Tips on how to take less stuff on trips and not suffer

Hardly anyone likes to carry a heavy suitcase. Therefore, the skill of taking everything you need, but not putting anything extra in your luggage will come in handy for any traveler. Here’s how to achieve this.

1. Make a list of the most necessary things and think about how to optimize it

Yes, sometimes this task seems boring and time-consuming. But such a checklist will help you pack your luggage faster, and during the trip you will not find that your suitcase is full, but there is something very necessary in it. Therefore, it is worth first writing down what you definitely need, and then packing your things. Here are the main categories:

• documents,
• equipment,
• clothes,
• shoes,
• accessories,
• first aid kit,
• hygiene items,
• cosmetics

Divide the sheet or file into thematic columns and write down all the things you remember. Perhaps you will need to add additional columns – for example, “children’s things” or “fishing accessories”. Do not forget about them.

Pack your suitcase or backpack using the list you received as a guide. If you are not sure whether you will definitely need some of the things from the list, remember whether you have taken them with you before. And make a decision depending on the answer:

• Took and used often. Perhaps, then the item is worth taking without thinking.
• Took and used 1-2 times. If the luggage is quite light, the item can be taken. If the suitcase is already difficult to close, think about what you can replace it with. It is possible that an alternative can be easily found – then you can leave the item at home. If not, decide whether it would be easier to buy it on the spot. If the answer is again negative, it is worth taking.
• Did not take it and realized that the item would definitely come in handy. In this case, take it with you. If you will not need it on one or two trips, act as described in the previous point.
• Took, but never used. Or maybe did not even take it out of the luggage. Feel free to cross things off your list and forget about them.
• If you pack your luggage this way, it may turn out to be much lighter than you expected.

2. Check the weather forecast

The weather forecast will help you take clothes that you will feel comfortable in. If they predict heat and bright sunshine, you can put one set of warm clothes in your suitcase. If they predict a change in the weather, rain, or a cold snap, you should take more. Perhaps you will decide to put not only a weightless raincoat and sweatshirt, but also a windbreaker or a quilted waterproof vest with a hood.

To avoid overloading your suitcase, try to choose the lightest of the warm clothes. For example, a fleece jacket or hoodie weighs less than a long wool sweater, but they are no less warm.

Choose your shoes carefully. Perhaps it makes sense to wear sneakers on the road that are not afraid of rain and puddles, and put light sandals or other shoes for hot weather in your suitcase – they weigh less.