The Secret to Becoming a Light Packer Is 54321 (2024)

The Secret to Becoming a Light Packer Is 54321 (1)

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If you're like me and packing gives you anxiety, you've come to the right place. If you're also like me and have been known to overpack, you've also come to the right place. My packing process has always started with a very detailed list and ends with several hours of actually putting things in suitcases. I've never been able to streamline my routine and end up second-guessing every outfit I write on my list and basically starting over. Needless to say, I'm always on the hunt for packing hacks that will actually work. While I usually plan to pack the exact amount of pieces I'll need for a trip, I rarely pack things that can be re-worn, and my shoe and accessory count is typically more suitable for a trip that's twice the length.

Becoming a light packer has always seemed like a pipe dream to me, but I recently came across a simple hack that holds the key to actually being a light packer—hence the title of this story. It's as simple as 54321. (Upon further investigation, I found that it's already viral on Pinterest.) Now, if you're a serial over-packer, this might take some getting used to, but it will change the way you pack.

The 54321 packing method means that all you need are five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories. Obviously, the actual items will vary depending on what season it is and where you're going, but the general number of items should remain the same. The key to succeeding at this method is choosing versatile items that can be re-worn and mixed and matched, so I advise choosing your items accordingly.

Keep scrolling for our version of the visual aid and to shop pieces to pack for each category this summer.

The Secret to Becoming a Light Packer Is 54321 (2)

5 Tops

Depending on the season, you'll want to pack a T-shirt, an appropriate jacket, a going-out top, a long-sleeve tee, and a cardigan (or another type of versatile sweater).

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Re/Done x Hanes

1960s Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

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Mango

Classic Trench with Bows

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Reformation

Canopy Top

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Comme Des Garçons

Stripe Tee

4 Bottoms

For bottoms, keep things simple and pack jeans, a skirt, a pair of pants, and shorts.

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J Brand

Jules High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

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Rails

London Print Midi Skirt

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Veronica Beard

Martin Pants

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H&M+

Denim Shorts

3 Dresses

As a rule of thumb, plan on packing a casual dress, a versatile slip dress, and something a little fancier.

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Everlane

The Japanese GoWeave Notch Shirtdress

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Beaufille

Palici Dress

3 Pairs of Shoes

A pair of flats, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of walkable heels should cover all of your travel footwear needs.

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By Far

Krista Leather Sandals

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Veja

V-10 Lace Up Sneakers

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Reformation

Belle Flats

2 Swimsuits

Even in the winter, you should always pack at least one swimsuit. You never know when a heated indoor pool will grace you with its presence.

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Leslie Amon

Thea Ruched Two-Tone Bandeau Bikini

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Solid & Striped

The Nina Belted One Piece

2 Bags

Do yourself a favor and pack bags that are big enough to hold your essentials and that you can wear either crossbody or as a belt bag (so that your hands can be free to take photos, naturally).

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Faithfull the Brand

Paloma Shoulder Bag

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Wandler

Anna Small Tie-Dyed Leather Belt Bag

Oneof Each Relevant Accessory

The last thing you'll want to spend your time doing when traveling is putting on tons of accessories, so don't bring them. Instead, stick to just the essentials.

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Ray-Ban

Narrow Icons Hexagonal Sunglasses

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Madewell

Short-Brimmed Canvas Bucket Hat

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Alighieri

Beacon Gold-Plated Pearl Earrings

Next up, six trends no one is wearing on vacation anymore.

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The Secret to Becoming a Light Packer Is 54321 (2024)

FAQs

The Secret to Becoming a Light Packer Is 54321? ›

Now, if you're a serial over-packer, this might take some getting used to, but it will change the way you pack. The 54321 packing method means that all you need are five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories.

What is the 12345 rule of packing? ›

Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.

What is the 54321 winter packing list? ›

Implement the 54321 packing method, which outlines the ideal way to pack light and is especially helpful when packing for cold weather. This viral hack contends that all one needs to pack on any given trip are five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two (dresses or handbags), and one each of small accessories.

What is the 5 4 3 2 packing rule? ›

Its version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method includes "five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes (a practical pair and a nice pair), and one swimsuit," though like the Times this formula allows the wiggle room to swap out accessories based on your destination and type of travel.

What is the 3 3 3 packing rule? ›

The concept of this packing rule is that you choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create more than a dozen outfit looks that fit easily into your carry-on.

What is the 3-3-3 packing method? ›

What is the '333 packing' method? The concept is fairly simple: Choose three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes to create different outfit combinations. The result is more than a dozen looks that fit easily in your carry-on luggage.

What is the golden rule of packing? ›

2: THE GOLDEN RULE

The heavier the item, the smaller the box! It's much easier to carry heavier items when they're in smaller boxes. Save the larger boxes for things that are lighter, but hard to carry on their own. Never over-pack a box.

What is the tightest packing method? ›

The Rolling Method

Tightly roll each clothing item into a log-shape and place it in your suitcase. Everything stays secure by placing each piece right up against the other.

How to become a light packer? ›

Our best tips for packing light:
  1. Choose the right luggage.
  2. Don't skip the packing cubes.
  3. Opt for multi-functional fabrics.
  4. Pick versatile pairs of shoes.
  5. Adjust your body care routine.
  6. Travel hacks are a game-changer.
Apr 15, 2024

What is a light packer? ›

You've Never Have A Hard Time Carrying Your Luggage. Giphy. Exhausting yourself by lugging a heavy suitcase around all day long is not how you roll. If you wanted a workout, you'd be at the gym lifting weights. You're a light packer, which means all of your stuff fits into a backpack or small duffel bag.

What is the 3 1 rule for packing? ›

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

What is the 5 1 rule for travel? ›

For every 1 trip you want to take, say no to 5 materialistic items. How? People who prioritise travel say no to impulsive shopping, fast fashion, expensive alcohol, gourmet food orders, 100s of beauty products and makeup.

What is the 1 5 rule in traveling? ›

For every 1 trip you want to take, say no to 5 materialistic items. How? People who prioritise travel say no to impulsive shopping, fast fashion, expensive alcohol, gourmet food orders, 100s of beauty products and makeup.

How many pants for a 2 week trip? ›

It is best to have two pairs of bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts) for each week that you'll be staying. Plan on bringing four shirts per week, and two jackets to layer for warmth (if you're traveling to a cool or cold destination). For a two-week trip, you need four bottoms and eight tops.

How many outfits for a 5 day trip? ›

For a 5 day vacation, you will want to bring 2-3 pairs of shorts or pants, 3-4 tops, a light jacket (or a heavy jacket, depending on where you are traveling), and 1 formal outfit if you are planning on attending a nice restaurant or event. If you are going to the beach, pack 2-3 swimsuits/trunks.

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