10 Ways to Lighten Your Luggage in Winter
1. Wear Your Bulkiest Pieces on the Plane: Your heaviest coat, warmest sweater, and winter boots earn a one-way ticket onto your body—not your luggage. It instantly frees up space.
2. Pick One Color Palette: Choose coordinating neutrals so every top works with
every bottom. This avoids the “just in case” outfits that inflate your suitcase.
3. Rely on Layers, Not Bulk: Thin thermals, fleece leggings, and light sweaters keep you warm without hogging space. Layers also adapt better to unpredictable temperatures.
4. Limit Shoes to One Everyday Pair + One Dressier Option: Winter shoes are heavy. Pick your most versatile pair and wear them while traveling. The second pair should be lightweight and compact.
5. Choose Travel-Friendly Fabrics: Merino wool is warm, resists odors, and rarely needs washing—meaning you can bring fewer items overall.
6. Swap a Thick Sweater for a Lightweight Puffer Vest: A puffer vest packs down incredibly small yet adds surprising warmth when layered under a coat or over sweaters. 7. Roll Accessories, Don’t Pack Extras: A warm hat, gloves, and scarf take little room but add lots of comfort. Stick to one set that works with all outfits.
8. Use
Packing Cubes Wisely: They compress clothing and keep items organized so you can see what you don’t need
before zipping up the suitcase. 9. Wash While You’re on Vacation: Bring only a couple of pairs of jeans and refresh them as needed. Tops take up far less space, allowing you to look different every day without multiple heavy bottoms.
10. Check What Your Hotel Already Provides: Before packing, see if your hotel offers shampoo, conditioner, lotion, a hair dryer, and other basics. If they do, skip bringing your own and instantly lighten your load.
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"I just had to write and say how much I loved
your December 4th issue of GON in 5 Minutes! Your simple, thoughtful ideas for giving back this season made me pause and rethink how I approach holiday kindness, not as a big to-do list, but as little, meaningful moments woven into everyday life.
I especially appreciated the practical tips like keeping a kindness basket ready and planning a volunteer shift right on my calendar.
I genuinely
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