How to Travel with Only What You Need

True confessions: packing for this trip on the RV was one of the least organized or thoughtful processes I’ve done in a long while. All of my usual spreadsheeting aside, there were some unforeseen issues that put me on my back foot. 

The pants I had planned on taking needed to go in for emergency repairs the day before I packed. It wound up being colder and wetter than I anticipated and I definitely brought the wrong outerwear. In fact, my ability to pack anything like a cohesive travel wardrobe was completely reliant on my streamlined-nee-minimal closet of interchangeable neutrals. (Getting there was another long and tedious process to be analyzed on a different day.)

Besides having a curated closet that makes grab-and-go packing somewhat simpler, literally the thing only that got me through was my packing planner. 

I started using a diagram/chart planner thing several years ago to help make the most out of my suitcase. I used to put a whole bunch of nonsense in a giant bag and hope for the best on arrival. But carefully selecting each piece for maximum wearability over an entire trip has made travel infinitely easier. And I want to offer that possibility to you!

Get my FREE packing planner that you can use to chart out your trip - and maybe it will even help you cut back on excess to get everything into a carry-on! (Nothing against checked bags, though. Whatever makes your life easier!)

Here is my chart filled out for our trip to Georgia this week. As you can see, even though it will be a quick trip, there were some special circumstances that needed attention (i.e. TWO family gatherings 😅).

This worksheet is currently set up for a 5 day trip, but can easily be adjusted to accommodate a weekend jaunt or a longer sojourn. It’s also set up for a solo traveller, but you can also have a sheet for every member of your party if that floats your boat.

If you use it and find it helpful, share and tag me! Let’s use the hashtag #theunpackinglist to see where we are going and what we are taking!