When Matt and I started traveling together, I packed like I was moving to Mars. Three checked bags for a week. By trip three, I was paying overweight fees and hauling suitcases up six flights of stairs in Paris.
Now? Everything fits in one carry-on. For any trip longer than three days, here's exactly how I do it.
The Golden Rule: Mix and Match
Every piece of clothing must work with at least three others. This single rule cuts your packing volume by half.
My Europe capsule (spring/fall):
- 3 t-shirts (neutral colors)
- 2 button-ups (one white, one chambray)
- 1 cardigan
- 1 pair dark jeans
- 1 pair chinos
- 1 dress (for her) / 1 collared shirt (for him)
- 1 lightweight jacket
- Underwear and socks for 7 days
That's 10 days of distinct outfits in a footprint smaller than a shoebox.
The Rolling Technique That Changed Everything
Fold once, roll tight, stack vertically. This isn't just about saving space — it's about finding things.
The method:
- Lay item flat
- Fold in half lengthwise
- Smooth out wrinkles
- Roll tightly from one end
- Pack vertically (like books on a shelf)
Why vertical? You can see everything at once. No more digging through a pile while your passport sits on the hotel desk.
Shoes: The Great Compromise
Shoes take up more space than anything else. My rule: pack two, wear one.
The trinity:
- Walking shoes — Comfortable for 20,000 steps. I swear by Allbirds Tree Runners.
- Versatile casuals — Loafers or clean white sneakers work everywhere from coffee shops to nice dinners.
- Wear the bulk — Whatever's heaviest lives on your feet during travel.
Toiletry Strategy: Solids Over Liquids
TSA's 3-1-1 rule isn't changing. Work within it:
| Solid Alternative | Saves |
|---|---|
| Shampoo bar | 3oz liquid space |
| Solid cologne | 2oz liquid space |
| Toothpaste tablets | Carry-on friendly |
| Bar soap + tin | More space than body wash |
I buy mini versions of liquids I can't replace — sunscreen, contact solution — and keep them in a clear quart bag that never leaves my suitcase.
Electronics Minimalist
One charger cable with USB-C ports. One wall adapter. Portable battery. Done.
I used to pack chargers for every device. Then I realized: USB-C charges my phone, earbuds, portable battery, and kindle. One cable, everything powered.
Laundry On the Go
Extended trip? Do laundry:
- Hotel sinks work — Dr. Bronner's castile soap cleans everything
- Laundromats are everywhere — In Europe, they're called "launderettes" and cost about €4
- Vacation rentals with washers — Filter for this amenity and do laundry every 4-5 days
For longer trips, we cover more in our hotels vs vacation rentals guide—having a washer is one of the biggest perks of renting.
The Final Packing List
Here's everything for two weeks in Europe, spring or fall:
Clothing (packed):
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 button-ups
- 1 cardigan
- 1 pair jeans
- 1 pair chinos
- 7 pairs underwear
- 7 pairs socks
- 1 casual dress / collared shirt
- 1 lightweight jacket
Worn during travel:
- Walking shoes
- Comfortable pants
- T-shirt
- Light sweater or jacket
Toiletry bag:
- Solid shampoo, toothpaste tablets, bar soap
- Mini sunscreen, contact solution
- Basic first aid (bandages, ibuprofen)
Electronics:
- Phone, earbuds, kindle
- USB-C cable, wall adapter
- Portable battery
Everything else:
- Passport
- Debit card + backup credit card
- Umbrella (or buy when needed)
Total weight: 12 pounds. Total stress: zero.
One more tip: if you're arriving early for a flight or have a long layover, you can store your carry-on at luggage storage spots near major airports. Find luggage storage near you with Radical Storage† — convenient when you want to explore a city before your flight.
Ready to pack lighter? Check out our surviving long flights guide for what to do once you're on the plane.