I read a number of blogs from people who have taken entire trips with nothing however their purse. I have also read stories from regular cruise patrons who pack nothing more than three suitcases, a train case, a carry-on bag, and an oversized purse. Surely realism is somewhere among! I have two weekend trips approaching and I'm actually going to try packing inside a normal-sized backpack to ascertain if it can realistically be done.
Here are a few quick tips on how to reduce the physical bulk of your suitcase:
- Packing cubes – I've owned my set of packing cubes for a long time. Initially when i first bought them, I wanted them more for organization than compression but surprise! Simply mind boggling how much space is reduced by putting clothing into these cubes and zipping them up. For my weekend trip, I plan to play one half-size cube in my undergarments and one full-size cube for my clothing.
- Re-wear clothing – It isn't really necessary to bring a completely different outfit for each day if you don't have specific plans. I plan to re-wear my leggings (which fold up pretty small!) with various tops and scarves.
- Downsize the toiletry bag – How much shampoo and facial moisturizer do you want for a few days? I've not gone so far as to make my own toothpaste tabs, but for a four-day weekend, I will decant my tinted moisturizer and my nighttime moisturizer into a contacts case. How much space does that save?
- Packing versus wearing – If you are planning to want bulky jeans, put them on on the plane. Same goes with your black boots. By wearing your bulkiest items, you are able to reduce that which you have in your bag. Leggings and flats occupy way less space!
