As you know by now, I travel full time with my husband while living out of a carry-on bag. And let me tell you something right off the bat… if me from 4 years ago would have told future me that my closet for most of the year was going to be this tiny carry-on bag, I would have NEVER believed her!
Looking back, my packing style has transformed completely. I went from lugging around a giant suitcase, a backpack, and a last-minute tote bag full of things I “might need” to a 20-inch carry-on and a single backpack.
(See the before-and-after below to see what I mean!)
🚫 Left: giant suitcase, backpack + last minute random bag of things I couldn’t fit = MISERABLE TRAVEL DAYS!
✅ Right: 20′ inch carry-on + backpack = EASY BREEZY TRAVEL DAYS!
I had ALL THE FEARS when we left to travel, and as you can see, I packed them all! But I’ve learned quite a few things after years of trial an error, and today I’m going to share all my best tips with you.
Lessons I’ve learned (the hard way)
🎯 Weight is as important as volume: it’s not just about fitting everything into a small suitcase, it’s also about keeping it light. I’ve learned that a truly packable wardrobe doesn’t just fit into your bag, but it also doesn’t weigh you down. That means choosing lightweight fabrics, multipurpose items, and skipping unnecessary bulk.
I’ve learned that I don’t have to stuff my suitcase. It’s better to pack exactly what I need with room to spare. This makes packing and re-packing so much easier – not to mention having extra space for souvenirs.
🎯 The ‘what ifs’ are only in my head: what if we have a formal dinner? what if it rains? what if I get bored of my outfits? what if there’s a cold front? what if I see a pool and want to go for a swim? I could go on and on.
If any of the ‘what ifs’ actually happen, I’ll figure it out in the moment. But most importantly, I’ve learned that the ‘what ifs’ rarely happen, and if they do, you always find a way to make things work.
I’ve had ZERO days ruined by unforeseen situations I didn’t pack for. But in contrast, I’ve had many travel days ruined because I packed too many things that never even left my suitcase.
🎯 Less is ALWAYS more: You’ve probably realized that packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style or function. By focusing on versatile, high quality pieces, you can create endless outfit combinations and pack only what you’ll actually wear. Now, every item has a purpose and in most cases, multiple purposes.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson of all: a small suitcase gives you incredible freedom.
You’re not bound to checked luggage or struggling when packing and unpacking. Instead, you’ve gained flexibility, saved on baggage fees, and can travel comfortably knowing that your trusty carry-on is all you need.
You don’t have to travel with a giant suitcase to create cute and comfortable travel looks!
Changes I made to downsize even more!
Let me start by saying that if you’re already traveling with a carry-on, I’m not urging you to get a smaller one. I’m just sharing all of this for two reasons: 1. for you to consider carry-on instead of a checked bag and 2. so your carry-on is less stuffed next time you pack for a trip.
✅ Change #1: Pick your shoes based on occasion, not colors.
I have traveled with up to 8 pairs of shoes 🙈 (please don’t do this)
Now, for most trips, my sweet spot is 3 or 4 pairs. (I aim for 3)
- For exploring: usually stylish sneakers
- For going out: usually flat leather sandals OR Birkenstocks
- For working out: gym shoes
I stick to neutrals and make sure my shoes match all my bottom pieces. It doesn’t even matter if all your shoes are the same color! As long as they are for different occasions you will be just fine.
Shoes take up a surprising amount of space, so downsizing here immediately saves you a ton of space. Also, try to wear the bulkiest pair during you travel days.
👉🏻 This guide will help you figure out what shoes are best to pack depending on the kind of trip.
✅ Change #2: Be ruthless when choosing which toiletries to bring!
I struggled with this one for the longest time because I love beauty products so freaking much!
But I was determined to make something work here because I know that my stuffed toiletry bags were stealing some precious space from my suitcase.
I simply invested in higher quality products that are also multi-purpose. That’s it.
And because I travel for longer periods at a time, I obviously end up replacing some things while on the road. For example body moisturizer, soap and shampoo. This is my current toiletry bag situation ⬇️
Toiletry bag contains: Shampoo – Body Lotion – Antioxidant Balm – Make up Remover Towel – Razor – Perfume – Face Serum – Face Moisturizer – Deodorant
*use code WAYSOFSTYLE10 for 10% off Primally Pure!
PS: my husband carries our soap, toothpaste and toothbrush – that’s another great way to save some space if you’re not traveling alone :) share your toiletries.
Other Travel Related Posts:
🧳 How to actually pack less things!
👝 How to simplify your toiletry bag.
✈️ How to survive long travel days!
✅ Change #3: Prioritize multi-purpose items.
This applies from things like toiletries to clothing and accessories. Some examples are:
- A crossbody bag that matches everything in your suitcase.
- Workout clothes that double up as daywear. (like this crop top and these leggings)
- Stylish leather sneakers that you can also use to go out at night.
- A pashmina that works as a scarf, head cover, extra layer, beach cover up, picnic towel, etc.
- A one-piece bathing suit that doubles up as a body suit.
- Basic T-shirts you can dress up or down.
- A classic dress that you can wear on its own, but also layer with a sweater.
- A top and bottom set that you can style together or separately.
- Trail runner shoes that are good for hikes and for the gym.
The more roles each item can play, the less you’ll need to pack overall. This adds up and it’s worth to think about when you’re packing.
✅ Change #4: Make sure ALL your tops, match ALL your bottoms.
This one takes a little bit of time to master, but it works so well.
In the picture below I packed 3 bottoms and 6 tops. This equals 18 outfits, which is enough for a 2-week trip and literally fits inside a backpack.
Not that I travel with just a backpack, but still. Just saying so you have an idea ;)
We tend to underestimate how many times we can wear each piece. And if you have a washer you can have a whole new set of outfits a week into your trip.
👉🏻 I teach more in-depth about this inside my super fun workshop – you can purchase it here. It’ll help you pack light and in style!
✅ Change #5: Plan outfits instead of packing options.
Instead of packing extra items for “just in case,” plan each day’s outfits ahead of time based on your itinerary. Having a clear plan eliminates overpacking and keeps you focused on essentials only.
This makes a HUGE difference! You’ll realize that you don’t need 2 outfits per day, that you can maybe do laundry once or that you can wear a few pieces more than once.
👉🏻 A couple of months ago, I documented my entire packing process and made a video about it. It was for a 6-day beach vacation, but honestly the rules and methods apply for any kind of trip. You can sign up and watch it here.
Final thoughts:
In general, just know that if you implement some of these changes you’ll be well on your way to packing less things! Learning how to pack light is a process and it takes time.
It gets better the more you travel and learn from your mistakes (or my mistakes 😂).
So have grace with yourself and try to do better each time.
I know you’ve got this – and I’m here for you if you have any questions ♥️.
Seriously, feel free to email me at aimara@waysofstyle.com or leave a comment below. I want to help out if you’re struggling with packing light.
Thanks for reading :)
XO,
Aimara
PS: watch my entire packing process here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
READ THESE PACKING-RELATED ARTICLES NEXT:
- The 5 best shoes for travel 👟
- What to pack for Fall in Italy 🇮🇹
- Stylish and comfy airport outfits ✈️
- The best 7 pieces of clothing I packed for 3 months! 🏆
- Sweatpants VS jeans (and why I never travel with jeans) 👖
Packing anxiety? Watch this 5-minute video!
Did you learn how to downsize from a checked bag to a carry-on? Pin it!
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