Going on vacation is exciting. But packing for a vacation? Not so much. I'm an overpacker, so I spend a ton of time stressing about what to bring, ultimately decide to bring everything, and then regret it when it's time to lug my heavy suitcase through the airport or up a flight of stairs at the hotel. When I heard about a new TikTok packing trick that promises to simplify the process, I was intrigued.
TikTok creators and travel pros alike love the 5-4-3-2-1 method. It makes it easier to decide which items truly earn their place in the suitcase, and which ones you're bringing "just in case." According to experts, applying a formula rather than just panicking and packing a ton of unnecessary items makes it way less stressful to get ready for a trip. It's easier to use this strategy when you know the climate in your destination will be relatively consistent, but it can still work even if you're anticipating a variety of weather scenarios. After all, the formula still allows you to bring multiple pairs of shoes and more than one layering piece (like a raincoat!). You can be prepared for anything while still keeping your suitcase light.
Creator Alison Lumbatis, @alisonlumbatis, shared a video to the platform highlighting the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method. She explains that when you are preparing to pack for a trip, “all you have to do is pick out five tops, four coordinating bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two layering pieces and one of anything else like a dress, pajamas, a hat, belt, or any other accessories you might need.”
The practice essentially allows you to create a travel capsule wardrobe of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits that will serve the activities of your trip. So, instead of packing 10 outfits for a week of travel, you will have a lighter suitcase filled with only essential items.
Commenters were quick to weigh in on the “genius” hack.
“I’m a travel advisor and this would be great to share!🤩,” one person said. “I’m loving 🥰 this, pick only the favorite pieces,” another added. “This is genius!,” a third person shared.
According to Alison, packing this way should benefit trips lasting “1-2 weeks depending on access to laundry.” She also included the tip to take photos of the outfit pairings so that you can reference them again during your travel.
If you ask me, this hack might just be a game changer for my future vacations.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
