Most people over-pack, I am no exception. I have been to Europe twice, once for 10 months and once for 6 weeks, both times over-packed. But with my experiences, I hope to provide an insight on how you could actually survive out of a suitcase for a little while without having to move your whole room there.
1. Don't bring a ton of hygiene stuff
Your jars of shampoo and conditioner can stay home while you travel the world. They are heavy and take up precious space, not to mention the possibility of the content spilling all over your clothes due to the change of air pressure. Take sample sized bottles instead and buy more as you go.
2. Mix and match your clothes before leaving
Take an hour or two to decide on a common style that you want to wear in Europe; oversized t-shirts and booty shorts are not recommended. Bring things that are slightly dressy but comfortable. Also, try to stick to a neutral theme - they are classy and easy to layer. Remember that these outfits can be mixed around, so you will end up having more combinations than you thought. Accessories are good additions to your outfits and they're usually small and light to carry.
3. Fold your clothes neatly and efficiently
There are many videos on YouTube that teach you how to fold/roll your clothes and save space in your suitcase. Try a few tricks and find one that works best for you. Personally, I don't find packing cubes and vacuum bags too useful if you organize and fold your clothes nice enough. However, they can be good tools to keep your luggage neat.
4. Minimal electronics
Let's face it, you can't live without your electronics. However, if you are traveling, you should be enjoying the scenery and culture, rather than spending your time on the Internet. If you are not going to be working or studying abroad, you probably don't really need your bulky laptop. A smartphone and tablet often suffice. Also, bring a compact multi-outlet to save space, especially if you are going to a place that needs an adapter. If you are a hobby photographer, a compact DSLR camera with one lens is enough.
5. Wear the bulkiest thing on the plane
Going to Norway in Winter? Your puffy jacket will probably take up half of your luggage space, so logically you should just wear it to the airport. You can always just hold it in your hands if it gets too warm as it wouldn't count as a personal item when you board.
6. Only bring enough clothes for like two weeks
But I'm there for 10 months! Well, if you are there for an extended period of time, you will probably stumble upon places with a washing machine. Bringing basic clothing, like plain t-shirts, cardigans and jeans can give you an endless possibility of combinations. Plus, you are most likely going to expand your wardrobe, so you might as well save some space for the new additions.
7. Use a customized packing list
There are many packing lists available online, but don't just follow everything they say. Find one that somewhat suits you and personalize it with things that you need, like any medication or your favorite comfy shoes. Stick with the list you have so that you should add extra "maybe" items.
8. Double, triple and quadruple check
Pack a few weeks ahead of your long journey to ensure you have everything you absolutely need and weed out anything that doesn't prove its usefulness. Keep going through the stuff you have every couple of days in case you change your mind.
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| Now, hit the ground running at your destination! |
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