Extended travel is one of the most exciting things a traveler can take on! Whether you’re about to take on your study abroad experience for a semester, temporarily living and working remotely or about to take on an epic adventure of your lifetime… long term trips all face one problem – PACKING.
I’m pretty sure all of us have struggled with overpacking. Especially those of us who adore options in our wardrobe! However, when on a long term trip, there’s really no room for extra alternatives. Our suitcases need to be filled with the good stuff and nothing extra!
As an adventurer who has primarily traveled long term, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Here are my simple tips and tricks for living out of a suitcase for over a month (while still still looking stylish and polished)!
Understand Your Staple, Flexible Closet Items
Investing in quality, staple closet items that go with everything is KEY. That means spend a couple extra bucks on a clothing item that can be easily mixed and matched, thrown on (no matter the occassion) and accessorized to change its overall vibe.
A great button down shirt, comfy jeans, a slick leather jack and casually-cool flats are crucial items in every traveler’s suitcase. Looking stylish with limited items to choose from simply comes from the practice of curating items that do it all and go with everything and every setting.
Limit Your Shoes
You read that right. Limit your shoes, ladies! The truth is, no matter how much you love your shoes… they’re the buckliest and heaviest items in your suitcase.I live and die by a three shoe limit. Deeply consider the activities you’ll be partaking in and pack those shoes accordingly. No more, no less!
Packing Cubes Are Your Friends
Organize your clothing items into packing cubes. There are lots of way to pack them up (by style, by occassion, by need, by day)… but no matter how you do it, I love how packing cubes keep everything in their place while also compressing them down!
Know Your “Airport Outfit”
Nailing your airport outfit is a sign of truly becoming an adventuress, if you ask me. Clearly knowing the outfit you love to pop on that keeps you cozy and comfy is key. And often, we can manipulate the system (and our outfit) to work in our favor.
P.S. Wear your heaviest shoes and jackets on your body (that way you won’t have to worry about exceeding your weight limit on your suitcase)!
Color Coordination
If you’re a girl who loves a pop of color, embrace that! But just be sure all your pieces go together in some shape or form. Color clashing is fun and all, but it’s just a better idea to coordinate your clothing pieces so that they go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, pack those pieces that pack a punch… but just be sure that not all your pieces are statement pieces.
Coordinate your colors in your suitcase. Denim or a color scheme in shades and variations of similar hues will give you more flexibiilty when it’s time to get dressed!
Layering
Layering is the chicest way to dress for changing weather (and occassion) without overpacking. Keeping a suitcase filled with simple, classic layering pieces makes dressing a breeze.
Laundry On The Go
Eek! Some time during your adventures, there will come a time that you will need to do laundry. Don’t fight it. I’m a gal who hates doing laundry, even while at home. But let me tell you, after a while… there’s no avoiding it! Do a quick little search on your lodging’s website to see if they can offer laundry service (most hotels and hostels do). If not, buckle down and do it on a rainy afternoon in between sights. It may not be glamorous, but your clothing will thank you (and so will your travel companions)!
Packing cubes are a must! Great post 🙂