This Genius Packing-List System Makes Sure You Never Bring Too Much

Updated on 6/22/2018 at 1:10 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Yi

Packing is a pain in the ass — but it doesn't have to be! As an ex-overpacker, I know the struggles of needing every bit of room and the fear of not taking what you might need. But I realized every trip that I only wore less than half of what I packed, meaning I wasted bag space and too much time planning my outfits. To make the packing process more efficient and to make my life easier, I thought of a method that has seriously changed the way I travel. A piece of paper and a pen are all you need to ensure you only take what you need. It's like an outfit planner and packing list all in one! Pro tip: pack your list so you don't forget anything on your way back.

Step 1

Map out each day of your trip and include an "every day" column at the end. If you'll be gone for weeks, continue on another sheet of paper.

Step 2

List your daily essentials and miscellaneous items in the "every day" column, including toiletries, chargers, underwear, and whatever else you'll need.

Step 3 (optional)

Create a "night" section at the bottom if you plan to have different outfits for later in the day. This makes it easier to figure out what you want to wear to dinner or drinks.

Step 4

List all the articles of your Monday outfit, for example, and assign a number for each item. If you're planning on repeating some of the clothes the next day, write the corresponding numbers in the next column.

Step 5

Fill in the rest of your day with whatever you'll need to complete your outfit. Assign a new number to any items you're adding.

Step 6

Continue filling out the rest of your week, building off previous outfits or creating entirely new ones.

Ta-da!

Once you're finished, you'll know exactly what to wear each day of your trip and specific items you now need to pack. In the example shown, only nine pieces total were needed!