suitcase.

• • Travel-sized toiletries containers. Instead of buying travel-sized toiletries, buy clear containers you can reuse — a win for you as you had through security and Mother Nature.

• Garment bags. Keep a garment bag or folder if you have suits or dresses. They’ll prevent wrinkles and free up space in your suitcase. 

• A dedicated bag for wet items. If you plan to make a splash in a pool or have wet laundry, have a specific bag to prevent the need to do laundry (or ruin your capsule wardrobe).

Ready to Pack? 

• Start with the heaviest items. Putting the heaviest items on the bottom is practical. Toiletries can also go there, as can shoes. Place them with the soles down to prevent them from dirtying your clothes.

• Fold delicates. The exception to the rolling tip: Ensure your delicate items like dress shirts are folded if you aren’t placing them in garment bags. What minimalist wants to iron at their destination?

• Fill in the gaps. Take a wide-view look at your suitcase. Where are the gaps? Smaller items, like accessories and socks, can go there.

Mindful Souvenir Selection

You packed lightly on your way to your destination. However, you want to travel lightly home, too. Souvenirs can bring back fond memories of your travels. They can also take up space. Use the same mindfulness approach that you employed for packing when considering souvenirs.

For instance:

• Consider one-of-a-kind, handmade items you won’t find back home
• Recyclable and reusable products, like stationary, also give back to the environment.
• Consumable goods — a bottle of wine, coffee, or chocolate — will give you a taste of your vacation once home but also won’t take up space forever. 
• Consider not purchasing souvenirs. Physical tickets to shows, ballgames, and concerts can go on a bulletin board at home. You can get some photos printed and hang them tastefully on your walls, or do a digital slide show or blog to help you recall your journey (and share it with others).

Stress-Free Arrival and Departure

Stress-free minimalist packing isn’t the only way to reduce hassle en route to your destination (and back). Still, even with the best-laid plans, you can’t control every aspect of your arrival and departure (read: delays). However, you can feel empowered to take some steps to have a more relaxing experience at the airport.

• • Book smartly. If possible, opt for a mid-day or mid-week flight, when foot traffic should be lower than on a weekend or morning.
  •  Know your airport. If this is your first time taking off or touching down at an airport, get to know the place before you arrive. What’s the layout? Where’s the check-in counter? Baggage claim? Knowing these key spots will have you feeling less stressed.

• Utilize online check-in. Forget standing in line with your baggage — even if it is lighter — and check in online instead.

• Arrive early. Get to the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international to ensure you can make it through security and get to your terminal without having to sprint.

• Dress wisely. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off (and socks so you don’t have to walk through security barefoot). Any jewelry or belts with buckles that can be picked up on metal detectors is best left in your bag. Keep layers in your carry-on if possible so you can zip through security (but have them on hand if you get chilly on flights).
• Note regulations. Ensure you note TSA and airline regulations on baggage weight and size, plus what can go through security checkpoints. Anything that will hold you up should be modified, such as by placing larger liquid items in a checked bag. 

Additional Considerations

Environment

Minimalist travel doesn’t just affect you — it benefits the environment, too. When we focus on experience over things, we reduce waste. Picking versatile clothing minimizes the need for excess luggage. Choosing digital tickets and boarding passes saves on paper. Choosing to let your vacation live on in digital albums and blogs rather than more “stuff” for your home in the form of souvenirs also reduces the environmental impact of traveling. Speaking of purchases, utilizing reusable and multi-function items means you’ll buy less. 

These savings add up — literally. Packing lightly also means your suitcase — and the airplane — will weigh less, so it’ll require less fuel to get you to your destination.

Travel durations 

Travel durations vary greatly, from a weekend getaway to a bucket list trip (or business travel) that can last weeks or even months. Longer trips will require more items — especially if you’re jetting off during a shoulder/transitional season, like spring or fall, where the weather can change by the day (or hour). You can still employ minimalist packing principles. The key is to think mindfully about what you need. Layers like cardigans and lightweight shirts can help you adapt to the weather. Packing cubes and organizational tools can help you group items by season and use.

Minimalist packing is about streamlining travel so it’s stress-free and enjoyable. The key is to bring things that you will actually use and bring you joy during your travels. Capsule wardrobes with items like solid T-shirts that can be used with multiple outfits make getting dressed a breeze. Ditto for toiletries items like creams and 3-in-1 makeup products. Some minimalist travel organization tools like packing cubes allow you to put like-items (or even full outfits) together, once again streamlining the process. Remember: You’re going on a trip to get away from it all, not bring everything with you. You’re more closely aligned with your travel goals and values by engaging in minimalist packing instead of bringing every creature comfort from home.