So, before I told you how to pack light but NOW I want to tell you how to pack everything you need using as little space as possible. I don’t know about you but when I go somewhere, if possible, like to bring everything I want and need for me to be comfortable.

Here’s some backstory on the inspiration for this post:

In Summer, 2017, I went on a study abroad trip to Europe. We started in Rome, Italy, and made our way up and through Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Cool right? But there was a catch: we could only bring a suitcase that was no more than 22 inches tall, including the wheels, and I don’t remember how wide it could be, but it wasn’t much to work with. Basically, we had to be able to fit our bag in the overhead of a train.

So, you mean to tell me that I can’t bring my hairdryer, curling iron, straightener, shoes for every occasion and not to mention all of the cute European outfits I had planned for an entire MONTH???? When I told my mom about these restrictions, we looked at each other in the eye, laughed a little bit, and knew we were going to make this happen.

The good news is it was summer so I didn’t need to bring along any heavy jackets or boots, AND my mother is brilliant & had a bunch of ideas to utilize every inch of my bag in the best way:

1. FREEZER BAGS

Okay, hear me out. Have you ever used a vacuum seal? Well, this is the same concept but with your clothes & freezer bags. We packed as many folded items of clothing into the freezer bags and then we sat on them. This lets all of the air out and when you think you cannot get any more air out of the bag, zip it on up WHILE you are still sitting on it. This shrinks your clothes SO MUCH. It saved me so much space to be able to pack an extra pair of shoes or the totally adorable romper I wasn’t sure was going to fit.

2. Her second idea was to order TRAVEL ORGANIZERS.

Not that many containers were able to fit, but she found these awesome (and adorable) travel boxes for my jewelry, intimates, and documents on Amazon!

Check out some similar ones linked below! Click on the photos for the links*

3. PACKABLE WINDBREAKER.

I was traveling from southern Europe up through the northern and eastern parts as well, so I was glad I brought a pair of jeans and this amazing windbreaker!! I wore it any time it rained or when it was chilly; it was worth it, especially since it takes up virtually no space and I could even throw it in my purse!

If you have any more packing tips I would love to hear them! I am always going on trips here and there that require a small bag so it is always helpful to hear what other people do in these situations!

Stay safe out there!

xoxo,

Chloe

*Product images courtesy of amazon.com