The Art of Packing Light: 4 Tips That Will Change Your Travel Game

Hey girlfriend! (or should I say bag lady?) Vacay vibes are rolling in, and while shopping and planning for a trip is exciting, packing can be stressful. If you’re hopping from one destination to another, here are 4 tried-and-true tips I personally use to pack lighter and make travel more enjoyable!

Packing light takes practice, but trust me, it's worth it. I started with an overstuffed suitcase and slowly downsized, eventually leaving extra room in my bag. Now, I’m down to just a backpack, duffle bag, or oversized tote (depending on the trip, of course). And you know what? Traveling has never been easier! Believe it or not, I rarely miss anything I leave behind—compared to the countless times I’ve overpacked and didn’t use half of what I brought. Give these tips a try, and you’ll never look back!

1. Bring Your Exact Outfits

Let’s rip the bandage off: packing light starts with packing less! It sounds simple, but I get it—it's hard to stick to. I used to shuffle things around at the airport check-in, trying to avoid baggage fees for overweight luggage. The key is to plan your exact outfits ahead of time and pack no more and no less.

When I say “prepare your outfits,” I don’t mean pulling out random clothes you think will look cute. Set aside time to try on each outfit as if you were shopping in the store. This helps ensure everything fits, works for the weather, and still feels good. Clothes always look different on your bed than they do on your body. Once you’re sure about your options, you’ll feel confident and won’t need to bring multiple backup outfits—just maybe an extra shirt or pair of pants. (P.S. Bodysuits and two-piece co-ord sets are total lifesavers!)

2. Coordinating Outfits and Shoes

If the first tip gave you a bit of anxiety, here’s how to make it easier: pick out outfits in similar colors to make coordinating simpler. For shoes, I recommend sticking to a maximum of two pairs. For instance, in the winter, I’ll travel in Uggs and pack a pair of sneakers. In summer, I'll wear my shoes through the airport and pack a pair of flats and maybe even some heels, depending on my itinerary.

I always go for black shoes because they go with everything (black, white, beige—easy to mix and match!) If you love color, pick one shade for your shoes so you won’t need multiple pairs. Sure, it’s a sacrifice, but it’s better to say no at home than get stuck at the airport check-in with an overweight bag.

3. Travel-Sized Toiletries

With airlines charging for checked bags and even carry-ons, I’ve been able to save time and money by sticking to a carry-on or even just a backpack. The trade-off? Leaving some products behind—or at least, the big bottles!

One game-changer for me has been Cadence travel containers. No, this isn’t an ad—I just genuinely love them! Cadence containers are reusable and customizable, letting me carry all my essential products without wasting space or product. If you can’t invest in these, opt for smaller travel-sized versions of your usual toiletries. It’ll save both space and weight, and you won’t have to sacrifice your routine.

4. Low-Maintenance Hairstyles

A huge space-saver for me is doing low-maintenance hairstyles. For longer trips, box braids are a lifesaver, but for shorter trips, I opt for cornrows that I can easily style into braid-outs. If you’re a straight-hair girl, braiding or doing sock curls will save you from packing curling irons, heat protectants, and hairspray. I usually bring a brush and gel as a backup—but if I’m staying with a friend or family member, I leave them behind and borrow theirs. This way, I have more room for souvenirs!

Packing light takes time and effort, but it pays off. I went from overstuffed suitcases to effortlessly traveling with just a backpack or carry-on, saving money, time, and stress. Believe me, you won’t miss those extra items you left at home—and you’ll feel way more relaxed on your trip. Try these tips, and you’ll never go back!