My last packing post was in 2018 so I thought it was fitting to make a new one! I’ve had to make a few weekend trips this past summer to help family and after having to pack so many times I decided I wanted to share how I pack for short trips. I try to be as minimal as possible for these trips so if you have trouble overpacking this is definitely the post for you!
The Basics
If I’m planning for a quick trip I try my best not to overpack so that I’m not weighing myself down with unnecessary stuff. While I love packing different outfits for any occasion possible, sometimes it’s just best to pack necessities. If you’re having trouble with overpacking my best advice is to write down each day you are away and what the weather is supposed to be. Then plan an outfit for each day and see what you can bring that could be worn more than once. For example, my trip was only 4 days so I brought 2 pairs of shorts which I switched out between days. I also plan for my travel outfit to be worn on my first and last day which saves me room in my bag for other things as well.
It’s important to be prepared for any kind of weather too. This means if you’re going on a trip and it’s warmer there pack a jacket and a pair of pants just in case. If it’s cooler then pack a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. You may never use it but it’s always nice to be prepared.
Overall, if you’re on a quick 4-day trip you should have this for warmer weather
- 4 Shirts
- 1 Jacket
- 2 Shorts
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Pajama Shirts
- 1 Pair of Pajama Shorts
- 1 Pair of Pajama Pants
- 1 Pair of Leggings
If you prefer other clothes like dresses or skirts you could save even more space! Just switch out a pair of shorts or a top and you’re set!
For cooler weather bring
- 1 Shirt
- 2 Sweaters
- 1 Jacket
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 1 Pair of Shorts
- 2 Pajama Shirts
- 1 Pair of Pajama Shorts
- 1 Pair of Pajama Pants
Toiletries
While I love having an intricate skincare routine at home, it’s just not practical for quick trips so I try to cut out as many of my products as I can to create one simple bag of toiletries for my travels.
For my toiletries bag I only bring the essentials which are:
- Face Wash
- Body Wash
- Tooth Paste
- Tooth Brush
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
From here it’s adding in what you need personally. For me, that also includes moisturizer and prescribed acne products.
Makeup
I personally don’t wear makeup too much at the moment because I’m wearing my mask so often but I do have a small kit just in case I need to. I try to limit my liquids in case of air travel so most of these products are powders but I recommend filling small jars with product so that you can maintain your liquid allowance! Multi-use products are also great because they can be used to replace a variety of products.
Makeup products I bring include:
- Foundation & Concealer
- Setting Powder
- Blush
- 3-in-1 Multistick
- Mascara
- Eyebrow Pencil
- Eyeshadow
Travel Backpack
When I travel I always bring a second bag I have on me with things to do while on a plane, train, car etc. This is mostly where I pack my electronics but it’s nice to pack whatever you want on hand. I usually keep this bag half empty in case I want to bring anything back home with me too!
Fun fact one time I was able to back 3 stuffed animals, a mug, clothes, a purse, a curling iron, toiletries, a sketchbook, water bottle, and more all in my backpack! For those that have flown EasyJet you understand my backpack struggles (lol) I always recommend bringing a backpack because they can be so useful!
These are some items I typically bring in my backpack:
- 2 Books
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Sketch Book or Coloring Book with Pencils
- Laptop
- Chargers
- Headphones
- Phone
Reminder
Don’t forget when traveling right now to also bring face masks and hand sanitizer. It’s important to be as safe as possible. While you find yourself packing for your next trip check my Instastories for my premade packing lists and share your tips with me too! I love to see what other people bring with them and as always safe travels!