How to Pack Light: A Practical Guide to Travelling Smart
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Be Ruthless: Only Pack What You Will Wear
Choose the Right Luggage: Size Matters
Smart Toiletries and Laundry Planning
Carry On Packing List Essentials
Pack Light Without Losing Style
Final Thoughts: Packing Light Is a Mindset
Travelling shouldn't be a burden on your back. If you're constantly wrestling with overstuffed bags, aching shoulders, or shoes you never wear, it's time to rethink your approach. In this guide, you'll learn how to pack light without sacrificing style, comfort, or practicality.
Whether you're heading off on a weekend getaway, a month-long holiday, or a work trip, this post covers everything you need—from clothing choices to carry-on tips—all based on real-world insights from stylist and seasoned traveller, Stephanie Rumble.
Be Ruthless: Only Pack What You Will Wear
The first rule of how to pack light is simple: if you wouldn’t definitely wear it, don’t bring it. Stephanie followed this mantra while preparing for 41 days of travel through hot climates. No more "maybe if I go out" dresses or "just in case" heels. Instead:
Select versatile pieces that can be styled up or down
Avoid overpacking shoes—limit to 2 or 3 pairs max
Leave room to purchase essentials if needed (you're not going off-grid)
This principle is universal, whether you're learning how to pack lightly for Europe or prepping for how to pack light for business travel.
If you find yourself constantly second-guessing your wardrobe or struggling to put together outfits, consider attending a wardrobe planning workshop. These interactive sessions help you simplify and style smarter.
Choose the Right Luggage: Size Matters
To avoid overpacking, downsize your suitcase. Stephanie traded in her usual hard-shell roller for a mid-size 50L Catmandu travel bag.
Key features included:
Backpack straps and wheels for flexibility
Slightly larger than carry-on, but compact
Lightweight with enough room to stay practical
For her carry-on, she used a Cotopaxi backpack with a luggage sleeve—perfect for stacking and offering added security features for urban travel.
If you're exploring how to pack light for a cruise or a city-hopping itinerary, choosing the right bag is half the battle.
Organise with Packing Cells
Packing cells (also known as packing cubes) are Stephanie's go-to system. She packed two full cells:
Cell One: 4 tops, 2 trousers, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 set outfit (top + shorts), 2 sports outfits, 2 light pyjamas
Cell Two: 4 dresses, a layering top, 3 bikinis, towel, belt, and food bars for travel days
This method not only maximises space but also makes it easy to stay organised. Perfect if you're tackling how to pack light for a month or even how to pack lightly for a week.
Shoes: The Ultimate Struggle
Shoes can make or break your packing strategy. Stephanie kept it simple:
1 pair of Asics trainers (worn on the plane)
1 pair of durable sandals
1 pair of water shoes for rocky beaches
All were chosen for comfort, versatility, and practicality—not fashion over function. The same rules apply whether you're preparing how to pack light for cold weather or heading out backpacking.
Smart Toiletries and Laundry Planning
Bulky toiletries? Not worth it. Stephanie packed only essentials in a waterproof bag. Her tip: rely on hotel supplies or shop locally if needed.
Other smart strategies included:
Packing minimal underwear (six pairs) and planning to hand wash
Bringing a quick-dry travel towel
Tossing in a laundry bag and easy food bars for long days
If you're working on healthy habits while away—like consistent self-care, meal planning, or fitness—Stephanie’s accountability coaching can keep you on track, wherever you are.
Carry On Packing List Essentials
Stephanie's thoughtfully packed carry on packing list featured:
Extra masks and wipes
Compact toiletries for transit
A change of clothes
Electronics + universal charger
Flannel and fan for hot climates
Silk scarf (ideal as a wrap or blanket)
Neck pillow
iPad + digital travel guides
The goal: maximise comfort and efficiency for long-haul flights.
Pack Light Without Losing Style
Travelling light doesn’t mean sacrificing personal style. Stephanie brought:
Mix-and-match neutrals and coordinated sets
A go-to hat to dress up simple outfits
Lightweight statement jewellery
A comfortable but elevated travel outfit
With the right planning, light travel clothes can be both functional and fashionable.
Final Thoughts: Packing Light Is a Mindset
Stephanie’s shift toward lighter packing wasn't just about saving space—it was about creating freedom and ease. Mastering how to pack light for a trip helps you conserve energy for experiences, not logistics.
Key takeaways:
Choose compact luggage to encourage thoughtful decisions
Stick to a coordinated color palette
Think in terms of purpose, not "what if"
Don’t stress about perfection—you can always buy something if needed
Packing light is a habit you refine over time. Each trip gives you the chance to improve and simplify.
Want to go deeper with your personal or professional growth? Bright Red offers education programs in resilience, wellbeing, and conflict de-escalation—ideal for individuals or teams.
Stephanie also offers speaking engagements that blend fashion, mindset, and empowerment, inspired by her decades of experience across health, style, and personal development.
Start with your suitcase. Then see what else you can lighten.
Listen on Spotify
Frequently Asked Questions
How many outfits should I pack for a 4-week trip?
For a month-long trip, aim to pack a core capsule wardrobe of about 10–12 items that can be mixed and matched. Include a few dresses, several tops, two or three bottoms, and layering pieces to suit the climate.
Using packing cells and planning around versatile outfits will keep your luggage light and organised. Stephanie managed her 41-day trip with just two packing cells by being deliberate about each item.
What is the best bag for international travel?
A lightweight, mid-size backpack or hybrid bag with wheels and backpack straps is ideal for international travel. Stephanie used a 50L Catmandu bag with both features, which offered structure without encouraging overpacking.
The goal is to choose a bag that’s just big enough for your needs—compact enough to manage comfortably, but with enough room for layering and basic essentials.
How do I pack light but still look stylish?
Focus on a few flattering, comfortable staples that reflect your personal style. Think: neutrals, layers, and multi-purpose accessories like hats or scarves that add visual interest without bulk.
Stephanie recommends mix-and-match outfits, lightweight jewellery, and styling support if you’re unsure how to create travel-friendly looks. Consider a wardrobe planning workshop for personalised help.
Can I pack for a hot and cold climate in one bag?
Yes—but you’ll need to prioritise layering and versatility. Instead of heavy winter gear, opt for compact pieces like a stuffable puffer jacket, a thin long-sleeve top, and scarves or wraps.
Stephanie’s approach to hot-weather destinations included a single warm layer and smart accessories that doubled as modesty or sun coverage.
What are packing cells and why use them?
Packing cells are zippered fabric cubes or pouches that help keep clothing items organised and compressed within your suitcase. They prevent items from getting jumbled and make unpacking easier.
Stephanie used two packing cells—one for tops, bottoms, and sleepwear, and another for dresses, swimwear, and extras. They help enforce packing limits and keep categories separate.
How do I keep toiletries minimal when travelling?
Only take what you’ll actually use and remember that most destinations have stores where you can buy essentials. Pack travel-sized containers and use a waterproof bag to avoid spills.
Stephanie also recommends using hotel toiletries when possible. Keeping things minimal saved her time, space, and the stress of managing extra weight.
What kind of shoes should I bring to travel light?
Choose two to three pairs of practical shoes: a supportive sneaker or trainer, a sandal for warm weather, and an optional pair for water or rough terrain. Avoid fashion-only options that don’t serve a purpose.
Stephanie wore her bulkiest pair on the plane and packed light sandals and water shoes. Prioritising comfort made walking long distances easier and her bag lighter.
How do I avoid overpacking for a long holiday?
Start with a smaller suitcase. You’ll naturally pack less. Plan outfits in advance using a color palette and avoid bringing “just in case” items.
Stephanie also used the strategy of packing food bars to save on bulky snacks and leaving space for souvenirs. For accountability and travel habits, Bright Red also offers coaching to support better decision-making.
What is a carry-on essentials list?
A good carry-on list includes your passport, travel documents, one outfit change, medication, a compact toiletry kit, electronics, chargers, and comfort items like a scarf or pillow.
Stephanie added a lightweight fan, wipes, and a silk scarf that doubled as a modesty wrap or blanket, showing how to adapt essentials based on destination and climate.
How can I prepare my wardrobe for future travel?
Take stock of what you already own and invest in versatile staples. Schedule a wardrobe audit or styling consult to help identify gaps and simplify decisions before you pack.
Stephanie’s clients often find that getting clarity around what suits them makes travel preparation faster and less stressful. Visit Bright Red’s styling services to learn more.
