When wondering what to pack for an upcoming vacation, getaway, or business trip, there is some merit in the phrase, “less is more”. The tendency for many is to over-pack, which may result in struggles with heavy bags, costs related to baggage fees, and lack of access to belongings. Here is some sound advice for packing lightly, as well as some things to consider when preparing for your next journey.

What to bring

Someone came up with a formula during Austin Fashion Week several years ago which works for most destinations, for the majority of travelers, in any season. This became known as the 5-4-3-2-1 rule, which will work for any duration as long as there is access to a laundry facility. The rule states that the perfect coordinates include five tops, four bottoms, three accessory items, two pair of shoes, and one purse or fun handbag. These items can be mixed, matched, and modified to suit any event or activity that may be encountered during time spent away from home.

How to pack

The best packed bags begin with a list. Compile a tight, stream-lined list of everything that you will need for your adventure, including necessary apparel, toiletries, and medication. It may be tempting to toss in a few additional items here and there, but try to stick to your planned list as much as possible. Bring travel-sized hygiene products, individual aspirin packets, and other such minimized items which will save space on the trip home, as they are quickly depleted and won’t have to make the trip home. A clever idea for dealing with jewelry and accessories when traveling is to secure the trinkets to a shirt or jacket, slipping earrings through button-holes and pinning broaches to the fabric.

Once you have laid out everything that will be taken, roll pants and tops tightly, smoothing out the wrinkles beforehand. Many pilots and flight attendants claim that rolling apparel is key to fitting many items in a small bag. Another strategy involves bundling clothing around smaller items, securing tightly together with belts, scarves, or other accessories. This makes for a bit more labor during unpacking, but can save space in a suitcase. Always pack at least one clean, empty garbage bag in the suitcase for unexpected situations or as a means to separate clean from dirty laundry. Cover soiled apparel when packing with the bag serving as a barrier or liner placed on top. This will save on laundering at home when trying to determine what is soiled when unpacking.

When it comes to packing shoes, it is helpful to begin with them before packing any apparel. Pack shoes around the perimeter of your suitcase, reinforcing the frame of the bag. Use the spaces inside of the shoes for smaller items, socks, or toiletries. This will also help protect these items from breaking open or leaking during the trip.

What comes back

When accumulating souvenirs or other items during the trip, consider mailing these items home rather than bringing them back in your luggage. Since most shipping costs depend on the weight and distance traveled, if this option seems too costly, re-evaluate purchasing the item and whether or not it makes sense to buy it after all. It may also be helpful to tuck an empty tote or recyclable shopping bag into the suitcase for any items bought while traveling that might not fit on the way home. When flying, be sure to keep any medication, fragile items, or valuables with you or in your carry-on bag, as these items don’t belong in checked suitcases. Check with your airline, prior to your flight, in order to determine the rules and regulations regarding what is prohibited in baggage.