Tips for Packing Light

On a recent business trip, my airplane seatmate and I got to chatting (shocking, I know) and she thought it was amazing that I hadn’t checked a bag given that my trip would last seven days, so I thought I’d share a few tips with you for packing light.
This is what was in my rolling carry-on bag. There’s the large Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder which holds all my clothes (except the jeans, t-shirt and sandals I was wearing when I took the photo), the three smaller Eagle Creek zipper pouches which hold my underwear, my non-liquid toiletries, and my cords and chargers.
Next to those you can see my little blue cosmetics case and my regulation quart-size Ziploc bag of liquid and gel toiletries, my orange pashmina wrap and baseball hat. Below those, there’s my curling iron and two pairs of shoes. Look closely and you’ll see my sneakers are stuffed with socks and a sports bra. (Gotta have something to wear in the hotel fitness center)
OH and I almost forgot… I had my laptop and cooling mat in my carry-on bag too! That was one tightly stuffed bag, I’ll tellya, but I was bound and determined to NOT check any luggage. My point is that if you’re creative and you think ahead, you can pack for an entire week in just a single carry-on (and a fairly large purse).
Here are some tips I find handy for packing light:
** Plan your wardrobe around a limited color scheme. I brought black pants, brown pants, grey pants, and blue and neutral tops. This way I can mix, match, layer and create a bunch of different outfits without needing a ton of items.
** Use your shoes as containers. I can get three pairs of socks and my sports bra into my sneakers! Mens’ dress shoes are roomy too, as are some ladies shoes.
** Call your hotel ahead of time to see what they offer in the way of conveniences to save space in your luggage. I almost never need to haul a hair dryer, a steamer or an iron, because most hotels will provide them at no charge.
** Leave home inessential toiletries. Now that the airlines are so fussy about liquids and gels, you can pretty much get away without bringing shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash because most hotels will also provide those items.
** Get yourself a couple of Eagle Creek Pack-It Folders! They keep your clothing all folded up into a nice tight bundle and reduces movement thereby reducing wrinkling. You can find these at The Container Store. [LG]I love these travel organizers from stacksandstacks![/LG]
** Try to bring shoes that will serve more than one purpose rather than a specific pair for each outfit. Shoes with a low heel for ladies can usually serve multiple functions and are a great compromise because they can dress up or down depending on the outfit.
** Keep your travel size toiletries full and packed in their travel case at all times. This way, you never have to scramble to pack toiletries and you won’t risk forgetting something important.
How are you able to travel super light to avoid checking luggage? Do you have any great tips or secrets to share? Do tell!