When I was preparing to go on exchange in Singapore, I was very nervous about the packing. I knew I wanted to travel after the semester, and I knew I wanted to do so with a backpack - not a huge suitcase. But I had never managed to pack light before (I'm the person who brings two bags for a weekend at my parents'...). So I knew I was in for a challenge! I researched how other people had packed for their trips. I read blog posts and packing lists and how-to guides on packing light and I felt super optimistic about it... until I opened my closet! What about all these clothes that I love? What about all these bathroom and beauty products? WHAT ABOUT MY SHOES?!

 

 

It's safe to say that I loved the idea of travelling light - the sense of FREEDOM, not being so dependent on my stuff, getting around more easily... I could think of so many benefits from packing less, but I trembled at the thought of potentially leaving "important" things at home. 

 

Eventually, I did leave Sweden with just those two bags in the picture - a 65 litre backpack and a smaller one for carry-on. I didn't think I was one of those people who could do it, but I did! That being said, I have replaced the smaller backpack with a slightly bigger one to make room for things I aqcuired during the exchange. I also sent some things home in the post... Like textbooks and notebooks and other school things that I wouldn't really want to log around during my travels.

 

Anyhow, let's get to what we are here for, shall we? Below, I've listed some general guidelines and tips that I found really helpful. 

 

• Research where you are going and evaluate your needs
  
  Now, this one is actually pretty obvious. But checking the weather forecast and climate profile of your destination(s) is not enough! Depending on the purpose and length of your trip, you need to make adjustments. I found that the backpacking lists I read did not really suit my needs, since I was going away to study needed to be able to dress well, not just comfortably.
  
  

• Realise the difference between needing and wanting
  
  Okay, you need t-shirts. But do you need 13 of them? Probably not! Trust me, it's worth bringing less. I'd rather wash and dry fewer clothing items more often than bring those extra shirts.
  
  
• Pack multi-purpose things
  
  Basically, anything that can double as something else is a good thing! 2-in-1 shower and shampoo bottles? Sweet! Tights that can be worn when working out, partying or sleeping? Perfect!
  
  Side note: I've realised that dresses are the ultimate garments! They can be worn alone AND they are supercomfortable to sleep in. I hope to see a greater variety of styles on the market in the future, so that it's easier for those of us who don't have a traditionally feminine style to find dresses we are comfortable in! I'm not going to discuss the (ridiculous) concept of gendered clothing in detail, that's another post. Just wanted to express my appreciation for the comfort of dresses!
  
  
• Pack clothes that go together
  
  The majority of clothes that I brought are black, white or grey. Getting dressed has never been quicker.
  
  
• Don't pack your favorite clothes (or do, BUT...)
  
  This is a tricky one. I do see why it's tempting to bring ALL YOUR FAVORITES because they make you feel SOO GOOD when you wear them and that's what we all want, right? Yeah. But beware - you might need to get rid of clothes when you travel. For example, some of my white tops ended up with permanent coffee and/or chili stains, and I had to leave my black hoodie in Bali in order to fit the souvenirs I bought. It was fine though, because I decided not to bring any items that I couldn't stand to lose or leave behind.
  
  
• Visualise the relief of a job well done
  
  Take it from me. I spent all this time researching and trying to be conscious, and still I wish I would have brought less! As I'm sitting here at an airport, mid-transit, with tired shoulders and an aching back, I keep thinking that it would have been worth it to pack even lighter...