How To Pack a Light Backpack in 30 Minutes

Warning! There is a shocking fact I want to share with you: Most of my friends don’t know how to pack a backpack in 30 minutes. I cannot understand why it is so difficult for some, and probably for you too, but I will try my best to explain the simple logic I use.

My friends, amateur travellers, and all people, here is how you pack a suitcase in 30 minutes.

1. Check the weather online

Yes, it takes about 5 minutes, and it will help you sort out the useless things you want to take with you.

I prefer to use AccuWeather. It is usually extremely accurate, but it can also fail. It doesn’t matter which website you use; just take a look at where you usually check the weather. I recommend checking the hourly forecast to know how to organise your outfits.

2. Count the days

Most of my friends need their entire closet when they travel somewhere. I say you need to count those days, and that’s how you get the number of shirts you need. If it’s more than seven days, then you will have to wash some stuff or wear it twice.

3. Clothes

Get the clothes out of the closet. You need the number of t-shirts you counted earlier, of you can add one more. Just one! And if it’s less than one week, one pair of pants will do. You can wear that when you travel and save some space.

If you are going somewhere warm, pack a pair of shorts, too. And the essentials: socks and underwear—one for each day, but no more than seven. Learn to wash your stuff, and you will save so much space. I use the washing machine when I get the chance. I’ve done this while Couchsurfing. You’ll be surprised by the people’s goodwill.

4. Toiletries

Three words: Travel-size kit. So there are two options for this.

You either buy travel-size versions of whatever you use, shampoo and shower gel, and whatever body cream or lotion you may use, or buy a set of travel-size recipients and fill those with your products. I have small recipients from hotels, or I bought some and filled them with the normal-sized product package.

You need shampoo, soap, or shower gel, or you can use a shampoo for washing your hands and body and save space, a small toothpaste, a small perfume (I don’t use it, and save space), deodorant, and makeup. All of these must be in recipients smaller than 100 ml and fit in a 1-litre plastic bag if you are travelling by plane in Europe.

Other non-liquid toothbrushes include a shower sponge and a small towel. I’ve been in places where they don’t provide towels.

Keep your makeup bag light. There is no need for more than a face cream, foundation, powder, mascara, and a brush.

This is coming from a former makeup addict. I buy travel-size makeup, like powders and brushes. Also, when I’m travelling with checked luggage, I take my makeup in my carry-on because disasters can happen, and you don’t need foundation on all your clothes.

5. Shoes

The weather will tell you what shoes to wear, so I mostly have only the shoes I am wearing. For longer journeys where you walk a lot, pack another pair of good walking shoes.  Some people pack slippers too, but I don’t find it necessary; it depends on where you will be staying.

6. Accessories

Travelling light will mean you must ignore fashion calls and stick with basic stuff, which hopefully can be used for more than one purpose.

I usually include gloves, a hat, a scarf (which can also be used as a blanket), an umbrella, and sunglasses in this category.

7. Technology

A short list of my devices: earbuds, phone, charging cables, power bank, and watch.

And this is my shortlist of items to pack in your carry-on if you only have 30 minutes to pack!

The first time will probably take more than 30 minutes, but I am sure you will get things done quickly.