If packing feels overwhelming, complicated, or like a battle between “I might need it” and “I know I won’t,” let me simplify everything for you.
This is the system I personally use to pack for any trip.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a 17-day Europe itinerary, or a long-haul adventure across multiple climates.
The whole method relies on just 9 essential item categories. Not 9 individual objects… but 9 types of items.
Once you learn how to think in categories instead of pieces, packing becomes shockingly easy.
Each category below counts as one item in the system, and you’ll see exactly how to use them.
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1. Your Carry-On Suitcase
Your suitcase sets the limits—and in the best way.
A carry-on gives you total control over your trip, prevents lost luggage disasters, and lets you pivot fast when flights get messy.
Look for something close to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 23 cm) so it works on most airlines.
Recommended carry-ons:
2. A Clothing Capsule (9–12 Pieces Total)
This is the heart of the system.
Your clothing capsule counts as one item, whether you bring nine pieces or twelve.
When you choose versatile pieces, they mix and match into dozens of outfits.
For cooler-weather trips, here’s an example capsule:
- 3 long-sleeve shirts
- 3 pants in different styles
- 2 t-shirts
That’s enough outfits for far more days than most people travel.
Why Merino Wool Makes This Work Even Better
One of the easiest ways to pack fewer clothing items is to choose materials that can be worn multiple times without washing.
Merino wool does exactly that.
It’s:
- odor-resistant
- breathable
- temperature-regulating
- quick-drying
- ultra-soft
- and it packs flat
I wear Unbound Merino pieces on every trip because they work in a capsule better than anything else I’ve found.
In this case, here are the perfect items to choose for this capsule wardrobe (pictured above):
- White button-up long-sleeve
- Black pants
- Jeans of your choice
3. Undergarments Bundle
All underwear, socks, and bras count as one item category.
I typically bring:
- 5 pairs of socks
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 2 bras (wear one, pack two)
These pieces tuck easily into the empty spaces in your suitcase.
4. Sleepwear
One pair of pajamas is enough, or two if you have space.
Wash as needed (I wash once per week when I travel).
5. Toiletries (Carry-On Friendly)
Your toiletry kit is one item, so the key is editing it down.
- Keep liquids under 100ml
- Focus on daily-use essentials
- Switch to solids where possible
- Decant everything
These are my favorite pouches for decanting your liquids.
And this is the toiletry bag I love using the most (it hangs from anywhere).
And always remember: you can buy nearly anything at your destination.
6. Shoes (Up to 3 Pairs)
Shoes get their own category, and I stick to three max:
Daily walking pair
Dressier or evening pair
“Flex pair” depending on destination: sandals, waterproof boots, etc.
Your bulkiest pair goes on your feet during flights!
7. Your Personal Item Bag
This goes under the seat in front of you and holds essentials, in-flight comfort items, and anything that doesn’t fit in your carry-on.
Under-seat bags I love:
Longchamp Le Pliage dupe (the $30 wonder)
👀 Related reading: Nomad Lane Bento Bag vs. Away Everywhere Bag: Which Should You Buy?
8. Your Tech Kit
Every cord, charger, gadget, and accessory counts as one item if you keep them together in a tech pouch.
Your tech kit might include:
- chargers
- power bank
- adapters
- earbuds
- Kindle or tablet
- camera (optional)
A single pouch keeps everything easy to grab during flights and security checks.
9. Your “Extras” Pouch
This is your ninth and final item.
I use the pink case pictured above and it holds small, important things:
- medications + supplements
- lip balm
- earplugs
- blister care
- stain remover pen
- bandaids
Watch the full video demonstrate this packing system!
More Ways to Help You Pack for Your Next Trip
The 3x3x3 Packing Method for Travel: How I Made 30 Outfits from 9 Pieces
9 Surprisingly Effective Packing Tips (For People Who Can’t Pack Light)
Have You Tried the 3-Ways Rule? It’s The Easiest Hack for Carry-On Travel
How to Pack for a 2-Week Trip to Europe in a Carry-On: The 54321 Method