Let’s be real, packing for a trip sounds easy until you actually start doing it. You think you’ve got everything under control, but then suddenly you’re staring at a mountain of clothes like, “Wait, how is this all supposed to fit?” We’ve all been there, sitting on our suitcases trying to zip them up while silently questioning all our life choices. So, over the years (and quite a few packing fails later), I’ve figured out a few simple rules that actually make travelling feel lighter, calmer, and way less stressful. So, if you’re someone who always ends up overpacking or forgetting something important, these are the five rules I swear by when packing for any trip.
1. The 3-Shoe Maximum
Okay, listen – shoes are the sneakiest space stealers. They’re bulky, they’re heavy, and somehow you always end up bringing like six pairs, even though you’ll probably wear the same ones every day. The golden rule I live by now? Three pairs. That’s it. One comfy pair for walking and exploring (sneakers are a must), one casual pair of slippers or slides for everyday errands or beach days, and one slightly dressy pair for dinners or nights out. Done.
It sounds too simple, but trust me, it changes everything. Your suitcase suddenly feels half the weight, and getting dressed each morning becomes so much easier because you’ve already limited your options to what actually works. Plus, your outfits will look more put-together because you’ve planned them around these shoes instead of trying to make twenty random pairs fit your vibe.
2. Plan Outfits, Not Options
This one might sound obvious, but it’s honestly the reason I stopped overpacking. I used to pack “options”, like ten tops and five pairs of jeans and somehow still ended up saying, “I have nothing to wear.” But now, I plan outfits, not options.
Before a trip, I literally lay everything out on my bed and match them into full outfits, one for each day, plus maybe one backup just in case. I even check if pieces can repeat (like one jacket that works with everything or a pair of jeans I can dress up or down). It’s so much easier because you already know what you’re going to wear each day, and it saves you from wasting half your morning trying to figure it out later.
Also, it just looks way more intentional in photos. When you plan your outfits, your travel pictures automatically look more cohesive and “aesthetic,” without even trying.
3. Roll, Don’t Fold
I know everyone says this but I’m telling you, rolling your clothes is life-changing. Folding takes up so much space, and everything ends up wrinkled by the time you arrive. When you roll your clothes, they not only fit better but also stay way neater. You can actually see everything when you open your bag instead of digging through layers of folded stuff.
If you wanna go the extra mile, get packing cubes. I know, I know, they sound unnecessary, but once you use them, you’ll never go back. I roll my clothes and sort them into cubes – tops in one, bottoms in another, and essentials like underwear and socks in a smaller one. It keeps everything organised and makes unpacking at your destination super easy. You literally just pull out the cubes and you’re done.
And the best part? You somehow end up with way more space than you thought possible. It’s like magic.
4. Leave 10% of Your Suitcase Empty
This one’s a game changer, and honestly, it took me forever to learn. You have to leave a little breathing space in your suitcase – around ten percent or so. Because no matter how sure you are that you’re “not shopping this trip,” let’s be honest… you are going to end up shopping. Maybe it’s a cute local boutique, a handmade bag from a street market, or a few souvenirs you just can’t resist.
Leaving that extra space means you don’t have to play Tetris with your suitcase later or sit on it just to get it closed. It also keeps everything from getting crumpled and messy halfway through your trip. I like to think of it as “shopping space”, a little treat for my future self when I stumble across something amazing. There’s just something really satisfying about having that extra room to bring a piece of your trip back home with you.
5. The Carry-On Bag is Your Lifesaver
If you’ve ever had your luggage delayed or lost (and I hope you haven’t, but it happens), you’ll understand why this rule is so important. Your carry-on bag is basically your safety net. It’s the one thing that’ll save you when things don’t go as planned.
Here’s what I always keep in mine: all my travel documents (passport, tickets, ID), any medicines I might need, a small hygiene kit with wipes, deodorant, and a toothbrush, a charger, snacks, and one change of clothes. Basically, enough to survive comfortably for at least a day if my main suitcase disappears for a while.
It’s also nice to have everything important right next to you instead of buried in your luggage. You can freshen up mid journey, stay organised, and avoid that mini panic moment of “Where’s my wallet?!” every few hours. Seriously, the peace of mind is worth it.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing: good packing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared without overdoing it and these five simple rules can make a huge difference. You’ll travel lighter, look more put-together, and actually enjoy your trip instead of fighting with your suitcase every day.