Are you planning a family vacation? Perhaps you’re going on a cruise, to an all-inclusive resort, or best of all, Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Maybe you’re driving the minivan or you might be booking a flight.

No matter the circumstance, you may wish to or HAVE TO pack lightly.

And this might make you nervous.

But I’m here to tell you that packing lightly isn’t hard, and it can actually make your trip MORE enjoyable rather than less.

Today I want to share with you WHY you should pack light and HOW to do so. May you come away less intimidated and even excited to get started!

5 Reasons For Packing Light

1. It saves money.

Whether you’re flying or driving, packing light can save you money.

Plane tickets are expensive, and they’re even more costly when you bring a checked bag. If you can get away with a carry-on or even just a personal bag, you will save a lot of bucks!

Car fuel also isn’t cheap. If you pack lighter, you could bring a smaller vehicle that’s better on gas.

2. It’s easier to stay organized.

When you bring less items on your trip, you’re less likely to lose what you have. It’s easier to stay organized if you just don’t have as much to begin with!

3. It’s less work.

Managing stuff takes time. Transporting it is a lot of work! If you bring fewer bags, you might spend less time moving things and more time connecting and relaxing.

4. It’s freeing.

There’s something about having less stuff that feels freeing. You can jump up and go at a moment’s notice. You can move quickly. You can leave the extras at home and enjoy the experience to the full.

5. It’s fun!

Packing light can actually be a FUN challenge! Thinking through what you need and what you don’t and finding creative ways to pack it can be motivating and rewarding. I encourage you to give it a try!

Have I convinced you yet? If so, here are 15 Tips For Packing Light!

15 Tips For Packing Light

1. Choose your bag(s), and don’t add more.

Pick your vessel of choice. Whether it be a suitcase, a backpack, or a duffle bag, decide where would make the most sense to stow your items. Choose the number of bags you want to bring. Be realistic.

Once you’ve decided, see these bags as your boundary lines, and try your very best not to add more.

2. Pack minimal clothing and accessories.

Clothes is often the first thing we think to pack and often take up the most real estate in our luggage, so it’s important to be strategic about them.

Think through how many days you’ll be away.

Opt for lightweight, versatile pieces. Consider layering items. Perhaps you can get by with one pair of shoes.

3. Do laundry while away.

Ascertain if you can do laundry while gone. If you can, you can greatly reduce the number of outfits you bring! I recommend only packing 2-3 outfits and then doing laundry every couple of days.

4. Wear bulky outerwear.

Wear your biggest, bulkiest items while traveling. This will reduce the amount you have to fit in your bag.

5. Go digital. (pack phone cord)

Rather than bringing books, maps, a camera, a flashlight, etc., use your phone for everything! It will save you so much space and weight!

Now just don’t forget to pack your phone cord!

6. Limit devices.

Leave your laptop, tablet, etc. at home. Only bring your phone.

7. Buy diapers there.

Pack only a few diapers to last you till you reach your destination. You can buy more diapers there. You’ll be amazed at how much room this saves!

8. Use the shampoo provided.

If you are staying with someone, your host will often provide shampoo and soap for you. Take advantage of this gesture!

9. Bring one or zero hair tools.

Opt for bringing only one hair tool. Or maybe don’t bring any! Go natural, or see if you can borrow one while away.

10. Don’t bring any full size bottles.

Get some dollar store travel bottles, and fill them with all your needed products. Don’t bring any full-size containers.

11. Leave toys at home.

Kids can find things to play with along the way. Maybe just bring hand sanitizer and cleaning cloths to keep germs at bay.

12. Limit baby gear.

Leave as many big baby items at home as possible. Rather than bringing a stroller, perhaps just bring a carrier for walks. Instead of carting a playpen, see if you can borrow one at your destination.

13. Put snacks in disposable bags.

Leave Tupperware at home, and opt for plastic bags instead. That way you can throw everything out after use.

14. Share everything.

Share as much as possible. Think of it as a bonding experience!

15. Embrace the adventure!

Traveling light may feel daunting, but it can also be enjoyable. It can feel carefree. Say yes to the adventure.

So there you have it! How To Pack Light For A Trip (even with kids). What other tips would you add?

Be sure to check out my Packing Light Flow Chart for any items you are unsure about packing.

Here is also a fun video I enjoy watching for packing inspiration. It is where I learned some tips!

Get it all done with me Vlog + My Favorite Tips for Travel

Happy packing!

FAQ about Packing Light

1. How far ahead should I begin packing?

I recommend making lists a few days or a week before the trip. This will give you time to think through and remember all necessary items. You can set out some things in the days leading up to the trip, but then you’ll do most of your packing the day before and morning of.

2. My spouse doesn’t want to pack light, but I do. How should I respond?

You can only control what you do. Perhaps you can have kind, open discussions about some items. But then I encourage you to pack light for yourself if you so choose and let him bring what he wants.