{"id":5436,"date":"2020-01-12T17:13:22","date_gmt":"2020-01-12T22:13:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/?p=5436"},"modified":"2020-01-25T16:05:34","modified_gmt":"2020-01-25T21:05:34","slug":"minimalist-packing-how-to-pack-everything-into-a-carry-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/minimalist-packing-how-to-pack-everything-into-a-carry-on\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimalist Packing: How to Pack Everything Into a Carry-On"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Shalee\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\tMinimalist Packing: How to Pack Everything Into a Carry-On \n\t<\/h1>\n\t

January 12, 2020<\/p>\n\t

\"packing<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter how long I\u2019m traveling for or what kind of weather I\u2019m flying into: I pack only in a carry-on. Always.<\/p>\n

I was once an obsessive over-packer. The type of over packing where I\u2019m sitting on my bag, attempting to fit every outfit I own into my giant *hot pink* suitcase because I was convinced that if something came up and I didn\u2019t have the right outfit, I would perish.<\/p>\n

My defining moment was at LAX back in 2012 when I was attempting to maneuver through customs wearing three layers, an overflowing carry-on bag, and that same *hot pink* suitcase that was nearly as tall as I was. The customs guy asked why I was so sweaty. My arms were sore. I almost took out a small child with my bags in the process.<\/p>\n

Since then, traveling, van life<\/a>, and detailed thinking have allowed me to become an expert at minimalist packing. Now, whether three weeks in Australia or three months in Europe, you\u2019ll only see me packing a carry-on. Here\u2019s how to do it:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"how<\/p>\n

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5,4,3,2,1,1 Rule\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Five shirts, four pants, three bras, two shoes, one heavy sweater\/coat, one dress.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When it comes down to it, you probably won\u2019t even wear all of it. One thing I\u2019ve learned is that even when packing a lot, I tend to stick to my 2-3 favorite outfits. If you\u2019re worried about running out of clothes, remember that laundry exists all over the world, and you don\u2019t have to wash your shirts after wearing them one time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Make Your “Personal Bag” a Backpack\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

On a flight, you are typically allowed one carry-on and one personal bag. Instead of using a purse or small bag as your personal item, use a backpack. This gives you more room for packing while staying within the limit size.\u00a0<\/p>\n

My backpack is always my gear bag. I purchased this camera bag<\/a>, which fits my 13\u201d laptop, Canon 70d, Sony a7rii, multiple lenses, and all needed charging cords.<\/p>\n

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Leave the Extras at Home\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

I leave excess makeup, hair products, camping gear, etc. at home. If I\u2019m not 100% certain I will use it while I\u2019m gone, it will be left behind. The biggest waste of space are high heel shoes. Always choose to leave those behind. If at any time you realize you need something you left behind, you can always go out and buy it. Some standard extras that take a lot of space include:\u00a0<\/p>\n