What an Essentialist Packs in Her Suitcase (That Might Surprise You)
It might not all be essential either...
You might assume that someone who wrote a book about choosing less would pack light. And of course, I try to avoid overstuffing my suitcase. But being an essentialist doesn’t mean bringing nothing when I travel. It means being intentional about what goes into my bag.
For me, these items earn their space because they make travel smoother, calmer, or just a little more comfy.
Here’s what I never leave behind, even if they’re not “essentials” in the typical sense:
1. Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
I’ve tried to be the cool girl who trusts the hotel minis, but I’m not her. My skin is sensitive, and it’s easier to stick with what works. I like flexible bottles that squish down a little to save space and have labels or colors so I know which is which.
2. A travel book sleeve
Because a crumpled paperback is a crime. Whether it’s a novel, a proof copy of Let’s Choose Less, my Kindle, or just something comforting, I always pack a book. My sleeve protects it and holds my pens, journal, and tabs too. I found mine on Amazon, but there are lots of cute options with buttons or fun fabric. The best part is having all my reading things in one spot, ready to grab.
3. My Nodpod sleep mask
If you’ve never tried a weighted eye mask, I highly recommend it. It’s sleep magic. On my last trip, a blinking hotel smoke detector light could’ve kept me up all night, except I had my mask. This one doesn’t have elastic to tangle your hair, and it’s machine washable. I love that it helps me settle down but doesn’t stay on all night.
4. A travel-size sound machine
I didn’t start using one until I had kids, but now I can’t imagine traveling without it. It blocks out hallway noise, elevators, and mystery hotel sounds so I can actually rest. Some really small and powerful ones on Amazon are perfect for tossing in a bag.
5. My tiny medicine box
Just the basics, pain relief, allergy tabs, something for digestion. I never think I’ll need it, but I always end up grabbing something for someone. It’s nice not to carry full bottles, especially now that my kids are old enough to take pills. Being prepared brings peace of mind.
6. Kindle and journal
I journal most mornings—whether it’s a funny memory, a moment with my kids, or something I’m processing. And while I love a real book, my Kindle is unbeatable for travel. It’s compact, easy to load up with library books, and perfect for squeezing in reading time wherever I go.
7. Workout clothes
Even if I’m not sure I’ll use them, I feel more like myself when I move my body. A quick walk, stretch, or jog helps me settle in and enjoy wherever I am. Some of my favorite memories while traveling have come from seeing a new place on foot.
8. Water bottle
Insert millennial joke here about the emotional support water bottle I never leave behind. But really, travel is dehydrating, and having water with me always helps me feel better. I love my Yeti, but whatever you like, bring it along.
Packing as an essentialist isn’t about taking less to take less, it’s about bringing what matters.
These small comforts help me feel more like myself, wherever I go. And to me, that’s worth the suitcase space every time. Links are in each of the titles if you want to see which ones I like to use!
What do you always pack, even if it’s not exactly “essential”? I’d love to hear.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d love for you to subscribe for more thoughts on simplicity, family, and living with intention. And if you haven’t grabbed a copy of Let’s Choose Less yet, you can find it here. It’s full of gentle ideas for creating more calm and connection at home, no perfect packing list required.