A Clever Packing Rule Encourages Versatile Outfits While Traveling As Lightly As Possible

Whether you're a budget traveler or travel frequently and are tired of dragging around a heavy suitcase, these tips are for you. Budget airlines tend to make money off expensive luggage options or even overweight backpacks. So instead of paying a fortune, it's important to get familiar with packing tips that will help you pack lightly — especially if you still want to look your absolute finest for those obligatory trip photos. One of the best packing tips is the 5 to 1 packing rule, especially if you're an overpacker.

If you're trying to optimize your outfit choices and reduce your luggage weight, one super useful packing hack is leaving behind one in every five items. If you're packing five t-shirts, grab the one that you like the least and leave it behind. That means that after laying out everything you plan on bringing on your trip, you will end up eliminating 20% of it. Let's be honest, everyone adds a few extra items for those "just in case" moments, but those are the ones that need to go. To help make this useful, you should pick the items you are least likely to wear and leave them behind. It's best to keep note of what you didn't use or rarely used on your trip and remind yourself for your next vacation. 

When using the 5 to 1 packing hack, it is best to make sure that you're considering the weather and that you're only bringing a maximum of three pairs of shoes with you, sometimes you can even narrow it down to two if you're traveling in comfortable sneakers and a pair of fancy shoes. Another simple yet effective variation of the 5 to 1 rule that helps create versatile outfits while minimizing weight is the ladder packing technique, where you pack items in groups counting down from five. Start with five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two layering options, and one bag. This allows versatility in creating outfits that you can easily mix and match and dress for different occasions while still minimizing the number of clothes you bring on your trip.

The key to making this tip work is to choose versatile bottoms, such as a pair of jeans that you can easily dress up or dress down; a pair of black, gray, or nude slacks; or even sporty pants if you're seeking comfort. Just stay away from bright colors or anything that will stand out and make you feel you're wearing a similar outfit over and over again. Think of this, a pair of jeans with a crop top, a pair of jeans with an oversized tee, a pair of jeans with a puffy-sleeved top. See how different they are by using the same pair of pants?

One other extra packing hack is using a capsule wardrobe approach. This is as simple as making sure that every item you bring with you will work with at least two or three other items. This packing tip is a way to ensure you can easily mix and match, creating multiple options for your "just in case" scenarios. This approach works best when you stick to a certain color palette to make sure everything goes together with a few layering options. 

Last but not least, you can also integrate tools such as packing cubes to keep you organized, vacuum seal bags, and the absolute favorite space-saving hack — rolling instead of folding your clothes in your suitcase with this military-grade packing technique. When picking out clothes, remember to choose lightweight, wrinkle-free fabrics to reduce weight and ensure you always look on point and ready to embark on that journey in style.