There are two types of travelers in this world.
Type A is the “Carry-On Queen.” She glides through the airport with a sleek roller bag and a latte. She bypasses the baggage claim nightmare entirely. She is calm. She is collected.
Type B is… well, the rest of us. We are sitting on our suitcase trying to force the zipper shut. We have packed four pairs of shoes “just in case.” We are definitely paying the $75 overweight bag fee, and we will probably arrive sweating.
If your 2025 resolution is to stop dragging a coffin-sized suitcase around Europe, you’re in the right place.
Packing light isn’t about bringing less; it’s about bringing the right things. Here is how to master the art of the carry-on.
1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
If you take nothing else from this article, take this rule. It is the gold standard for a one-week trip.
- 5 Tops (Mix of t-shirts, blouses, and layer-able tanks)
- 4 Bottoms (Jeans, skirts, or shorts—comfort is key)
- 3 Accessories (Sunglasses, hat, scarf)
- 2 Shoes (One for walking, one for dinner/going out)
- 1 Swimsuit (Or heavy coat, depending on destination)
This formula forces you to be ruthless. You don’t need options. You need a system.
2. Stick to a Strict Color Palette
The biggest mistake people make is packing individual outfits.
- “I’ll wear this top with this skirt.”
- “I’ll wear this dress with these heels.”
Stop thinking in outfits. Start thinking in modules.
Every single top in your suitcase must match every single bottom. If a shirt only works with one specific pair of pants, leave it at home. It’s a space-waster.
Stick to neutrals (black, white, denim, tan) and pick one accent color (like red or sage green). If you throw in a random neon top that clashes with your shoes, you’ll end up not wearing it.
3. Plan Your Outfits Before You Open the Suitcase
Usually, packing involves throwing a mountain of clothes on the bed and hoping for the best. This leads to panic-packing.
This is where a little tech can save you a lot of headache.
Before you pull a single hanger out of the closet, visualize your trip. If you use a wardrobe app (like ClosetGems), you can create a folder called “Italy Trip” and tap to add items to it.
Why is this better than the pile-on-the-bed method?
- You see the gaps. You’ll instantly notice if you have 6 tops and 0 pants.
- You can test combinations. Use the app’s outfit generator to check: “Does this blouse actually go with those shorts?”
- No mess. If the outfit doesn’t work, you just delete it from the folder. You don’t have to fold it and put it back.
4. Wear the Bulky Stuff
This is the oldest trick in the book, but it bears repeating.
Do not pack your coat. Do not pack your chunky boots. Do not pack your thickest hoodie.
Wear them.
Yes, you might get a little warm going through security. But wearing your heaviest items on the plane frees up about 30% of your suitcase space. That’s room for at least three more souvenirs (or let’s be real, more snacks).
5. Roll, Don’t Fold
If you are still folding your clothes flat, you are wasting precious cubic inches.
Rolling your clothes (tightly!) compresses the fabric and minimizes wrinkles. It turns your t-shirts into little burritos that can be stuffed into corners or inside your shoes.
6. The “One Day” Rule
Finally, look at your pile one last time. Find the item you packed for a hypothetical scenario.
- “What if we get invited to a fancy gala?” (You won’t).
- “What if I decide to start jogging on this vacation?” (You won’t).
Remove that item.
Travel is about freedom. The lighter your bag, the freer you are to run for that train, navigate those cobblestone streets, and enjoy the journey.
Safe travels!
