How to Travel Like a Minimalist This Holiday Season Picture this: You return from a holiday and start unpacking, only to realize you didn’t use half of the things you brought! That third pair of shoes, the backup dress, the bag with over half of your makeup collection? Nothing but unnecessary luggage you had to rummage through to find what you were looking for. It’s likely that in this moment of unpacking, you commit to bringing less next time. It’s also just as likely that by the next time you travel you’ve forgotten your promise, only to repeat the cycle again and again. While this may sound like a minor inconvenience, overpacking means you’re carrying more weight than you need to, which can lead to a strained neck or back — the last thing you need when you’re trying to enjoy a holiday! There’s also the fact that when you have more options, you have to spend more time on decisions. By limiting your choices, you save time and energy you can use to actually enjoy your holidays instead. Here are a few tricks that can help you pack light without sacrificing your holiday style:

Make a List (And Check it Twice!)

Before you even think about taking your bag out, write everything down first. Jot down all of the events you’ll attend over your holiday trips. Note where the events are taking place, how you’ll get there, and whether there’s a dress code. Once you have this first list, use it to make a second one of the items and outfits you need to feel comfortable and confident at each event. By pre-planning what you’ll wear to things like a family Christmas dinner or a get-together with old friends at a bar, you’ll be sure to have something appropriate to wear, avoid double packing, and reduce the time you spend getting ready for the actual events.

Layer Up

When you’re making the list of clothes to bring, keep layering in mind. Opt for clothes that you can easily layer to adapt to the cool weather outdoors and warm, festive spaces inside. Not only does layering give you more control over your temperature, but it can also provide opportunities to change up your look by combining different items.  Try and pack clothes in shades, patterns, and textures that work well together to maximize the number of combinations you can get. When it comes to layering superstars, think pants with enough room for leggings or tights underneath, a nice blouse paired with a cardigan, warm vests, scarves, and sweater dresses.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Whether you’re road-tripping or flying, you’ll want to physically wear your bulkiest items so you can save on luggage space and use a smaller bag for your clothes and other goods. Again, layering is your friend. If it’s cold on the plane, you’ll be ultra-cozy and if it’s warm, you can remove your bulky jacket or sweater and use it as a soft pillow.  If you’re flying or driving any significant distance, consider using some of that space you’ve freed up for a “tush cush” to reduce strain on your back and tailbone while sitting for long periods.

Rinse and Repeat Outfits 

While it can be exciting to don a different ensemble for every holiday occasion, it’s not always practical. Ask yourself if it’s truly worth the glamour to carry four different dresses or sets of suit pants. Chances are, it’s not. Minimalist travel experts know one of the best ways to travel light and reduce stress during the holidays is to wear the same outfit a few times — trust us, if Meghan Markle can do it, so can you! That said, make sure to keep your clothes extra clean if you’re planning on recycling them. Either spot clean them as needed or find a washing machine you can use where you’re staying or close by. Avoid outfits that require dry cleaning when traveling light, as the added hassle just isn’t worth it.

Use Packing Cubes

Even the lightest of travelers have to bring something to wear, and packing cubes are a handy tool that can help you get the most out of the limited space you have and organize what you do bring. Packing cubes separate your luggage and make it easier to find what you’re looking for while traveling. Many cubes also offer compression capabilities, which means you can shrink your clothes down to less than half their usual volume!  With the holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time than now to learn how to travel like a minimalist. By mastering these tricks before you pack you can reduce your load, relieve your back, and free up more time for the things that matter. Want to learn more tricks that minimize stress and maximize wellness? Make sure to follow The Back Store on Instagram for helpful health and wellness tips.