What is Minimalism?
At its core, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. With this philosophy and way of thinking, you tend to valve processions less. This flows over into the way that one might pack for a vacation or holiday!
My Family
When my family of four (Me, my husband, and 2 kids) pack for a trip we only take two small carry on suitcases and maybe 2 backpacks. Living minimally means you tend to own less. This also means you own quality items rather than a ton of cheap items. When we pack for a trip we only take a few great items that we reuse.
My Latest Adventure
For example, this past Oct 2018 we took a 5 day trip to Boston, Mass. What an incredible city! Read my entire guide to the city HERE. For the entire 5 days we packed 3-4 shirts, 3 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shoes, 5 pairs of socks, and 5 pairs of underwear for each person. We also packed 2 hats and 1 scarf because it was going to be in the 50s when we were there. Alex and I brought our laptops and 1 Sony DSLR camera. This is all we brought on the plane! It all fit into 2 small suitcases and 2 small backpacks.
Packing less is a huge way to decrease your stress on a trip. I know. Let me explain. The less you have, the less you have to worry about. So, you have to wear the same shirt or pants a couple times – not a big deal! You do it at home, you can do it on vacation! Also, navigating the airport or city with a little bit of luggage is much easier than with multiple pieces (and kids!).
My Specifics
I’ll give you a little insight: for myself, I only packed 3 shirts, 2 sweaters, 2 pairs of tights, workout clothes, and 1 pair of jeans. I also packed a toothbrush, eye contact case, eye contact solution, make up bag, hair curler and glasses. This all fit into half of a small carry on suitcase make by American Tourister. This was everything I needed for 5 days.
I challenge you next trip – don’t bring everything and the kitchen sink. You only need the basics and alot of things you can buy when you get there. For example, I know you have a fancy blowdryer – but leave it at home and use the one at the hotel. Bring just a few toiletries and buy the travel size bottles at the drug store when you get to your destination.
Previous Minimalist Packing Videos
If you liked this post and the video I share here today. Don’t forget to check out my other Minimalist Packing video HERE:
I have lots of adventure Vlogs and Minimalism Blogs. Check a few out here:
I have a super fun “Airport Hacks” post that I think you would all benefit from: https://www.megforit.com/airport-hacks/
xo
This must be so useful when travelling for a short time! Especially with the little people!
I’m going to use this method when we go to London in late Nov/ early Dec!
Wow – you and your family have it down! This is a great challenge to try! I totally agree that packing less decreases stress!
We have been on enough trips to realize that we do not like checking bags and the less we have the better!
I try to pack like a minimalist too. As an international hiker, packing light is a must! Thanks for the tips and I will incorporate them into my next adventure. Thanks Meg!
And you would know! You are such an expert traveler!
I haaaate checking bags. The hassle, the fear of losing something and losing precious time in a new location by waiting for bags. I’ve always packed Mikey and I in a carry-on. Half for him, half for me! I had become a pro at it….until now. So MUCH BABY STUFF! Still trying to figure out what is necessary and what is not. I keep reminding myself. I don’t need to take all the extra stuff. If I absolutely NEED something, I can just stop and buy it. lol thanks for the tips!
Yaaaaaas – such a waste of time. You just wanna carry less and worry less 🙂