Packing For Travels The KonMari® Way

Now that travel has resumed in most parts of the world, I know that writing this post would be helpful for many of you who want to be intentional with their packing and not carry more than you really need to (even if your luggage allowance is generous!)

The KonMari® Tidying categories start with clothes, followed by books, papers, miscellaneous items (komono), and finally sentimental items. I use these categories as a guideline when packing my things so I’m on track to pack what is required. I love that packing for travel heightens my sensitivity to what gives me joy during my travels and focus on taking only the essentials. It also helps that there are limitations both in physical boundaries (travel luggage dimensions) and luggage weight that determine what I can bring along.

As Marie Kondo says, “Evaluate the items you have chosen and ask yourself if they will spark joy, make you feel at ease and contribute to your well-being once you reach your destination”.

START WITH A VISION & PLAN

Before you start packing your suitcases, I encourage you to make a simple list. If you’re a pen to paper person or prefer digital notes, make either one at least a week before you depart. I usually have ‘brain dumps’ a week prior to traveling and feel comforted knowing that a solid planned list can make even last minute packing possible. Yes, I know packing can be a daunting task for a lot of us (more than the actual travel itself) but trust me, “the proof is in the list” (ahem, pudding).

I research how often I can do laundry in my travel destinations and plan the amount of clothing I bring accordingly.

I also like checking the weather forecasts in the cities we will be traveling to to help with planning the right clothing + accessories as well (winter wear, swim wear, rain gear etc.). I try and borrow as much as possible from friends & family at home or once we reach our destination because we don’t use winter clothing at all in Singapore. With my children’s growing needs, it feels wasteful to buy new stuff when they’d outgrow them anyway without giving them much use at home.

CATEGORISE YOUR ITEMS

I always start packing my cabin baggage first followed by my checked bag. This allows me to prioritise remembering the important things that needs to be taken with us. I usually carry a backpack as well as a small carry on suitcase for my cabin baggage.

I would encourage you to use packing cubes like the ones here and fold/store vertically using the KonMari® folding techniques here and here wherever possible to maximise space and also to visualise your beloved items with ease. I personally love packing cubes a lot as they act like little drawers and can even be placed on the floor if you don’t have enough closet space in your travel destination. Unpacking with these is super easy as well!

CABIN BAGGAGE

Carry On Suitcase

• Clothes (extra set)

• Books: journal, reading

• Komono: travel pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, toiletries (in a clear silicone bag), face masks, hand sanitiser, sanitising wipes, medicines (including basic first aid), menstrual pads, toothbrush & toothpaste, phone & laptop chargers with travel adapter

Cabin Baggage

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Chargers, eye mask, ear plugs, medicine pouch, toiletries, wallet, passport holder, book for reading, sanitising wipes & hand sanitiser, surgical face masks

Backpack

• Papers: passport, visas, vaccination certificates & other travel documents

• Komono: wallet, pen

CHECKED BAGGAGE

I prefer having a flat lid suitcase for my travels to minimise how much I pack in my checked baggage. I used to love the hard shell variety that allowed more of my things to be packed on either side of it but I realised that the bag used to not only get too heavy but also encouraged packing more than what was necessary for the trip.

Here’s what I pack for 1 week or more:

• Clothes

Tops (5 tees and 2 blouses), bottoms (2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of joggers), inner wear (panties, bra tops, socks), outerwear (1 denim jacket, 1 sweater), activewear (2 sets of tops and leggings), 1 swimwear set, 3 nightwear sets, 1 hat, 2 belts, shoes (1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of flip flops), jewelry (4 versatile necklaces & earring pairs), 1 sling bag, 1 pair of sunglasses

Checked Baggage (Clothing)

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Activewear, tops, nightwear, innerwear, bottoms, socks, belts

• Komono

Toiletries: makeup (lip balm, lipstick, concealer, eye pencil), skincare (day/night creams, sunscreen), haircare (soap and shampoo bars), dental care (floss, toothpaste, toothbrush), body care (lotion bar, deo), feminine hygiene (stainless steel razor, menstrual cup+pads, intimate wash). I have this kit from IKEA that I use to refill my favourite products from home.

Laundry-related: laundry soap bar, delicates liquid detergent wash, collapsible silicone container (for handwashing)

Medications: pain killers, supplements (lactase and vitamin capsules)

Checked Baggage (Komono)

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Laundry board & pegs, menstrual pads, makeup, silicone laundry container, jewelry, dental care items, shampoo & conditioner bar, skincare products, laundry soap bar & delicates wash

I follow the same list for my children too and they help with packing their own things (please do this WITH them and avoid packing when they’re asleep however young they are. Children learn through observation and by involving them in daily life activities. Let’s not deny them these opportunities to learn important life skills. Have reasonable expectations and be patient! I know it’s not easy but you’ve got this.)

I trust this post was helpful to you and makes planning your next trip simple. Do share and leave me a comment below on what your travel tips are!