Has anyone taken this course on packing light?

I've discovered on several recent trips that I'm very good at packing light. Unfortunately, however, I'm very bad at returning home equally light. What I really is not a course on packing light, but a course on how not to buy so much.

There are many fine, free resources on packing light (including on this very website). I can't imagine $200 would be worth it.

Haven't heard of that person but there are countless free resources on packing light, including this website. You might take a look at Sarah Murdock (former RS guide) and her many free videos about packing light on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXSEKQ0Tc2Lpu1tWszJ-WMGOMSMwCv2xZ

Oh, yes, I remember Sarah--I watched some of her excellent videos several years ago. I see there are more videos than I remember. I'll check them out!

I can’t imagine paying money to teach you how to pack light. As referenced above, Sarah Murdoch, is awesome,

It’s not about packing, but a mindset. We did three weeks this spring with only carry on a RS tour. You have to realize that nobody cares what you are wearing and you don’t need a new outfit every day.

Mother Duck, I bought some Wool& merino clothes. People who like them do 100- or 30-day challenges, where they wear a garment for an allotted period of time and change it up with accessories, different sweaters, etc. They've said that even in their ordinarily setting, people don't realize they are wearing the same gear every day!

There are so many knowledgeable and creative posters on this online community eager to share their packing tips and suggestions. I see no need to pay anyone $200.

I agree with Mother Duck. Half the battle of packing light is mind set. The other half is being thoughtful in what you pack.

I guess it might help to know where and when you are going. For how long and what you plan to do.

I'm going to London and Lewes, East Sussex, at the end of May/start of June. I'll be visiting museums, doing a little shopping (I'll try to control myself!) and going to some galleries. I don't do any sort of outdoor activities other than just walking around. I'll be gone for 10 days.

I see no reason to pay $200 for a packing lesson. That’s the cost of two food tours! I don’t believe that there is anything an influencer can teach you that you can’t learn on your own.

There’s lots of free info on RS website:
For women: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/travel-classes/monday-night-travel/packing-skills
For men: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks/packing-light-right
Forum packing posts from the past year: https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=1y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Packing+light&utf8=%E2%9C%93

Make a packing list of everything you plan to take, leave nothing out not even aspirin. It’s the extras and what-ifs that add the extra weight. Set a weight goal for your suitcase (or backpack) and personal item. Do a test pack. Weigh and measure your bag(s). Redo list, repack, remeasure and reweigh. Repeat until you’re satisfied.

Ask the forum as you make your packing list. There is no right or wrong because we all have our own style. Packing light is as much a mindset as a skill.

Here’s my packing post about last year’s 31 day trip to England and Ireland. It might give you a few ideas even if I did over pack a bit. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packing-trip-report-england-and-ireland

Are you ok with sink washing? I can’t remember from your previous trips.

What are the wool items you purchased?

For 10 days here is what I would take including my in transit outfit:

2 pr long pants (wear 1, pack 1)
If there is warm weather predicted, a pr of capris
3 short sleeve shirts (wear 1 pack 2)
1 long sleeve shirt to wear over the short sleeve shirts. I take a dri-fit quarter zip. (Wear on the plane)
3 underwear
2 bras
3 pr socks
Pjs
Waterproof rain jacket
2 pr of athletic shoes
Electronics and chargers
OTC meds
Prescription meds
3-1-1 liquids
Pouch of non liquid toiletry items - hair brush, toothbrush, etc

Make a packing list that works for your needs which may or may not be similar to mine! Pack to the list.

Do I remember that your husband sticks in emergency items at the kast minute or was that someone else?

Do you have lists of what you've taken before and remember what worked or what you didn’t have out of the suitcase?

I hope the forum will save you $200!

Hi Sandra, your post made me smile because I will be doing a packing demo for a group of ladies in my community this Saturday. If you bring an appetizer, you could join us! : )

The comment about mindset is good.

I took Sarah Murdoch’s advice seriously about weighing every single item on a kitchen scale. For example, I pick out 5 shirts I like in my closet. I weigh each one, and the 2-3 lightest go onto the guest bed - my “holding area”. There can be a big difference after weighing shoe options, toiletry kits, etc.

For the plethora of misc. items that want to go with you on your trip, modify the question - “Do I need it?” Instead, ask yourself, “Can I get along without it?”

After getting everything narrowed down, be sure to make a line-item packing list. I print two of them - 1st one for a trial packing a week before & do a total weighing (13-14 pounds max), and the 2nd one is the final pack where each item gets checked off as it is placed in my bag. Nothing extra gets to be added at that point.

Hope that helps!

Something that helps a lot for deciding how many shirts/dresses and pants to bring if you really want to pack light:: determine the number of items based on how quickly a dirty item can be back in your inventory. I only wear clean clothing. I have a dress that I can wash in the sink, and it will be dry in a few hours after rolled in a towel & on a hanger. I actually wore it every other day when I was in southern Italy because it looks nice with a pretty necklace or some scarves, and it feels great. (I was traveling solo & moving locations often, so no one knew!). That’s an extreme case, but I think you will get the idea. Your marino wool could be worn more than once, so you could figure out how often & also how long it takes to dry.

My understanding is that Tic Toc in particular but YouTube, too, have decreased payment for views on videos. Selling courses on Tic Toc and YouTube have become the new way to monetize those channels. Ergo, $200 packing courses.

Just one more thing - just because an item of clothing is touted as great travel clothing (e.g., merino wool) or is lightweight doesn't mean you'll like wearing it, or that it fits, or that it is worth taking up space in your bag. I have learned if I don't like the fit/feel of something at home, I really won't like it traveling. So make sure you've worn (many times), washed, and liked everything you pack too. Chances are you have much of what you need in your current wardrobe.

And another resource is Vivienne Files, she has good suggestions for color palates and capsule wardrobes (though not always lightweight/travel materials): https://www.theviviennefiles.com/

I agree with Jean and CL. I'm getting better, but I still find sometimes I'll bring something that I end up not wanting to wear, regardless of how practical or pretty it might have seemed when I packed it. That leaves me with less to wear from what's left in my bag, so something that can dry overnight gets worn more often. I also like to purchase everyday clothes when I'm traveling so that helps me not overpack as well, at least when I leave home. Right now I'm wearing an undershirt I got from Uniqlo in France that's paper thin, but surprisingly warm.

As far as learning to pack light, I used to watch the videos by Sarah and others, but honestly I've gotten better and more specific advice on this forum.

I find it's the non clothing items that can really weigh you down.

Toiletries-the 3 oz. travel size shampoos , etc... are usually more than you need for a 2 week trip. Decant everything. Contact lens cases are perfect for creams and serums when you only need a drop a day. Olay face clothes instead of liquid wash.

Tech stuff-consolidate cables and use tiny USB adapters, update any old, clunky power banks or power adapters, rethink what you really will use.

First aid & medical supplies-outside of prescriptions, bring just enough pain reliever, bandaids or whatever ... to get you through a day or two. There are pharmacies just about everywhere.

Laundry-pack for 7-10 days and then visit the laundromat. In and out in about an hour and chat with the locals or pay to have it done. Use laundry sheets instead of liquid soap.

These are just some ideas.

Knock an ounce off here and there and pretty soon you'll save several lbs.

I'm in the same class as Lane. I'm great at packing light on the way there, but I have a tendency to buy too many souvenirs, gifts, crap, and then have to bring it all back. Although lately I've gotten better. I just keep telling myself that whatever I buy has to be small, and I've been sticking to it. That helps for the return journey.

With regards to getting there, I agree with everyone that said a $200 course is just ridiculous. We all know what to do; it's doing it that's the problem.

I usually start pre-packing early and pull out a number of things I am interested in taking but haven't narrowed down yet. Then I start weeding everything until I get down to what I will pack, although I'm usually weeding items until I close the suitcase for the final time. For example, I may pick up something I already decided I would take, look at it and think, "No, this is too heavy" or "I won't wear it," and toss it off to the side.

During this process, I weigh the suitcase (at least two to three times), because my goal is to get it no heavier than 18 lb, which is doable with my carry-on, which weighs 5.4 lb. Sometimes I might let it shift a few ounces on the plus side, but that's rare. It does help that I've lost weight and that I'm down two sizes. If I were my daughter's size, I could pack twice as much and still make the same goal. 😂

And then once you have it packed, pick it up and lift it above your head a few times or even more. Pretend you're doing strength training for your arms, and calculate how easy or difficult it will be to get it into one of the upper bins. If it works, pat yourself on the back for packing light!

All of these great tips and strategies gathered here are already worth more than $200 !!

Agree with everyone on the thread - $200 to "learn" how to pack light is $200 that could be used on lots of other more fun stuff! And you already have access to everything that "course" is offering, for free. Here (and other places).

Things to focus on while packing: 1) you don't need ALL THE THINGS. 2) no one will notice you are wearing the same shirt you wore 2 days ago. 3) handwashing is your friend here (and Europe has those great towel warmers for drying! And sometimes clotheslines in the shower! Or you can bring your own). 4) you are not going to an uninhabited desolate area with no shops, if you forget something.

I pack a carry-on and "personal item" (usually a small backpack) for trips from 5 days to 3 weeks. Coming home with more stuff is easily managed with a light foldable tote - carry-on becomes a checked bag for the trip home, tote with goodies goes in the overhead bin, personal item under the seat.

You got this!

"but I still find sometimes I'll bring something that I end up not wanting to wear, regardless of how practical or pretty it might have seemed when I packed it."

I had to laugh at this comment from KRS! Oh yes....I have to battle the inner me in my head that says...."Oh I could see myself in Paris in this" when it's totally not practical. Sometimes I realize my head is in some kind of book fantasy and I need to get my practical self to speak up, hahaha!

On my last 2 trips I've gone the other way and under-packed by 1 shirt. Both times I needed another long sleeve shirt. The first time I did it, it was on purpose. Last Fall it was accidentally because I have 2 pink tees from Lands End...one long sleeve and one short sleeve. I thought I was pulling the LS one off the shelf but got the SS one instead AND September was unusually cold for Paris so I was chilly at times.

I also do as Jean does and weigh everything as well.

...it's rather expensive (about $200, which includes access to a private online community, various lists, etc.)...

You have access to this online community which has many, many members who are more than happy to share tips, lists, and etc. In my opinion, there isn't any reason at all to spend $200 when the members of this community are available for free.

As someone mentioned above, it's about a mindset. It can be done. We routinely go to Europe for three weeks at a time (and even cruises) with just a carry on and personal bag each. If you don't get enough ideas from others, let me know and I'll share my packing list.

Save the $200 and spend it on a personal splurge that you've always wanted.

P.S. Many (not all) You Tube Influencers are, in my opinion, barely more than digital con men out to make a buck while giving little in return.

For the trip you described, I wouldn't bother even trying to pack light. The primary purpose of light packing is to be able to easily move from one place to another, as one does on an RS tour. You're only moving one time during your trip. I assume this will be done by direct train. Pack 10 days worth of clothes you want to wear and enjoy yourself. Definitely don't pay someone $200 to make you feel guilty about taking your favorite things (and bringing back more--just make sure you leave room in your bag). Life is too short for this kind of nonsense.

I do have to tell you though that I was taking a trip which only involved two trains when I vowed to pack lighter. I was having trouble lifting my suitcase over my head.

I started with getting a new lighter suitcase which eliminated several pounds. So I would start there.

Then do consider what your goals are. I want to carry on and be able to manage my luggage. I still do not still pack as light as some here. Even for 10 days, for example, I would have three pair of pants.

And I am perfectly happy not packing ultra light.

My curiosity kicked in and I googled Brooke and “Baggage Freedom Express.” I found Brooke’s website (just google her name or the course name) and found this course description: “A 5-day masterclass to help you free yourself of excess baggage. Learn how to pack for a week in just a personal item.”

Just a personal item - not a tote bag and a 21” carry-on spinner which is what I consider traveling light. I think this would be considered ultra-light packing.

And overkill !!!

Pam, Yes, I am fine with sink washing. Also, my Airbnb in Lewes, where I will stay for the final five days of the trip, has a washer/dryer and a drying rack. Last year, I caught myself in the drying rack as it folded. My landlady said she caught her HEAD in it once.

My husband is guilty as charged. Last year I managed to convince him that I didn't need all the tech extras and it worked out fine.

So far I'm very happy with the merino clothes I bought. I've been wearing them to work. I have yet to handwash anything, though. I'm going to get a bottle of Eucalan, a no-rinse detergent that many merino wearers like. I'll see how it goes.

Everyone, thank you for your input. I'll be saving my $200 for something nice. I do keep notes on what I packed and I can see that last year I once again had too many clothes, and a couple of items did not make it out of the suitcase. I'm also paring down on toiletries--I'll buy hair items (such as mousse) when I get to the UK.

Here's part one of my course on "How to pack light." No charge.

To begin, make a packing list. There are dozens on packing lists on the internet. Look at a few and write down anything you might consider taking on your trip. Don't think about packing light just yet. If you might want to take it write it down.

Once the list is complete, put it away and go do something else.

The next day, or a few days later, get the list and a pencil. Go through each item and ask yourself the following questions:

Will I use it? (If no, go on to the next item and cross it off your packing list. If yes, go on to the next few questions)

Will I use it enough to warrant carrying it for the entire trip?

If I need it, can I easily buy one at my destination? ( I quote I once heard was if I can get it within a few hours and it costs less than $20, leave it home.)

Am I just taking it for a "what if" situation?

Is there something better/smaller/more useful I could take instead that might do double duty?

Be tough on yourself. It's difficult to do the first go around. That's right, the first go around. You didn't think it would be that easy did you?

Put the list away. In a day or two, get everything on your list and spread it out where you can see them...the floor, a bed, a table, whatever. Pick up each item and ask yourself the above questions.

When you're done, and you may need another round or two, you will have your packing list.

Another key to packing light is laundry. Yes, if you want to pack light, you will have to do laundry. Figure out how many days worth of clothes you can manage with and make sure each piece mixes and matches with the others.

One thing to keep in mind......I'ts not finite. I've been a light traveler for over 30 years. I'm still learning as I go and I make changes along the way.

I’m laughing here. I bet this influencer just collates information on YouTube, Rick Steves packing forum, etc.. Why buy in to this (literally) when you can just participate in this fun forum? Private community of packers! Prefer a public community like this one. Rick Steves folks are my kind of people.

Packing light - get a small bag and force yourself to use it. Make the choices necessary to make it work.

Sun Baked in Florida: Oh my goodness...perhaps you are right! That's too funny!

Yes, I have. I actually did my class during the pandemic. It was the first time she did it and I want to say it was maybe $30. Maybe $40? Anyway, it didn’t matter to me. I was stuck at home and the course was primarily about very light packing. We all chose a small bag (smaller than a personal item) and planned a trip packing very minimally.

Would I do it today for $200? No. However, it was great fun during the pandemic and I still pop over to the site but not as regularly as I used to do. I am part of the private community.

Sandra, I’d be happy to share with you more about what we did for our sample packing project (it was an interesting experiment and has helped me a lot with my personal item only packing lists).

Just reach out to me in a message.

Panda

I've been a follower of Colin Fletcher for more than 50 years. He was my backpacking guru, and his influence still runs strong with me. Get a copy of The Complete Walker and make adjustments for more modern technology and you cannot go wrong.

I have been a long time reader of Brooke Schoenman's web site/blog, Her Packing List. I have found her site useful for backpack reviews as well as inspiration--some of the contributors pack much lighter than I do. I would not, however, pay for a course when I can find the same information on her web site, this forum, and several other places.