If you’ve ever zipped up an overstuffed suitcase at the end of your trip only to realize you never wore half the clothes you packed, you’re definitely not alone! I, too, was once a serial overpacker.

I used to pack for every possible scenario. “What if we go somewhere fancy?” “What if it gets colder?” “What if I suddenly decide I need five pairs of shoes?”

Spoiler alert: I did not!

These days, I travel with far less, and I honestly enjoy my trips more because of it. Less luggage means less stress at the airport, less hauling bags through hotels or ferry terminals, and more room to bring home souvenirs.

Packing light doesn’t mean leaving behind things you actually need, it is just about being intentional with what you are bringing with you. And today I’m sharing exactly how I do it now!

1. Start with Your Itinerary, Not Your Closet

The biggest packing mistake people make is grabbing clothes they love or purchased for their trip first. Instead, write down what you’ll actually be doing.

For example:

Travel day (airport/road trip/etc.)
Hiking
Nice dinner
Sightseeing
Flight or drive home

Once you know your activities, every item you pack should have a purpose on your trip. You should be completely clear on what you’ll wear for each day/event/excursion.

2. Choose a Color Palette

One of the easiest ways to pack lighter is to make everything work together.

Stick to neutral basics like:

Black
Gray
White
Navy
Beige

Then add one or two accent colors or fun jewelry if you want a little personality. When every shirt matches every pair of pants and socks, you instantly create multiple outfits with fewer pieces!

3. Pack Layers Instead of Bulky Clothes

This is especially important if you’re visiting Alaska, where weather can change several times throughout the day.

Instead of packing one giant heavy coat, bring lightweight layers like:

Base layer
Fleece or sweater
Waterproof rain jacket

You’ll stay warmer, save space, and be comfortable in changing conditions. If you’re going somewhere warm, you obviously won’t need layers. If the worst happens and you go through all of your clothes too quickly, you can always utilize local or hotel laundry facilities. (I once had to get clothes laundered by my hotel in Paris because I’d sweat through everything else. 😱)

4. Follow the “Rule of Three”

Unless you’re traveling for several weeks, you probably don’t need a different outfit every day.

A simple formula for a weekend trip:

3 tops
3 bottoms
3 pairs of socks (wash as needed)
6 pairs of underwear (or however many makes you comfortable… I always bring too many)

Mix and match throughout your trip with the rule of three. For longer vacations, plan to do laundry ahead of time instead of doubling what you pack in your suitcase. It’ll be worth the money you spend a lot of times, I promise.

5. Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Your hiking boots, sweatshirt, or heavier jacket don’t need to take up precious luggage space. Wear them while traveling! (Airplanes are usually chilly anyway.)

I always wore my winter boots and coat onto the plane when we moved back to Alaska from Washington beause it was the easiest way to transport those items.

6. Limit Yourself to Two Pairs of Shoes

Shoes are surprisingly heavy.

For most trips, you only need:

Comfortable walking shoes
One nicer pair (or sandals, depending on your destination)

If you’re visiting Alaska, waterproof hiking or atheletic shoes are often the better choice over fashion sneakers.

7. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes won’t magically give you more room, but they make it much easier to stay organized.

I like separating things into categories:

Shirts
Bottoms
Underwear and socks
Electronics
Toiletries

You’ll spend less time digging through your suitcase and more time enjoying your trip. I use these cubes made by Beis that can be labeled. (Not an affiliate link – these are just my genuine recommendation after trying MANY packing cubes over the past decade.)

8. Minimize Toiletries

Most toiletries come in oversized containers so I always used travel-size bottles when I go on trips. If I’m staying somewhere for an extended period, I rarely pack things I can easily find at a local store or I utilize hotel shampoo and body wash.

You probably don’t need your full skincare shelf for a week-long vacation, but thankfully, a lot of my skincare comes in smaller containers anyway that are under 3oz. Hopefully yours do too!

9. Pack Multipurpose Items

The best travel items serve more than one purpose.

Examples include:

A lightweight jacket that works for hiking and sightseeing
Leggings that double as pajamas
A scarf that also works as a blanket on the plane
A daypack that folds flat inside your suitcase

The more versatile an item is, the more valuable it becomes.

10. Leave Room for the Trip Home

One mistake I still occasionally make? Packing my suitcase completely full before I leave.

Whether you buy souvenirs, snacks, or just end up carrying a few extra things, you’ll appreciate having a little extra space on the way home. Aim to leave about 20% of your suitcase empty when you start your trip. Future you will be thankful you did!