A practical guide to intentional packing for your next 7–10 day trip

WRITTEN BY LIZ FARIAS

COVER PHOTO: @JONESTHURAIA ON PINTEREST

Picture this: You’re at the airport at 5:47 am and already sweating, not because you’re running late but because your suitcase is 2 pounds overweight. You’re squatting next to the check-in counter, digging through your things to decide what can stay and what has to go. You finally surrender a pair of jeans to your personal item and hobble to security with your dignity hanging by a thread.

If you’ve been there, same.
If you haven’t, let’s keep it that way.

Packing smart saves you time and stress. Below are my go-to travel packing pillars—what’s worked and how to feel confident living out of just a carry-on for a full week or more.

Preplan now, so you can vibe later

The more you plan ahead, the less time you’ll waste getting dressed on your trip. You don’t want to turn your hotel room into a war zone just to pick an outfit for brunch. Start by checking the weather. If it’s too early for the forecast, research typical weather for the month and region. Cross-check that with your itinerary. How many outfit changes will you actually need? Is there a washing machine, dryer, or steamer where you’re staying? The more boxes you check off now, the more brain space you’ll have to enjoy your trip.

Find the right inspiration

Let’s be honest: If I don’t get a photo, did the vacation even happen? There’s no shame in planning how you want to look on your trip; it actually makes packing so much easier. Search Pinterest or TikTok for people who’ve already been where you’re going. Save the outfits, backdrops, and aesthetics that speak to you. That collection becomes your mood board, helping you narrow down color schemes and silhouettes. Bonus tip: Look for creators who share a similar body type, skin tone, or hair color to you. Perhaps a celebrity look-alike. If something looks good on them, there's a good chance it'll work for you, too.

Time for your capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a compact, versatile collection of clothing where everything works together. I treat every carry-on like a mini capsule wardrobe, but I don’t always default to neutrals. I’ve done schemes like blue/white/denim/grey or red/brown/yellow/denim—and even pinks and greens when I’ve wanted to go bold. The key is that every item, especially pants and shoes (aka bulky pieces), must work with at least 2–3 other things in your suitcase.

I’ve literally spent 3 to 6 hours planning my travel outfits before, not because I’m indecisive, but because I’d rather struggle before my trip than during it. I try on everything in the mirror beforehand. No surprises. No packing anything “just in case.”

Statement vs Simple

Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing your style. If bold looks or standout accessories are important to you, there’s a way to make space for them. I like to follow a simple rule: pack one go-to everyday set, and one statement option — whether that’s jewelry, belts, or bags. For example, on my last trip, I managed to fit knee-high boots, sandals, heels, and sneakers into a carry-on. It’s totally doable. Accessories are your best chance to bring the drama without bulk. They can instantly elevate the most basic outfits or tone them down, depending on the vibe.

Master the Burrito Roll (when you’re tight on time or space)

If you’ve done everything right and still need more room, welcome to your new BFF: the Burrito Roll. Rolling your clothes tightly makes them easier to stack and see, and yes, it does free up space. I’ve used this method when I’ve had to pack for longer trips or last-minute getaways. There are loads of rolling techniques online with slight variations from one another, such as Marie Kondo or the Ranger Roll. You can roll anything—underwear, socks, t-shirts, jeans. It’s tedious if you’re not used to it, so I only recommend it as a last resort.

My golden rule: Only pack what you can carry

You should be able to carry your own luggage. If you can’t lift it yourself or you’re tripping through TSA with three bags and no clue where your boarding pass is, something went wrong. Overpacking makes travel feel heavier (literally and figuratively). Plus, lighter luggage = more room for cute souvenirs, if that’s your thing. Intentional packing is a skill, refined with every trip. So be patient with yourself. Practice before your next big getaway. You’ve got this!

How I Stopped Overpacking (And You Can Too)