You may think traveling for a week to a cold climate is impossible when you are limited to a small carry on bag. I, however, am here to help you with this issue. I am pretty good at packing if I may say so myself and I have some tips and tricks that can help you become a packing pro as well.
1. Plan your outfits
You have to plan. You don't have the option to take more than you need. Look up the weather conditions and think about what clothes you will need for that weather. Do you need rain boots, snow boots, can you bring your long wool coat or do you need a waterproof jacket? Ask all the questions and make a list of items you have to take but also the items that will have no use on your trip. Pay attention to what you wear at home in those same conditions and go from there.
2. Put everything on your bed.
Now that you have made your list of everything you need put it all on your bed. Really look at what you have and see if you can't leave something behind. One outfit a day is enough, you can wear a pair of jeans more than once and if you are not a sweaty person you can wear sweaters for more than one day too.
3. How do I pick my outfit?
Some small tips in picking your outfit
- Layer! A turtle neck layered under a thinner sweater is warmer than just a bulky sweater
- Wear tights under trousers. Jeans are not the warmest option and take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Wear your jeans on the plane and pack some thick fleecy tights to wear under thinner tousers which you do pack in your suitcase!
- Never underestimate the power of a good blanket scarf. You can wear it on the plane and it will keep you nice an toasty all week long. Same goes for hats and beanies.
- Bring only one shoe option. Unless you plan to go out every night and you need some dressy shoes, there is no need for more than one pair of shoes.
If you plan on bringing snow boots I can also understand you want some comfy sneakers, so go ahead and bring those too.
- Make sure you have a really warm windproof coat. This will make all the difference!
4. Packing your suitcase.
Roll your thinner items like t-shirts, tights, trousers, and skirts but fold your sweaters as flat as possible. pack bulkier items in between your clothes to save space.
My packing list for a 5-day trip:
Clothes:
- 5 turtlenecks (1 worn on the plane)
- 1 pair of jeans (worn on the plane)
- 4 sweaters ( 1 worn on the plane)
- 1 pair of cool trousers
- 2 pairs of fleecy tights
- 1 thin pair of tights
- 6 pairs of socks
- 6 pairs of underwear
- huge blanket scarf
- beanie
- waterproof coat
- gloves
- sneakers
- leggings and t-shirt to sleep and chill in
Other:
- laptop
-camera
-chargers
- journal
- planner
- tripod
- pencil case
- travel documents
- toiletries
I also made a video on what I packed for Berlin
I will link it here.