Packing Tips

I’ve never been a big fan of generic packing lists. Packing is a personal process, and you’re usually the best judge of what you’ll need for a trip. Instead of giving you a checklist that may or may not fit your travel style, I’ve gathered some general packing tips that can help you pack smarter and more confidently.

Create your own reusable packing list

Pay attention to what you use every day at home and what you actually use when you travel, then build your packing list around those essentials. Refine the list after each trip by noting what you used, what you never touched, and what you wish you’d brought along. Over time, this process has helped me develop a detailed, multi-page packing list that I rely on for every trip. Of course, some trips require additional items. For example, if I plan to run while traveling, I have a separate packing checklist specifically for my running gear.

Pack anything important or valuable in your personal item

This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re trying to make everything fit into the right bag. Anything you’ll need during the flight - as well as anything important or valuable, including medications - should go in your personal item.

Although I almost always travel with a carry-on rather than checking a bag, I still make a point of packing all of my essentials in my personal item. Airlines can require passengers to gate-check carry-on bags, and I’d rather not scramble to repack at the last minute if that happens (I’ve learned this the hard way!). Keeping your most important items with you ensures they’re accessible throughout the journey and protected if your carry-on ends up in the cargo hold.

Use packing cubes

I’m a big fan of packing cubes. They help keep my suitcase organized and make it easier to maximize the available space. I use the compressible packing cubes from Monos. Depending on how full they are, you may not always be able to take advantage of the compression feature, but it’s nice to have the option. One of my favorite things about them is that they’re designed specifically to fit my Monos carry-on, so there’s no wasted space in my suitcase.

A quick note: these are not affiliate links. They’re products that I use myself and genuinely recommend.

Remember that you can buy things at your destination

Unless you’re traveling somewhere particularly remote, you can usually buy many of the items you might need once you arrive. Keeping that in mind can make it easier to pack lighter. Snacks are especially fun to buy when traveling, which I try to remember when I’m calculating how many protein bars my suitcase can hold.

That said, there are exceptions. If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or other specific needs, it may not be wise to assume you’ll be able to find suitable replacements abroad. For example, I have very sensitive skin, so I always pack enough lotion and skincare products to last the entire trip. I’d rather not risk running out and having to experiment with unfamiliar products while traveling.

Start packing early

I prefer to travel with just a carry-on, especially when I’m traveling solo and can’t rely on someone else to help with my luggage. Depending on the length of the trip and the season, fitting everything can be a challenge. Winter travel is particularly difficult - bulky sweaters and boots take up a lot of space.

My solution is to start packing early. At least a week before a big trip, I begin setting aside everything I think I might need. The initial pile is always way too large. As departure day approaches, I may add a few things, but I also make a conscious effort to edit ruthlessly, asking myself what I can realistically live without.

I live in a small studio apartment, so this strategy does create a bit of temporary chaos. But seeing everything laid out in front of me serves two important purposes: it makes it immediately obvious when I’m trying to pack too much, and it gives me time to decide what’s truly essential. By the time I leave, I’ve usually accepted that I can’t bring everything - and that I don’t need to.

Pack for the person you are, not the person you want to be

Whenever I travel, I’m tempted to imagine that I’ll suddenly transform into an effortlessly elegant, stylish person who gets mistaken for a local French woman. That never happens in my everyday life, and it certainly doesn’t happen after I’ve spent the day walking ten miles in the heat on cobblestone streets.

Over time, I’ve learned to resist the urge to pack aspirational outfits and instead focus on practical, comfortable clothes that I know I’ll actually wear. Pieces that mix and match easily are almost always a better choice than the “just in case” dress or pair of shoes that never leaves the suitcase.

The same principle applies to other items, too. I’m always tempted to pack multiple books because I imagine I’ll spend hours reading on vacation. In reality, I never read as much as I think I will, and I almost always end up buying at least one book during the trip anyway (books are my favorite souvenirs). Packing for your actual habits, rather than your imagined vacation self, can save a surprising amount of space and make your luggage much lighter.

What tips would you add to this list? I’d love to hear!