I used to be that person who would over pack. I’d grab my biggest suitcase, fill it with enough items to travel the world in 80 days, and even pack things I rarely ever used because there might be a situation I’d need it, right? Yep, I was horrible at minimalist packing.

I recently went on a trip to Colorado with my family to attend a wedding and I made it a goal to fit everything into a backpack and my purse. I know – I’m a crazy person because, yea, I was ALSO attending a wedding! Well, I did it. I was able to pack 5 days worth of clothing, toiletries, and zero waste items into a backpack and my purse. And I’ll show you how I did it.

First of all, here’s a quick inventory of what I packed for my trip. All of the pieces got worn and all fit inside of a backpack.

So what did I pack?

I also packed:

• Bamboo Toothbrush
• Wooden Hairbrush
• Flat Iron
• Toothpaste
• Mascara
• Eyeshadow
• Lip Balm
• Moisturizer
• Deodorant
• Glasses
• Razor
• Diva Cup
• Camera
• Chargers
• Phone
• Steel Tiffin
• Steel Straw
• Cloth Bags/Produce Bags
• Hankies
• Underwear
• Bra
• Sneakers
• Black Sandals
• Phone

How to Pack like a Minimalist

Let Go of “Needing Everything”

You really don’t need to pack for every situation. Yes, it might rain, you may need those rain boots, umbrella, or parka. But can you do without? Ask yourself that very question when packing “situation specific” items. “Could I do without this item?” If the answer is – yes – don’t pack it.

I really wanted to pack my hiking boots since I knew I’d be walking some trails while we were in Colorado but I knew I’d be packing my sneakers as well. Did I really need those hiking boots? Could I do without? Yes. So I didn’t pack them.

Also, consider what will be necessary to bring and what will be provided for you at your destination. Hotels usually have hair dryers so that’s one less thing you need.

Establish a Color Scheme

Probably the most important tip to packing super minimally is paring things together that compliment each other. Ensure that every piece you pack can be worn interchangeably. I usually stick to a blue, black, and grey color scheme since my closet is mostly that. To keep myself from being too dull and boring, I usually throw in one “pop-of-color” shirt. Because I’m fun, damn it!

Multiple Ways for Multiple Days

Pack clothing that can be worn in different ways. A button-down shirt can be worn casually, dressed up, paired with a dress, and more! I packed a one-piece romper that I wore twice. Once as is, and another time paired with a button-down shirt. Those two articles of clothing created a combined 3 outfits.

I’m hoping to edit this current list of clothing and items to stretch even farther than 5 days – I’m thinking I can make this same list last 10. The challenge is on!