Sometimes when the words travel and minimal are spoken in the same sentence, I usually cringe a little. Why? Well, because I'd like to bring my entire closet, all of my shoes, handbags, make-up, etc. Of course, that's completely ridiculous and unreasonable and
sometimes I suck it up and travel "light". How you ask do I do that? Well it's really very
hard simple. I start big and then end small. Meaning, I pack like a princess and then downsize from there. Luckily, I am not crazy about shoes nor am I a make-up maven, so I start with what I love best; clothes. If you would like to read about my clothing packing tips, see
this post and
this post. After clothing is all picked out, laid out, matched, folded, hung, etc. I move onto shoes, jewelry and bags, until everything is laid out on my bed.
Usually, with some will power, I can dwindle my clothing, jewelry and handbags down to a reasonably amount-- I have no problem limiting myself to shoes. However, Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, hair products, make-up, sunscreen, etc. take up so much more room, I often times find myself packing a whole separate bag for just these things... Until I decided to organize myself.
I have figured out how to fit all of my toiletries into this one little terry train case (yes, the fat lady has sung). Here are my secrets-- not really secrets, just my common sense.
Travel sized/hotel bottles of shower gel, shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste body lotion, etc. If I like the products at the hotel, I'll swipe them at the end of my stay. Usually I don't like the products, however, I've stayed in many a hotel that has La Source products, which if you've been reading for a while, you know I swear by Crabtree and Evelyn's La Source line. The best part about it is that since I own most of the La Source line, I can just keep refilling my little bottles. As for toothpaste, if you're packing for one, or even possibly two, there is no reason you need a full-sized tube of toothpaste for a few days. I buy the little tubes in the travel size section of Target and these last me for multiple trips (I promise you I brush my teeth regularly!).
These are just some extras that I keep hoarded away for a moment's notice weekend getaway. If you're only going for one night, pack samples that you have and use them up! It's a great way to try new products too. I always keep Wisp's in my travel case because I am infamous for forgetting my toothbrush and I have been on trips where we get in late and can't find somewhere to grab a toothbrush so I rely at least on my Wisps to get me through one toothbrush--but only if necessary. Again, min-sunscreens are perfect for weekend getaways because unless you are super pale, there is no way that you will need a full-sized bottle of sunscreen. That goes the same for make-up remover as well. The only full sized items I bring are my face wash because they don't make that in travel size and the consistency is too hard to convert into any type of travel container, and conditioner because I used a ton of conditioner. One travel bottle of conditioner may only get me through one wash.
Usually for longer trips, I have a whole make-up bag just devoted to cotton swabs, cotton pads, cotton balls and all that good stuff. But for weekend trips, you can compact it down. I keep zip-loc baggies prepped and ready to go so I can getaway on a moment's notice. In the baggie I keep, wisps, any type of medicine I could need such as Pepcid, Sudafed, Advil, etc., Feminine hygiene products, band aids and cotton products. I'll usually throw a lip balm in there as well. It's not an attractive way to store your stuff, but it's very functional.
I love jewelry. There. I've said it. I'm no longer in denial, I've accepted it. When I travel back and forth from school, I seriously bring my entire train case of jewelry with me. It's huge--bulky, heavy and just plain unnecessary. So I switch between my Vera Bradley jewelry case or the teeny tiny case on the left of the above picture. For weekend travel I try to stick to neutral jewelry such as pearls and diamonds that way, all I need is the tiny case on the left. It's especially nice when I do this when flying because I never pack my jewelry in my suitcase. Always on my carry-on and with me at all times.
So how do you pack minimally? What are the first things you nix when trying to pack for a weekend getaway? I'd love to hear your tips! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe
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