5 Ways to Pack Light on your next Trip
Most of my trips that I’ve overpacked with books I never opened, and clothes I never wore have left me feeling as if I had wasted so much time last-minute packing, and guilty for leaving them idle in my bag.
This blog article is about all types of trips; from get-away weekends, overnight business trips, and 2 weeks + vacations.
There have been times when I’ve had extensive items in our bags, and have forgotten socks for a camping trip. Have you ever hiked with no socks? Yep, very uncomfortable. And heading to a nearby Target took time away from our adventure.
And when you’re husband mocks you enough times, you A) Tell him to pack his own bag, and B) Create a better system. And I have done both A & B. Everyone is responsible for their own bag.
Below are 5 ways to Pack Lighter on your next trip
First, let me describe what “packing light” means to me. It is a bag/suitcase that feels light, has compartments, and has items that are practical and useful for the purpose of my trip.
Does that sound like something you’re interested in?
Way # 1
Create a checklist of essential items depending on the trip you’re making. It’s easier for your eyes and mental real estate, to look at the specific checklist instead of a general one.
Besides, it’s easy to copy and paste on your Google Sheets. Let us know in the comments below if you would like a copy of our checklists.
Way # 2
Give yourself 3 days before your trip to review your checklist. There have been times when items have been in need of replacement. 3 days give you enough time for a Target visit or Amazon order.
Reviewing a checklist takes less than 5 minutes to check, and it can save you a frustrating hour of last-minute packing.
Way # 3
On the day of, set an alarm with Siri or Alexa to set the time to either review or start packing. Alarms usually interrupt my pattern to quickly move from one activity to the next one.
Way # 4
Right before you pack, take a deep intentional breath. Your breath gets to transition you to a parasympathetic state and down-regulate your body.
Continue by choosing your favorite song. Jimmy likes listening to a podcast, I like a classical piano. What gets you in a focused relaxed zone?
Way # 5
Repeat Ways # 2 to # 4 for at least 3 different trips. The goal is to find your own pace. You get to spice up the style, and you get to be proactive about your upcoming adventure.
What is the mother of learning? Yes, you guessed it - Repetition. The checklists you create in one sitting, the reviewing takes a few minutes to update, and the rest takes some repetitions to create your rhythm.
In conclusion, we pack light when we are intentional and proactive about our packing. It’s enjoying the process of your next adventure with less stress. And it’s more time and energy for your trip.
The key here is to repeat until you find your rhythm and flow. I pack light now because I get to pack in a more relaxed, down-regulated state where I can think more clearly and remember the purpose of my trip.
As always, drop your thoughts in the comments below. Which way can be the most helpful and beneficial to you? Share this blog with a friend.
Love,
Me.
