No matter whether you’re a control freak who has their whole life organized in to-do lists or you’re someone who prefers to relax and go with the flow, when it comes to packing for a trip you can’t help but worry about getting all the stuff you might need. If other popular packing methods such as the packing cubes or the rolling methods aren’t to your liking, today we’ll discuss a lesser-known but highly effective smart rule that will allow you to travel light for a long period of time.
The general guideline of the 123456 packing method stands for 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms like pants and skirts, 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 pairs of underwear. This, however, doesn’t include items like jewelry or swimming suits. Generally, this combination of clothes will last you for a week, but if you don’t mind wearing the same outfit over and over again and you can do laundry while traveling, then you’ll be good to go for as long as you want.
So what exactly should you pack? For the hat, a cap or a beanie, depending on the season, is the go-to choice, but we recommend getting a way more stylish and elegant Irish flat cap. It combines the versatility of a cap with the warmth and comfort of a beanie while also adding a dash of sophistication to any outfit. Moreover, an Irish flat cap for both men and women are perfect for the changing weather that you’re sure to experience regardless of the region you’re traveling to. As per shoes, grab your most comfortable and beat-up pair of sneakers that you’re sure won’t give you any blisters and also some other shoes that you might need depending on your destination, like flip flops if you’re going to the beach. Apart from a classic pair of denim jeans, grab a pair of dress-up pants or a skirt for fancy dinner dates, and don’t forget to pack leggings or shorts in which you can wander around the city and also go hiking. When it comes to tops, it is important that the tops you choose are made of lightweight and breathable fabrics that won’t restrict your movements in any way. Give preference to sweaters, hoodies, long-sleeve tops, and t-shirts made of natural textiles like cotton and merino wool.
Although it might not seem like a lot of clothes, if you stick to this packing rule you are sure to have enough outfits for traveling no matter what country you’re packing for. If you want to dress both practically and fashionably, choose clothes with a neutral color palette that are easy to mix and match. Also if the weather is getting chilly and you didn’t bring a jacket or an overcoat, you can simply layer your clothes. By sticking to the 123456 smart rule of packing, you will be able to travel only with a backpack or a duffel bag and you’ll be prepared for any unplanned trip you might want to take.
