Minimizing your luggage will minimize your time and space-- maximizing your enjoyment!

By: Vivian Duncan

Traveling light is an art and a skill, and an important one. At most airlines, baggage can be costly, but carry on luggage is free. As a smart traveler, having less luggage means less stuff to lug around, getting in and out of places faster, and generally being able to travel easier. Because who wants to spend half an hour in the airport waiting for a bag, when there is a brand new place outside calling to be explored?

The Bag

Backpacks are the most ideal choice, as they are easier to maneuver and you can take them on the go wherever and whenever you go anywhere. They allow you to more freely through crowded sidewalks and public transportation, without rolling over people’s toes or hindering other travelers. If you are traveling for a month in several different climate zones, a suitcase would probably meet your needs better, but for the average one week trip, a backpack will do.

Now, investing in a backpack more geared for traveling would be wise. Trying to fit everything into that hello kitty backpack from your early years simply would not work. Try to find something that has one large main pocket, and bonus points if you can find one that allows it to be opened and closed on its side, similar to a suitcase. This is far more convenient than the traditional top opening backpack. Be sure to find one that is friendly to your body too, which means padded, adjustable shoulder straps. Hip and chest straps provide added weight distribution, so that even weighed down with a week’s worth of clothing and bricks, it won’t leave you with an aching back at the end of the day. Another feature to look out for is how outdoor-friendly the backpack is. Depending on what you are planning to do on your trip, you may want waterproof abilities, and a rugged design that prevents wear and tear. Try to find a backpack that meets your individual needs, but make sure it has enough room for your items, and has comfortable and durable straps.

Only the Essentials

While knowing what to pack in and how to pack, choosing what to pack is the most important part of minimizing your luggage. You certainly don’t need a change of clothes for every day, or 6 pairs of jeans for a week long venture. Only bring enough clothes to cover your body appropriately for the weather, and bring items that you can rewear or mix and match. Jeans can be worn up to four times before needing to be washed, and most other clothing can be worn twice, so long as you don’t go out hiking in them or falling into a mud pit. If you are going somewhere cold, you don’t need a different jacket or sweater for each day-- just bring one. As for everything else: leave the accessories at home, bring travel size toiletries, and don’t bring things you won’t absolutely use.

Wear your bulkiest items

This trick saves more room than you would think. You may have to suffer some short term sweaty discomfort while getting through the airport, but it is worth it. If you wear your jacket, thick layers, jeans, and bulkiest pair of shoes, you will free up enough space in your carry on to fit so much more than you would have been able to if you stuck with your gym shorts and flip flops.

Do not bring more than two shoes

Shoes take up so much room when packing, so leave them at home. Chances are, you will only need shoes for two things: walking and going out. Wear your bulkier walking shoes that are comfortable but can also be worn out to explore town, and pack your versatile sandals that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and match everything you brought.

Roll It Up

Instead of folding your clothes, roll them. This little technique surprisingly saves a lot of room, especially if you roll them up tight. Fold the item of clothing in half and then roll! You can also maximize space by stuffing socks and underwear into shoes, bras, or corners or the bag. This should be your last step in packing, so that you can fill every nook and cranny left.