Packing a small suitcase

So when I started packing for Europe I kinda got overwhelmed. Nick bought this awesome Patagonia bag that could be a shoulder bag or backpack and had a million pockets. I wasn’t so keen on the idea but after talking to a few friends our usual carry on roller could be rough with the cobblestone streets and never quite knowing where you might need to walk so I started working on whittling down a list. I tend to pack a ton of basics and mix and match but this time I really had to get rid of a lot.  Here are my tips:

1. Try everything on and take pictures and see how much you can mix and match. I was lucky to have some help from my fashion guru mother in law and she showed me some fun ways to use a scarf (to tie it differently or use it as a swimsuit coverup).

2. Try and find stuff you can layer. We are traveling to London, Italy and Switzerland with a wide range of temperatures. Layering will be key, plus it will allow for different looks on the same day.

3. Consider comfort. As much as I want to look good you still have to consider comfort. We walked 32,000 steps and 12 miles on our first day. As much as I didn’t want to wear tennis shoes I’m so glad I brought them.

4. Choose basics and neutrals. As you can see I don’t have a ton of color this time but that way I can wear it with almost anything else in my suitcase. I choose to have some leopard prints and my pop of color.

5. Roll your clothes. By rolling and keeping in categories you can fit more and stay more organized!

Good luck! This is so much harder than I thought! I will update it as I decided what works and what didn’t!