I didn’t start out as a minimalist packer. Far from it.
When I first started traveling full-time, I packed way more than I needed. My suitcase was overflowing with “just in case” outfits, about 8 pairs of shoes, and enough toiletries to last me the full length of my trip (which was 6 months).
I genuinely thought that having more options would make my travels easier, but instead, it made everything harder. I was constantly dragging around a heavy suitcase, feeling frustrated and weighed down… literally and mentally.
✨ Then, something changed.
One day, I decided to start documenting what I packed but never actually used. After every trip, I’d go through my suitcase and make a list of the things I brought but didn’t wear, didn’t need, or didn’t even touch.
It was eye-opening. This was painfully obvious because I was taking photos of all my travel outfits.
I had so many pieces that never left my suitcase.
But here’s what I didn’t expect to learn: I wasn’t just afraid of forgetting something or not having enough. Deep down, I was afraid of losing my personal style.
Most of the full-time travelers I followed back then had a very specific look—sporty, neutral, super practical. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it just didn’t feel like me.
I’ve always loved feminine pieces, cute accessories, and feeling put-together no matter where I go. But I worried that if I wanted to travel light, I’d have to give all that up.
Would I still feel like me if I couldn’t bring all the clothes that helped express who I am?
Turns out, I didn’t have to choose between packing light and feeling stylish.
What I realized was that I wasn’t just carrying around physical weight—I was carrying the mental weight of who I thought I needed to be on the road. The fear of not having enough was making me pack for scenarios that never happened.
Slowly but surely, I started letting go. I packed less. I chose my pieces more intentionally. I kept the feminine touches that felt like me—but made sure they earned their spot in my suitcase. And I discovered something amazing:
The less I packed, the freer I felt.
Minimalist packing isn’t about deprivation. It’s about traveling with intention, confidence, and ease. It’s about trusting that you don’t need to carry your entire closet to have an incredible experience. And if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by packing, I want to share five key mindset shifts that changed everything for me.
These aren’t just about packing. They’re about how I approach life, choices, and letting go of what no longer serves me.
Keep reading to learn the 5 mindset shifts to get started with minimalist packing!
1️⃣ Trust Yourself and Pack for Reality
Most overpacking comes from fear.
Fear of not having enough, fear of being unprepared, fear of needing something and not having it. But here’s the truth:
You are resourceful. You are capable. You will be okay. (the world sells things)
When I first started traveling, I packed for every possible scenario. I’d throw in extra outfits for fancy dinners I wasn’t even sure would happen, backup toiletries I could easily buy on the road, and extra pairs of shoes “just in case” I was in a mood for something different.
But the more I traveled, the more I realized I never needed most of the things I had packed.
I started shifting my mindset from fear-based packing to trust-based packing. Trusting that I had what I needed, and that if I truly forgot something, I’d figure it out.
🧳 So next time you pack, ask yourself:
- Am I packing this because I know I’ll use it, or because I’m afraid I might need it?
- Am I planning for reality, or for unlikely scenarios?
When you trust yourself and pack for the trip you’re actually taking, everything becomes lighter—literally and mentally.
2️⃣ The 80/20 Rule: Double Down on What Works
Have you ever returned from a trip and realized you only wore half (or less) of what you packed? That’s the 80/20 rule in action. Let me explain.
At first, I thought this meant I needed to pack 20% of what I used to—as in, drastically cut down my packing list. But over time, I realized it was about figuring out what the pieces I relied on the most had in common.
💡 I noticed a pattern: I almost always reached for the same essentials. Comfortable T-shirts, white sneakers, and the right accessories that could transform any outfit. Instead of packing “options” that I rarely wore, I doubled down on the 20% that worked.
Here’s what I found:
⭐️ A well-fitting basic T-shirt (neutral colors like white, black, or navy) always got worn. It worked with everything. Joggers, midi skirts, layered under a denim jacket, and even for the beach! So I now pack multiple versions of this piece. (and often times elevated versions of those basics)
👟 White sneakers were my go-to shoes. I used to pack multiple pairs like casual sandals, dressy flats and sometimes even heels! But I realized a good pair of white leather sneakers worked for nearly every situation. I now pack white sneakers, flat leather sandals and my trusty Birkenstocks. I went from 8 pairs of shoes to just 3.
🏆 Comfortable bottom pieces like stylish joggers, fun midi skirts with elastic waists and wide leg pants were all I wanted to wear! Forget about jeans and fabrics that won’t stretch after you eat an entire bowl of pasta!
👏🏼 The right accessories like a chic pashmina, a versatile crossbody bag, and a couple of key jewelry pieces elevated my outfits without adding bulk to my suitcase.
When I focused on these repeat-use items, I could create more outfits with fewer pieces. I didn’t need to pack a ton. I just needed to pack smarter. (I have a workshop that teaches you exactly how to do this)
If you want to pack lighter, pay attention to what you actually wear on trips. Identify the workhorse pieces in your wardrobe. You know, the ones that are comfortable, easy to style, and fit multiple occasions. Then, build your packing list around those essentials instead of adding unnecessary extras.
Pack different versions of the pieces you actually like wearing!
3️⃣ Less is More: The Freedom of Simplicity
Have you ever felt overwhelmed standing in front of a full closet, struggling to decide what to wear? That same feeling happens when you overpack. Too many choices create decision fatigue, making even small decisions feel exhausting.
When I started traveling with less, I noticed how much easier everything became. Getting dressed was simple. Packing up my little carry-on to move locations was effortless. Instead of feeling weighed down by too many choices, I felt light, free, and in control.
Minimalist packing is about simplifying your options so you can focus on the experience—not your stuff. And when you realize how good that feels, you start to crave simplicity in other areas of your life too.
🧳 I Can Help You Pack Smarter! (for free)
This is exactly why I created a custom carry-on packing list: to help you pack less without sacrificing style, comfort, or confidence.
All you have to do is answer 2 quick questions about your trip, and I’ll send you a personalized list with:
✔️ Exactly how many pieces to bring
✔️ Items that mix and match beautifully
✔️ Styling tips to make the most of every outfit
And yes—it’s completely free. Get started right away!
4️⃣ Identity Shapes Behavior: See Yourself as a Light Packer
For years, I believed I was an overpacker. I’d say things like, “I always pack too much,” or “I’m just someone who needs options.” And guess what? That belief became my reality.
But over time, I started shifting my self-image. Instead of thinking of myself as an overpacker, I started saying:
“I can pack light and smart.”
“I want to travel with ease and confidence.”
“I only bring what I truly need.”
If you’ve always felt like an overpacker, try changing the way you talk about yourself. When you shift your identity, your actions will follow. (this is true for anything you’d like to change)
At first, it felt strange. But little by little, my actions started aligning with this new belief. I started packing differently. Not because I had to, but because I saw myself as someone who traveled light. As someone independent who could carry her own suitcase, no matter what.
And guess what I became? A carry-on traveler!
5️⃣ Shift from Scarcity to Abundance!
When I first started trying to pack light, my brain went straight to scarcity.
“Okay, what am I willing to leave behind?”
“What if I don’t have enough outfits?”
“What if I get bored of my clothes halfway through the trip?”
I thought packing less meant having less. But it actually meant packing better.
I realized that when I packed with versatility in mind, I didn’t feel deprived—I felt abundant.
✨ One linen shirt that can be a beach cover-up, a layering piece, or tied over a dress? That’s three outfits in one.
✨ A simple black dress that works for day, night, and everything in between? No stress, no overthinking.
✨ White leather sneakers that look cute with every outfit and don’t kill my feet? Say less.
When you choose the right pieces—ones that play multiple roles, that you love to wear, and that mix and match with ease—you create more possibilities, not fewer.
Instead of staring into an overstuffed suitcase and feeling overwhelmed, I started opening my carry-on and seeing options.
So now, before I pack anything, I ask:
→ Does this piece open up more outfit combos?
→ Will I feel excited to wear it more than once?
→ Does it support ease, confidence, and comfort?
Because packing with abundance isn’t about stuffing more into your suitcase.
It’s about trusting that what you have is enough.
And that the freedom you’ll feel is worth way more than that extra pair of shoes.
✨ Final Thoughts About Minimalist Packing:
Minimalist packing isn’t about rules or restrictions. It’s about freedom. It’s about traveling with intention, feeling lighter (inside and out), and focusing on what really matters.
I used to think that bringing more would make my travels better. Now I know the opposite is true. The less I carry, the more I experience.
So if you’re someone who struggles with overpacking, I encourage you to try these mindset shifts. Document what you don’t use. Pay attention to what you actually wear. Let go of the “what if” mindset and trust yourself.
Because once you start traveling light, you’ll never want to go back.
What’s one small shift you can make today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for stopping by 💛
XO,
Aimara
Hi, I’m Aimara 🙋🏻♀️ Your minimalist packing expert!
If you’re new here, welcome! I’m really passionate about helping women travel light and feel amazing in what they wear. Not because I’ve always done it perfectly, but because I’ve learned (the hard way) what not to do.
Since September 2020, I’ve tried to figure out how to simplify my suitcase *and my life* and now I share everything I’ve learned here at Ways of Style. Think of me as your carry-on–only, outfit-repeating, comfort-loving travel friend who still wants to look cute in every photo.
I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope this post helped you see packing (and maybe even your closet) a little differently.
Minimalist packing articles to check out next:
- 5 travel outfit formulas that work for any kind of trip
- The best shoes for travel!
- What I packed for 6 months of travel
- How I downsized from checked bag to carry-on
- How to simplify your toiletry bag
Did you learn about minimalist packing today? Share it on Pinterest!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
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