Intentionally Packing: How to Travel Like a Minimalist
Traveling soon? Wanting to limit your packing list without feeling like you’re forgetting something? Let’s help you out a bit with these packing questions and tips!
When it comes to packing for a trip, I take a minimalist approach to keep things simple, organized, and stress-free. On our recent trip to Florida with my in-laws, I focused on packing intentionally—bringing only what we need while making sure we’re prepared for both fun and relaxation.
This blog post invites you to actively assess what you truly need to bring with, and explore how to pack intentionally without extra baggage to truly enjoy your vacation.
Video: How to Pack Light Without Sacrificing What You Need
If you’re a mama struggling to visualize what simple packing for you and your kids looks like, check out this video below!
3 Key Questions Before Packing
Before I start packing, I ask myself these three essential questions:
What’s the weather going to be like? Checking the forecast helps me pack appropriate clothing and avoid overpacking unnecessary items.
What type of activities will we be doing? I consider the plans we have—beach days, sightseeing, or casual family outings—and look for outfit overlaps to minimize what I bring.
Is there a washer and dryer where we’re staying? If so, I can pack fewer outfits and plan to do a quick load of laundry. If not, I check if there’s a clean, well-rated laundromat nearby.
My Travel Essentials
For the Airport
Snacks prepped and ready (because snacks solve so many problems): beef sticks, GoMacro bars, lollipops, carrots, sandwiches, etc. All in an attempt to hit the sweet, salty, and savory categories. bonus points if there’s healthy options throughout—but also, calories don’t count in the air, haha.
Tablets: they are in hiding and only come out on travel days. I’m not going to sit here and say these things are wonderful. I don’t love my kids being on screens, but on a travel day it’s a YES for us. They literally don’t make a peep unless they are hungry 😂. Funny, yes. But they also aren’t touching all the germs in the airport or wrestling in their seats.
Branch Basics travel-size cleaner + hand sanitizers (the travel kit is so convenient—$20 for peace of mind!)
In My Carry-On
I keep my carry-on organized with packing cubes and bring only the essentials:
A mom-proof swimsuit (so I feel comfortable and confident).
Sun hat and sundresses for effortless, breezy outfits.
Araza coconut cream foundation for a natural, healing (essential for post-sun exposure) and non-toxic glow.
Blue, relaxed-fit maxi: This dress is such an easy, relaxed, yet elevated pick for me.
The OG long-sleeve 2-piece set: This has been my favorite travel wardrobe staple for years. It’s relaxed but can easily be dressed up if needed—comes in so many colors too!
Perfect Supplements chocolate collagen: My boys already eat a TON and we will be even more active on this trip, so I’m coming prepared. This chocolate collagen mixed in a glass of milk is the perfect tie-over for them(and me).
The perfect soft green set: dress it up, dress it down, this set is such a pretty color and easily one of my favorite outfits to throw on during the warm weather.
Play Nine: you bet we packed our favorite card game. This is our favorite one to play with our boys at the moment!
Equip protein powder for quick, nourishing snacks.
The boys' Crocs (easy to slip on and off)!
Mom-Approved Minimalist Packing Tips
Let’s explore some practical techniques to help you pack your bags!
Stick to a Color Palette
Packing within a limited color scheme ensures that everything matches, making outfit combinations easier and reducing the number of items needed. Since getting my color analysis done (I’m a soft summer/soft autumn), I’ve found that sticking to my best shades makes packing even easier—everything coordinates effortlessly, and I feel my best in the colors that suit me most!
Packing within a limited color scheme ensures that everything matches, making outfit combinations easier and reducing the number of items needed.
Choose Multi-Purpose Items
Clothing that serves multiple functions (e.g., a sarong that can double as a beach cover-up or a light blanket)
Versatile footwear (e.g., sandals that can be dressed up or down)
Minimalist skincare (e.g., Honey Hippie Tallow, which works as a moisturizer, lip balm, and even a soothing treatment for minor cuts)
Kids' items that pull double duty:
Muslin blankets (great for warmth, sunshade, or a nursing cover)
Reusable snack containers that can also store small toys or crayons
Quick-dry clothes that double as swimwear
Lightweight backpacks that can be used for both travel days and outings Items that serve multiple functions save space—like a sarong that can double as a beach cover-up or a light blanket.
Limit Shoes to Two Pairs (Unless a Third is Necessary)
A comfortable pair of walking shoes and a versatile pair of sandals should cover most activities. If there's a specific activity that requires a third pair—like hiking boots for a mountain trip—bring them only if absolutely necessary.
Finding Peace While Traveling
Travel can be stressful, but I remind myself to stay present and enjoy the moments. One way I do this is by meditating on scripture. Here are a few verses I’ll be keeping close:
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." — Isaiah 26:3
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." — Psalm 56:3
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28
"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7
If you need some additional peace on a stressful travel day, I cannot speak highly enough of Organic Olivia’s Peace Juice spray. 6 easy spritzes and those herbs get to work fast.
Packing with intention makes traveling smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or anywhere in between, I hope this helps you simplify your suitcase while still feeling prepared!
Do you have any go-to travel tips or minimalist packing strategies? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear!
~ Margaret
Top Minimalist Packing Questions I’ve Received
How do I avoid overpacking?
Stick to a capsule wardrobe, use a packing list, and remind yourself that most things can be purchased at your destination if needed.
What if I need to pack for different climates?
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane and layer lighter pieces for versatility instead of bringing separate outfits for each temperature change.
How can I pack light with kids?
Focus on essentials, bring mix-and-match outfits, and minimize toys by choosing compact entertainment like coloring books or audiobooks. Remember, these new sights and experiences will also entertain your kids!
What’s the best way to keep my suitcase organized?
Use packing cubes, roll your clothes instead of folding them, and designate specific areas for toiletries, shoes, and clothing.