Minimalist packing for the over-packer

Parents Forum Parent Cafe
21

Another packing cube fan. Also roll your clothing.

This is what I would include for a week at the lake.

2 pairs of shoes, one workout athletic shoe and one flat sandal. I usually wear the sandals and pack the athletic shoes because they don’t usually match my travel outfit :rofl:

Black workout shorts, sports bra and 2 workout shirts. Even if you don’t workout (I always do) they are great for putting over a swimsuit, wearing as comfy clothes. This is actually what I wear most of the time, honestly.

One swimsuit, they dry. I personally do not pack a coverup but will wear the black workout shorts on top of my suit.

One basic knit dress, one pair of crop pants, probably navy or white. I usually throw in a white pair of denim shorts because I like them and another pair of cotton shorts. That pair of shorts is reasonably dressy. I add shirts that mix and match with all of the bottoms. I have this chambray tie shirt that is getting a lot of love this summer.

A light cardigan that is navy and a black zip up jacket. If I was going to Florida in the summer, I would only bring the sweater in case the restaurant is cold.

Something to sleep in, socks, and underwear.

I have a organized toiletries bag that I always keep packed. Has a small pill box where I pack an assortment of OTC medication. I dye my hair and am very picky with my shampoo and conditioner so I decant those into travel containers. I will pack a light assortment of makeup.

It will all fit into my carryon with the packing cubes. I have a lightweight tote for any overflow. But always include my kindle, headphones and do not forget your chargers! I did that last weekend and wouldn’t you know that Apple changed their chargers and my ancient iPhone was not compatible with my bil’s chargers! Luckily for me I had an extra charger somewhere in the car. Always one of those portable chargers for said devices.

Editing to say that I usually pack more than 2 workout shirts. Maybe 3, 2 short sleeves and one tank.

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22

We’re leaving on our 12 day train trip to SF soon and plan on just our computer backpacks and a typical airline carry on each.

Inside my bag will be underclothing for each day, one pair of jeans (that’s all I usually wear for pants), 3 pair of shorts, 8 lightweight shirts, sleepwear, and a light coat of some sort that I can wear over anything if I need to. The shorts are khaki and black and the shirts will all go with one or the other - or both. Since only 4 days are off train and could be sweaty, I have an outfit for each one of those days. On train days I don’t expect to sweat much at all and will just re-wear items on different days.

Then my toiletries will be in there (including basic OTC meds - all fit in a toiletry bag) and a brush to use a hotel hair dryer with - won’t worry about drying my hair on the train. A swimsuit and overshirt will be tossed in too. Then I’ll put in a pair of sandals in case I want them, but I wear sneakers most of the time since they’re the most comfortable for my feet.

I will be wearing a pair of jeans and a shirt, so that gives me one “extra” of each.

The backpack will have my computer, chargers, reading materials, passport, vax card, snacks, and possibly the light coat if I don’t put it in my carry on.

We don’t eat anywhere that requires fancier dress up.

I’m leaving behind my hiking boots since I don’t expect to need them.

Anything we forget or find we need we’ll buy along the journey.

We can travel for a month with just the things I mentioned - tweaking for where we’re actually going, but if longer than the train trip we usually do laundry at least once somewhere. For just 5 days H and I might share space in the carry on. It all depends on what clothing we feel we need - and if we want hiking boots!

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23

I haven’t thought about devices yet. I will need chargers and my kindle with its charger.

I almost never use earphones but they will be a good idea since I will be sharing space.

The kids have stolen all my portable chargers so I won’t have to worry about those. Lol.

You brought up working out. The stress in my home life threw my for a loop and I got out of my routine. I’m seeing now that if I can do anything for myself it’s sleep and exercise…and eating healthy, of course. I will pack my workout shorts, sports bra, and the only real workout top I have which is kind of ugly but it dries quick.

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24

Traveling in Scotland two years ago, I wished I’d brought a pair of panties for every day I’d be there. They don’t seem to have clothes dryers and in the cool misty weather, panties don’t dry very fast. I rented an apartment for one night for the sole purpose of using the washing machine there, only to discover there was no dryer. Other B & B’s we stayed at, the owner had a ‘drying room’ but no dryer.

So it helps to know local conditions before packing.

In general, shoes take up the most space. So one pair of walking shoes and one pair of light weight sandals for a change or in case the walking shoes become uncomfortable. Comfort is my only criteria for shoes.

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25

I have a reversible skirt. I have to pin the waist because it’s big for me now, so I have reservations.

I have two tops that match it that could be worn with other bottoms…

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26

If you’re bringing jeans and they’re your bulkiest clothing, wear them as well as your bulkiest footwear to and from your destination.

We went to Europe for 5 weeks with only a roll on suitcase and our jackets. It can definitely be done.

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27

I overpack underwear to a scary degree. Like I need a carry on just for underwear. :roll_eyes:

28

This is why I pack enough underclothing for each day if I’m not planning on doing laundry. TBH, sometimes I’ll select my oldest ones that I’d soon toss anyway and ditch them after using them. This frees up more space, but it’s quite useful as long as I don’t particularly want my “best” for some reason or another.

29

I went on a trip to Europe with a friend in my younger days. Her mom made her bring all her old underwear with instructions to throw them out along the way.

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Absolutely did this on a trip. Just threw out all the old underwear at the end. Freed up quite a bit of space since no laundry facilities

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31

I have a color scheme. Black and beige with a peach cardigan that I have hardly ever worn but seems to go with everything I picked out. It’s good to have for air conditioning. My lightweight black jacket is in the wash for cold nights and mornings.

I’m feeling very much relieved.

We have some time until the trip but our washing machine acts up and I don’t want any last minute surprises. So I’m going to set everything aside for now as I think about packing cubes.

How do I know what set of packing cubes to get?

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32

Here’s the cheapest ones I saw on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/DIMJ-Compression-Foldable-Organizer-Lightweight/dp/B07QNHM12F/ref=sr_1_22?crid=30EH1VQ6F4V47&dchild=1&keywords=packing+cubes&qid=1627499380&sprefix=Packing+%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-22

I bought mine at TJ Maxx, they have a travel section which has all kinds of interesting fun stuff

This is what mine look like

https://www.amazon.com/Hynes-Eagle-Compression-Expandable-Organizer/dp/B07435Y84S/ref=sr_1_52?crid=30EH1VQ6F4V47&dchild=1&keywords=packing+cubes&qid=1627499380&sprefix=Packing+%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-52

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33

I just bought a very inexpensive set after looking at what you sent. Thank you!

I think I may have got a deal because the color wasn’t in great demand, but it’s neutral and fine for me.

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34

Now that I thought I was all set, I looked at the weather report for next week and it looks kind of chilly. Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. :grimacing:

35

Throw a pair of leggings in your bag and wear an extra sweater that can be tied around your waist while traveling.

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36

@MACmiracle

Unless you are going to some remote desert island someplace, there are stores. I can pack for a two week trip including formal wear in a carry on bag. I figure if there is anything I really NEED, there are stores and I can go buy whatever it is I forgot.

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37

I used to be an over packer…not because I was afraid of any kind of emergency, but because I found it easier to take too much than to have to make decisions the day before I left for a vacation. I started taking a lot less when I was inspired by a close family member who took her 4 kids (5-11) to Europe for 3 weeks with only one backpack each. I think about that now every time I pack.

Clothes: I also take only neutral bottoms (combination of capri pants, shorts and skirts), but I do like to take 2 shirts for each pair of bottoms–usually one casual and one a bit nicer. I take a couple pair of black shoes, water shoes (for summer travel) and whatever shoes I need to match navy bottoms if I have them . I may take one other pair of shoes to match a more fun or colorful outfit depending on how long I am going for. I limit myself to one jacket. For summer travel also a couple of swimsuits and one cover-up.

If we’re going to a beach I’ll also take a beach bag. I never take a beach towel anymore. Everywhere we’ve been always has those now. I also take only one purse–usually a small crossbody bag with room enough for my phone, minimal cards (I always leave most of those at home) and sunglasses.

For meds: I got a 7 day pill organizer and put both OTC and prescription meds (when I’ve had them) in that with each compartment labeled with my label maker. I use a pill organizer for most of my jewelry as well–earrings and short necklaces fit great. (Those always go in my carryon when I fly)

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38

High in the 70’s, low in the 50’s. Sounds like my neck of the woods! Are you coming to Northern Michigan :wink:

Shorts with a light jacket/sweatshirt are fine for me in that weather. I would pack a pair of leggings or more likely joggers. I would probably pack a zip up sweatshirt. And probably leave a dress behind if you were packing one.

But low to mid 70’s are still warm enough for shorts for me. A light jacket in the evenings. I always forget a raincoat but it would come in handy.

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39

I use these panties for traveling. They dry overnight and have a version for men which my H uses. I usually bring 4 pairs.

https://www.exofficio.com/women/underwear/briefs/womens-give-n-go-2.0-full-cut-brief/AFS_613543155863.html

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40

I can pack 7 days worth of undies in the space a pair of tube socks takes up. :slight_smile: Remember tube socks? Lol. These are my go to undies - not glamorous but work as smoothing undergarments under dresses and are VPL-free.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/chantelle-lingerie-soft-stretch-high-waist-briefs-buy-more-save/4415312

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