Criteria for Lightening Your Suitcase by Removing Unnecessary Items
The Real Reason Your Bag Is Heavy
Use the “Days - 2” Formula for Clothes
Many people pack 4 tops for a 3-night, 4-day trip, but in practice, “number of days minus 2” is enough. In other words, for 4 days, 2-3 tops and 1-2 bottoms will do. You can make up for anything missing with one evening of sink laundry, cutting volume and weight by nearly half.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| Use the “Days - 2” Formula for Clothes | In other words, for 4 days, 2-3 tops and 1-2 bottoms will do |
| 3 Questions to Ask When You Hesitate to Remove Something | Can you buy it locally for under 5,000 won? |
| Weight Savings by Item | Short key point |
| Final Check After Packing Everything | After packing your bag, carry it and walk 5 laps around your home |
- Tops: travel days - 2 (e.g., 4 days → 2-3 tops)
- Bottoms: 1-2 neutral-colored pieces that pair well with your tops
- Underwear and socks: enough for the number of days + 1 spare set
- Outerwear: only 1 piece; one moderately warm piece is lighter than several thin layers
3 Questions to Ask When You Hesitate to Remove Something
- Can you buy it locally for under 5,000 won? If so, leave it behind.
- Have you actually used it on any of your last 3 trips? If not, take it out.
- Does its weight or volume exceed the size of two palms? If so, look for a smaller substitute.
Weight Savings by Item
| Item | Common weight | How to reduce it | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toiletries | About 600g | Use 5 separate 100ml containers | About 350g |
| Books and magazines | About 400g | Use an e-book or bring just 1 book | About 300g |
| Shoes | About 800g (extra pair) | Use only the 1 pair you will wear | About 800g |
| Charging cables | About 200g | Use 1 multi-cable | About 120g |
Just organizing the items in the table can remove around 1.5kg. Extra shoes are especially effective to cut because they take up both volume and weight. If you transfer toiletries into containers of 100ml or less, you can also naturally meet carry-on requirements.
Final Check After Packing Everything
After packing your bag, carry it and walk 5 laps around your home. If your shoulder starts hurting quickly, it is still too heavy. Then open the bag again, take out the top 3 items, and ask yourself once more whether you really need them. Usually, at least 1 item can go.