A pair of black palazzo pants with three shirts mean three outfits for three meetings. That’s the kind of theory behind how I pack my traveling bag. My bag is never more than 3kg and many times, hotel baggage carriers ask if I’m sure that’s the only bag I have with me.

During my undergraduate studies, I was always stressed whenever I had to check in my luggage at the transport yard. I could have about three luggage bags, and that meant more luggage fees and three times worrying.

One bag even went missing one time, and I only realised when I got to campus. That day, I learned the hard way. I was so angry because most of the things I was sending to school were not going to serve me any purpose. Since then, I learned how pack very detailed for any occasion.

I make sure everything in my bag has at least a reason to be there and most importantly could serve me more than one purpose. I always have three constant things in my traveling bag; my pair of palazzo pants and shoes and then my girlie essentials which are all neatly arranged in a little pouch.

The varying additions are two dresses(one formal, one casual), 3 formal shirts and 4 casual t-shirts. If I realize that I have any bulky attire that would take up space in my bag, like denim, I make it my traveling outfit for the trip.

According to my girl maths, pairing the palazzo with the 4 t-shirts and three formal shirts means I have 7 different outfits. Three for formal meetings and 4 for casual gatherings. I could also pair them with the jeans I wore for the trip, meaning plus another 7 different outfits and 14 in total from just a few clothes.

This is my packing template and I always make sure I pack the right clothes for the right trip. You might be wondering, okay what about hand bags? Well, I barely pack handbags for trips because mostly, all I need is my phone and tiny purse, and of course my hands do a great job carrying them.

Traveling can be stressful and I enjoy it anyways. To make it easy and fun, I just do it with less luggage. The type of peace that comes with having control over your luggage when traveling is really unmatched. And once you find it, there’s no going back.