My 4-Step Strategy To Pack Light And Still Feel Put Together

Have you ever packed for a solo trip and still felt like you had nothing to wear? I used to bring too many options, pack for every possible situation, and end up carrying half a suitcase of things I never used.

And when you are travelling solo, that weight matters. No one is there to help when you are rushing through train stations, hopping onto boats, or dragging your suitcase across narrow bridges. Your bag needs to be light, because you are the one carrying it.

After years of learning the hard way, I have created a light packing system that helps me stay organised, feel put together, and avoid the stress of overpacking.

My favourite part of this system is definitely the packing cubes. That one change made the biggest difference straight away. I realised that if I could not see everything clearly, I would forget what I had packed and end up not wearing half of it.

If you are tired of suitcase chaos, digging for your toothbrush, or stressing over what to wear, this post is for you. I am sharing the exact four-step method I now use on every trip, plus a few extras that make solo travel easier and more comfortable.

#1 Try Everything Before You Pack

Here’s a strategy for you. Write down a rough outline of your itinerary, similar to my example below. Add a column with your main activities planned for each day.

For every activity, list out the clothes you plan to wear. Can you wear the same shorts for two different activities? Could your travel outfit also serve as something else?

Make sure your outfits are interchangeable and don’t bring outfits you can’t repurpose!

If your holiday is more than a week, I would suggest bringing a small laundry soap with you. ➡️I use this one, it works really well! I also bring a tiny steamer to iron your clothes.

Some hotels charge a lot for the laundry service, so if you don’t want to wash by hand, I recommend coin laundrettes or laundry shops (if you’re heading to Bali, these are the best ones in Ubud!).

Extra Tip: Start Early and Plan Ahead

Embarking on a long journey or heading out on your first trip? Take it slow.

Begin packing at least a week in advance.

This gives you plenty of time to pick up any last-minute essentials that may have slipped your mind. Now, clothes and accessories aren’t the only things you need to think about.

Even if you have no medical conditions, it’s always smart to have some basic medicines on hand. While I’m no doctor, I’ve found that carrying paracetamol, probiotics, and vitamins has always worked out well!

I normally start packing the weekend before leaving, and start dropping things in my suitcase (especially the ones I know I will forget, such as gifts or meds).

#3 How I Pack My Bag with Cubes and Compression

So, you’ve nailed down exactly what to pack. Now, it’s time to pack smartly and organise.

I highly recommend using packing cubes. ➡️ I’ve been using these ones for 7 years! They’re perfect for keeping everything neat and secured. I wash them in the washing machine so they are easy to maintain.

They also save you from wasting precious holiday time rummaging through your suitcase for that one T-shirt! Cubes are incredibly helpful when you need to pack again, move hotels and get dressed in the morning.

Here is how:

Step 1: Sort your items by category

Each cube should have its own category.

For example, I would do one cube for dresses, one for quick daily outfits, one for bikinis and underwear and one for sportswear.

Step 2: Match each category to a cube

Based on the size of each category, pick a packing cube.

For instance, I use the smallest size for underwear, socks, and bras. Then, I have a separate cube for sportswear, fancy dresses, and comfy two-piece outfits.

Step 3: Roll each item and secure it with an elastic band

Next, it’s time to roll up everything! Pick up all these elastic bands that come with vegetables from your weekly shopping.

Go back to your rolled-up clothes and secure each one with the elastic band. This will keep everything more compact and organised.

Step 4: Tighten cubes with built-in straps

Once you secure your items in the packing cubes, there should be some stripes within each cube that you can use to tighten up your clothes even more!

#4 How I Pack Bulky Items Without Taking Up Space

If you need to bring some jumpers and warm clothes and are wondering how you can still pack efficiently, I’ve got you!

All you need are roll-up travel bags! You know, one of those that takes the air out with the vacuum cleaner?

Well, good news, you don’t need the vacuum cleaner anymore! You can just roll up the bags with your folded clothes inside and you save a lot of space in your suitcase! You’re welcome!

➡️ I recommend getting these roll-up bags! All you do is roll the bag and the air comes out like magic 😀

Do you want to see me in action? This is how I pack for 1 year in Indonesia! I only bring my carry-on and backpack.

Keep Liquids to a Minimum When Travelling Light

As you probably know, there are strict limits on the amount of liquids you can carry in your hand luggage. That’s why buying liquids after the security check is a smart move.

If you’re like me and have allergies, make sure to buy your SPF and body lotion before leaving the country. This ensures you have allergy-free creams even if you can’t find them on your trip.

Other items worth purchasing post-security include bite/sting cream and eye drops for the flight (my eyes always dry out on long flights!).

The same goes if you have food allergies! I always get my favourite snacks after security in case they are liquid or take up too much space.

Why are we doing this? If you are not shipping your suitcase, you will only have a small amount of liquids to carry, but if you get them after security, you’re fine!

My Carry-On Essentials for Long Flights

Your plane bag is your lifeline, especially during long-haul flights! Here’s a practical list of essentials to bring with you on the plane (feel free to screenshot it!):

I bet you will spot something unexpected on this list. Yes, I’m talking about the outfit for the second or more flights. As a minimalist, be assured I wouldn’t recommend bringing extra things if not needed.

If you are travelling for about 20 hours, you need to refresh and get changed this is just a fact! Most airports worldwide would have showers; they might be in your airline’s lounge but you can’t always access them if you are not a member.

The good news is you can now pay to use a lounge, so if your stopover is long enough, I would suggest doing it. I have a list of showers I tested here 🙂

The alternative would be to bring water wipes with you and refresh yourself before getting changed! ➡️ I use these water-based wipes. They are delicate and fragrance-free.

What I Pack to Feel at Home When Travelling Solo

Last on the list but not least, don’t forget to pack your comfort kit. This could include anything from your favourite tea bags to a lightweight book or journal.

The tea bags can be brought on the plane as well. You can then only ask for hot water and enjoy your comfortable hot drink on the plane!

On that kit, you will bring all these little things that make unfamiliar places feel a bit more like home.

-> Remember, if you are travelling to Bali, it’s wise to bring tampons too because they are not easy to find. Read more here…

FAQs For Packing Like A Pro

My Last Tips…

Don’t panic if you forget something! It’s okay to forget a few things; you can always buy a few things on the go. The most important thing is not carrying too much, especially if travelling solo! 😉

If you have a layover planned, don’t forget to download my free packing list for a comfortable layover at the airport. It really makes a huge difference when you carry the RIGHT things!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x