23 Packing Tips from a Minimalist || Making Life Simple and Happy || Minimalism

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Which tips would help you?

[@AtHomeWithJill]

Less outfits, less shoes, socks inside shoes (GENIUS) tight rolling clothes, I want that garment bag!!!!!!! (Not going to buy it tho! ) Cause I have a perfectly good suitcase! Lol Loved these tips!!!!!

[@quokkagirl7364]

Packing heavy things at the bottom! I never thought about that before.

[@NewMoneyMamaChannel]

"Match the bag to the trip" is exactly right! We just took 5 kids on a week's vacation via plane. We got everyone's stuff in 3 little carry-on and 1 backpack! I know we could have tightened it down even more.

[@traceybradshaw]

We always wash on our travels, even if we go for an extended camping trip we will head to the nearest town at the 1/2 way mark and put a load through at the laundromat. Now we tend to choose Air bnb’s with laundry facilities. We have travelled for a month and only took 5 days clothes each (family of 4 - both kids older teens). The hardest thing is travelling to somewhere with great variables in the weather (like New Zealand) and needing clothes to suit all climates! Summer packing is always easier than winter packing 😊 Our next OS trip will be to the UK (from Australia) sans the young adults and we are planning to keep luggage fairly minimal. Hopefully to make tube travel and walking through cobblestoned villages that ban cars, to get to our accommodation, easier. Apparently wheeled cases + cobblestones makes for some rough travel 😂

[@kathleenklein6071]

Erica Lucas we started using packing cubes 2 years ago for vacation and they changed everything! Also thanks for the shoutout for Norfolk Botanical Garden, one of my favorite places in the world. Took my kids there regularly from when they were toddlers to when they were teens.

[@Jazzy_]

As a flight attendant who has a TON of experience with packing light, I approve this message! 👍

[@whatwouldpicarddomakeitso9607]

Thank you for sharing. I remember you said in a video that your minimalist journey started with you coming home from another place you stayed where it was clear , and came home to clutter..I bet you had lots of suitcases and bags then...you probably wouldn’t of ever guess you’d travel with just one suitcase in the future .Well done , I think it’s a massive achievement to get to that point. I’m genuinely pleased for you on all that you have achieved. 💛

[@EricaLucasLoves]

WhatwouldPICARDdo Makeitso yes!! I must have had 20 bags and bins last summer. Can you believe that??

[@beverlywells6193]

I’m so glad Dawn from The Minimal Mom had you on her video! I have loved following her and I love that you are honest and open about your journey. I have found that less “stuff” means more time to explore other things. I wish you all the best with your KZbin videos. 😊

[@jenl576]

I love using a travel power strip, it has USB and plug ins. This allows us to not forget any devices in our hotels as everything we plug in to that one strip, and only 1 thing to unplug and bring with! I always throw a few balloons in my bag, too, they take up no room and are easy entertainment for kids in an airport or a hotel room!

[@jennylhenry78]

Like the balloon trick!

[@Ashley0789]

Tip for laundry detergent is buy a small pack of tide pods from dollar general. They have the sample packs that has 4 pods in it.

[@Megs2Dope]

They also make low waste laundry soap sheets that you can pack super effectively!

[@davidmitchell1304]

I used to pack into one suitcase but I don't anymore. But then I was responsible for everyone's clothes and the neatness of the suitcase. No one could help themselves. Now each child has a small duffle bag. Then we talk about what they might need and I show them how to pack it. They are responsible for themselves. If they forget to pack a toothbrush, it costs a dollar. No more questions to mom.

[@theoffkeydiva]

That is a very great point, of course it’s super dependent on the age of your kids and the trip. 3 under 5 and you are getting on a plane? One suitcase. 5-9 year olds going on a car trip to the beach? If they pack poorly, they can live without for a few days. My mum never packed for us over the age of 5-6 but we were often taking trips to our cottage for a weekend so we just needed some clean underwear and a swimsuit.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

David Mitchell that sounds awesome!

[@Nan-59]

Great ideas!

[@springbird21]

LOVE your videos & YOU! Have been watching a bunch since intro from Minimalist Mom... I'm 74 & you are so fun, inspiring, funny, logical, authentic! You have spurred me on to my Minimalist Journey which I've been working on for 3 years! But that's OK, this is MY journey & you have really helped! Thank you for all your hard work & doing these videos for us! Much appreciative! xo

[@traceybradshaw]

I cannot tell you how much you inspire me Erica. I am on a decluttering/minimising journey and I was also once a terrible overpacker. The more we have travelled the better I have become at knowing what I really need and buying packing cubes for our family a few years ago really had a big impact on our travels. The compression ones really take it to a whole new level and I think I’ll get some for our next OS trip (whenever that eventually happens 😱). Back to organising and minimising - many years ago I was super organised - to the point where I can still think of our house where my boys lived from birth for the first few years of their lives and still know where everything “lived” in that house. 12 years ago I was badly injured in a major car accident and along with a long recovery and continued pain issues, I lost control of my home and our stuff. Even with multiple house moves we have dragged it all from one house to the next. It has bothered me for years, but I only ever seem to make so much of an inroads at decluttering before it all gets too much for me again. We recently helped a family member move house and they had A LOT OF STUFF - it was such a stressful event that I ended up in hospital with heart issues. I came home and decided that it was the wake up call i needed - it’s time to get this done once and for all - one bite at a time...

[@lindamaglione7189]

You are so much fun to watch! I am new on the minimalist journey as well and your tips have been extremely helpful. I have "downsized" a lot in my home and have begun using the Kon Marie folding techniques which have also made a huge difference. Thanks for continuing to share and for "keeping it real"!!

[@MarielaMerino]

I love traveling now because I’m not packing too much stuff. Simplifying my life has helped travel so much easier. These a great tips! 🌻✨

[@candacetodd1940]

My husband used to travel every week. Fly out Monday and fly back in on Friday and he used that bag. It was a life saver. His suit never got wrinkled and everything was packed so neatly.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Candace Todd seriously that bag is awesome!

[@sinkintostillness]

It's so liberating to travel light. Less to worry about taking care of, not leaving behind etc... I also love not having to wait for a suitcase at customs. We're a family of 3 who now manage x2 backpacks (stow under seat) and one carry on size case and I still manage to over pack somehow!

[@marjiecleveland]

I pack the lightest shoes and wear the heaviest. I also wear heavier clothes and sweater/jacket to save room in a suitcase. Love how you are conscious of being present and enjoying how happy you and the kids are at the beach! So fun! I use packing cubes which I love because they hold a lot and can find things quickly.

[@miss.leviwhiteside5923]

¨ had so much anxiety and stress I didn´t even realize...¨ YES and I´ve lived like this for years and I know that minimalish is the only way to go now! I just can´t seem to get there fast enough. I am so glad you continue to reap the benefits of your minimalish journey :)

[@xylindria9077]

I have a 4 plug usb charger, it’s awesome! Also, I keep a running packing list for trips. I adjust to the new destination. This allows me to toss in ideas as I think of them. And I check things off as I pack. Less of a chance of forgetting the above mentioned charger :-)

[@millerville2000]

I commented on your last video that I tend to overpack and we have just got back from our 2nd trip and I did much better yay! Once again though I packed one extra outfit that i did not use and brought the same hardcover book that I did not read. Next trip I will remember to not pack the extra outfit or that book. Bag was only 1/2 way filled though for a victory! I have 7 children and they once again packed their clothes in their bookbags and that worked amazingly! Wish I learned that trick about 18 years ago. Now my 16 year old daughter packed 3 bags- she clearly is against the minimal lifestyle lol. Tip 19 I found very helpful instead of just filling a bag as I go.

[@carriejohnson8209]

You are amazing Erica! Look at how far you've come in a few short months. You are an inspiration to us all. Have fun at the beach.

[@agb6330]

Such a timely video..... leaving for a week in a couple days. I had a dream the other night that I forgot to pack for myself and didn’t realize I hadn’t until we arrived at our destination!?!? Saw your packing tips just after writing out my packing list. The tip that hit me the most was “pick the size bag I want to bring and fit what I bring into it”. Bringing our large dog, large dog bed, large dog bag of food, large dog crate.... perhaps thats why I didn’t pack anything for me in my dream? I was introduced to your channel by watching Dawn. So glad to have found you too🤩

[@Dashzap]

A few years ago I watched a video on how to pack light by a Rick Steves tour guide. I had a eureka moment when I saw she weighed her clothes and shoes to decide which to pack...a bulky cotton sweatshirt weighs a lot more than a technical fleece or a thin merino sweater but it isn't warmer. Now I am mindful of the weight and size of pieces I pick. There is a huge range in the size of shoes. They have other great tips in their videos on youtube: Packing light & right by Sarah Murdoch. Also the guys version European Travel Skills: Packing with Rick Steves.

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

YOU ARE DESTINED FOR GREATNESS!!

[@janstanley538]

You seem so happy! I didn’t realize how much stress you were carrying while your husband was gone until watching these last few videos! My daughter is an army wife and her stress instantly fades when her husband returns also!

[@TuckersMom23]

Erica you are doing an awesome job becoming minimalish! You sharing your journey has been so inspiring for me to declutter stuff in my home! I'm so happy I found your videos!!! Hope you have an awesome week!!!

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

My parents' house is where I travel to the most, so I keep a stock of full-size toiletries and laundry stuff there, so I don't have to pack most of them when I go there (we go on road trips together about once a year, but those start and end at my parents' house, so I just bring what's there). For laundry, I'm allergic to most kinds of detergent (I can no longer just use hotel shampoo or whatever is available at the place we're staying), so what I do is I bring a smaller container with my detergent on the trip (I keep a supply at my parents' house as well, so I take from that stock), then I still have enough for the trip but don't have to bring the whole 400-load bag, and just do it when we stay with people we know en route.

[@smokeytrailcottage]

One thing we did was stop sleeping in PJ's.( Been doing this over 10 yrs now.) When we get ready for bed . We change into our next days clothes. My Daughter has been doing this sense she came to stay with us. It's nice cause we live in North Dakota where it gets cold. So in the winter time no procrastination about getting dresses for the day cause your already for the day. Most of our clothes are made of Cotton. Easy to wash by hand and then lay flat to dry. This cuts down on laundry.

[@Elizabeth490]

I agree on the shoes! I had a pair of shoes that I wore as my only shoes on vacation one time. I could wear them to a splash pad and the restaurant! I miss them. :) Now, I mostly have three pairs of shoes. My authletic shoes for walks and working out, a pair of sandals for warm weather, and a pair of boots for cool weather. That is all I need 99% of the time. I have a couple other special occasion shoes, but they don't get a lot of use these days.

[@lisagavin3402]

So happy you brought Ranger!! He's like one of the kids...LOL

[@findingaway5512]

This is so awesome. I'm still amazed that you fit everybody in one suitcase!!!! My family always has so much that comes with us. Especially if we end up somewhere that doesn't have a washer /dryer. My kids are so messy and usually are vacations are outdoors if we have one. I always over pack but I also always feel like I would feel better having it then needing it but not bringing it. Ugh.

[@tkdally]

Some good tips here. I have 2 more: 1) wear your heaviest and/or bulkiest clothes while traveling and layer up. Jeans, sweaters and sneakers take a lot of space in a suitcase but not on your body. 2) Buy your toiletries when you get to your destination. Virginia has the shampoo that you like, it has toothpaste etc. You won't be taking up valuable luggage space and if you don't use it all you can leave it at the beach house for the next guests

[@michellepitman]

I like using Evernote to make my packing lists for trips. That way, I can check it on return journey to ensure nothing gets inadvertently left behind. Also helps the thinking process for what is needed depending on events & weather. I am a heavy user of Evernote, it’s a simple app that makes getting and staying organised versatile, practical and ubiquitous.

[@patblough7574]

Have a great trip!! I use packing cubes and roll my clothes. It is so freeing to only take one suitcase on a week's trip.

[@sheilak4493]

Love you so much! You inspire, encourage and make me smile! Thank You for sharing your life!!!

[@katiesoderling3596]

We’re just driving home to MN from a week in WY and I realized how much extra clothing I packed for myself and my kids! 🤦‍♀️😂 we stayed in a condo rental with a washer and dryer so there was no need to pack so much. Lesson learned! Thanks for the travel packing tips!

[@stowie5790]

Packing cubes! I will definitely invest in those...and they will make great gifts for my adult kids! (Shhh...). I like having clothes that are interchangeable with each other along with limited shoes. I’m already packing my next suitcase in my head. 😁 Although no travel plans in sight right now due to COVID-19 😢😢

[@mrsducky3428]

One of my favorite things to do whilst traveling is to wash all the Clothes before leaving for home. Wake up just a little earlier, dress for the trip, put the dirty clothes in the washer, eat breakfast, put the clothes in the dryer, start packing up toiletries and devices and whatnot, then pull the clothes from the dryer, and pack clean clothes. Once home, the clean clothes go right into the dresser. Makes unpacking quick and easy when you are absolutely exhausted from the trip!

[@Dashzap]

I'd end up rewashing it all ...I picture TSA going through it wearing the same gloves they just wore to go through somebody's dirty laundry.

[@mrsducky3428]

@@Dashzap yeah, TSA is an issue! This still works when driving and not flying 😁

[@mickit.9450]

Fun fact! I always wash on vacation😁 we had a 10 day vacay in FL fam of 5 with 2 med suite case!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Nice!!

[@donnajohansen5915]

Ready for more videos decluttering with husband.

[@Leighfrance]

Erica, I just love your laughter my dear. So proud of you and all you have accomplished in your journey. Hugs. Stop by and see us in NC on your way to Virginia some time.

[@marythomas6543]

Our fam of four operated out of a backpack and suitcase for a week trip back last October. I’m itching to travel again but I think we’re going to try just a backpack for each of us next time. Great Video!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

dancing at the end erica 😂😂😂 congrats on reaching your goal of one suitcase! What did your hubby say im imagining the shocked face haha

[@EricaLucasLoves]

EmmaAppleBerry he said “are you done so I can load the car?” 😂😂

[@sharonshmuel3386]

Absolutely love your videos - I have been with you from the very beginning- you also look fab !!

[@tamaratorres6368]

If you bring pods for laundry, make sure you put them in an area, that isn't in direct sunlight. So, they don't melt, you don't have to rewash your clothes or get your clothes don't get ruined.

[@kristinestocker]

I just love your channel!

[@ColleenMarble]

My son and I traveled to Europe for 10 days, each with just a roll-aboard suitcase and backpack. We wore our bulky stuff instead of packing it for the plane ride, and I took a compact expandable bag for overflow while we were there. I also took stuff that I didn't necessarily want or need to bring back with me, such as undergarments or an older sweater that didn't matter much to me, and I was able to leave those things behind by tossing them or donating (after washing, of course). I also planned Airbnbs so that every few days we had a place with a washer/dryer to do laundry so we only packed a few outfits, and I made sure I could layer and mix/match my stuff. And we spend money mostly on experiences rather than souvenirs, which saved a lot of suitcase space. My son, being a teenager, was really skeptical, but he became a convert after he saw the ease with which we navigated train stations and airports without the giant suitcases so many other people had. I learned my lesson the hard way on my first trip to Europe many years ago and vowed to never again travel with that much stuff. I do all the things you do, and I buy certain things, such as shampoo and soap, when I get where I'm going. Unless you are traveling to a third-world country (which I have done three times - the last time with just a backpack), you can always get what you need after you arrive.

[@sarahjones5425]

I love this! Only pack what you really need :)

[@tinekejoldersma]

Oh The energy of kids eh. Erica, it's a luxe version of a sports bag. I used and own exactly the same bag for more then 20 years in blue to go to sportsclass, my sport shoes in different part and my mat and towel and clothing in the longer compartment. If I go of for a work trip I use it. Go to the sports department and find it there. As it is in the most brightest blue colour ever I always find it in a second.

[@leyrotis]

I don't know why but this video just reminded me of a not really minimalistic saying my sister has: "you just have to be sure to take your ID card and money with you as you can buy everything else in case you've forgotten anything"

[@EricaLucasLoves]

True!

[@tinekejoldersma]

To be honest that's my slogan too XD

[@1jordyne]

My motto is, 'if I forgot it, it must have not been that important' and I've always been fine lol forgot a pan and pot camping this weekend ended up having some food stored in a tin container so used that for my pot/pan worked great! :)

[@mrsducky3428]

When toothpaste was 39 cents a family sized tube, I went on a romantic retreat with my hubby. We forgot the toothpaste. Ended up spending $7 on a tiny tube of toothpaste. That was exactly how much it cost us for a tank of gas to get home. Still own that same vehicle, today it costs $30 to fill that same tank. So all things being equal, we spent the equivalent of $30 for a tube of toothpaste. Lol

[@janstanley538]

My husband always says that too! One time I forgot to pack any extra shirts for myself! 🤪 guess you can tell admin is not my thing. Anyway we were near an outlet and I got some of my favorite tops there! I think I bought 3. It was fun and humiliating! 😂😅

[@Nan-59]

Great tips!

[@ambermac77]

Sorry I couldn’t get out to meet you today. I’m just in a pit stop right now between errands. But I recognize that beach! We lived across the street for a few years. 💖

[@AtHomeWithJill]

Yes being present! 🙌🏼

[@danaerakstad7924]

I love you. Thanks for keeping it real

[@KatycolleC]

love this video!

[@mandykeeganryan2890]

Great tips Erica! Thank you for sharing. Love your content :)

[@linneaandthecoffee]

When I was younger I wanted to only bring handluggage but my parents wouldn't let me 😆 I had to bring a big suitcase with me. Now I only pack one extra dress, only bring the shoes I wear, underwear and a light nightgown, superlight! :D (but I pack a couple of extra outfit for my husband and kids :) )

[@nessabridge5019]

Love that hubster! May pinch that , if you don’t mind

[@mrsalethajune]

What do you do with all the clothes once you arrive? They are not going to stay all tiny once you unzip those compression pods! Do you have dressers waiting for you? We travel light, but everyone has their own backpack (5 kids) so that I don't have an absolute explosion from one very full suitcase. We do long distance trips to my parents so 3 nights at different hotels on the way and then stay at their near-tiny house once we arrive (no spare dressers). I love the idea of the pod things, but I need places for everything to stay organized while on the trip. Just thinking out loud here and wondering how it works for you during the trip. Or others??

[@linneaandthecoffee]

I pack konmari style in a suitcase for my family of four, that way I can see everything at a glance without having to unpack into a dresses, made a video about it :)

[@emleigh1793]

Aletha Breckenridge You could bring a fabric over the door hanging organizer. They pack up really small for the car ride. You can hang it on a door and unpack into it when you arrive. There are a ton of options on amazon. You might need more than one for the number of people you have.

[@Dashzap]

We have a packing cube per person (not compression cubes). All clothes get rolled. The cube is your dresser drawer for the trip.

[@colleenpomeroy3024]

Cute!!!!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Ive been travelling a lot since i was born even when i was in the womb actually so ive mastered it. Its still stressful and i still pack more than i need but i like that comfort barrier of extra underwear etc. Haha.

[@susanwhaley370]

Hi Erica. Well done on the packing...good luck for when your kids are teenagers😁!! I would like to ask you some hoarding questions but I don't want to come across as judgemental or impertinent. I am a pack rat and trying to understand where it started from. Please let me know if I may ask them. Thank you and enjoy your trip.🐕

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

You might be able to dm her on other socia media. She also has a website.

[@susanwhaley370]

@@greatauntlizbethg9137 Thanks

[@shegoeslightly]

Check out the pakt one bag Erica it was redesigned by the minimalists 😊 one day you will declutter so much you won't even own packing cubes! ❤️

[@judyavants7387]

When we would go camping to a cabin for a week we would carry enough clothes if we needed I would was clothes. That was when my 2 sons was little.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Awesome!

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

I usually overpack. I find it hard to be minimal with travel, especially with kids.

[@ThinkInk1604]

Yogi Bhajan: Travel light, live light, Spread the light, be the light. 🙏🏻

[@annayouells2859]

When you slipped into the screen....it was shades of myself

[@minnesotagal507]

Awesome sauce hahaha

[@skyiscrying]

I don't want to buy packing cubes, I'm thinking of using the big resealable clear storage bags from dollar tree. Has anyone tried them?

[@AtHomeWithJill]

When we go to my sisters in Montana for a week we pack SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH and then I have to waste an entire day packing and finding everything before we leave to come back home while everyone else spends quality time together 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@lindathorsell976]

💕

[@aliciacassio4215]

May have sounded like a lot of devices, but not really for a family of 5.

[@janesmith572]

EXTREME DECLUTTER || Declutter the Crawl Space Part 1 || MINIMALIST, your little boy quickly came to your help. will you check his left eye with an optician 5,24 and 5.31.. sorry to communicate like this l didn't know how else.

[@judyavants7387]

Will he be out?

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Nope! One more tour. :)

[@judyavants7387]

Where are you moving too. Be safe. Thank you for your service.