Living out of your suitcase – an essential guide
Packing light is certainly recommended when travelling on a Trans-Siberian train. The Express is an iconic and unforgettable way to explore so many fabulous destinations, and whilst there’s the option to go classic or luxury, you won’t have the storage you enjoy at home. Living out of a suitcase is a fact of life for travellers who book flexible trips that take them to a variety of destinations and see them board several trains throughout their journey. There is an art to living out of one bag, however, an art that you can master courtesy of the following guide.
Pack smarter
Packing not just lighter but smarter is vital if you intend to live out of a suitcase during your trip. Although the facilities on a Trans-Siberian train have come a long way, you may not be able to wash your clothes as often as you like. Spend more time exploring and less time on laundry by packing a versatile capsule collection.
Many experienced travellers begin by selecting a colour palette that suits their destination and the season in which they’re travelling. Darker colours are better as they show up dirt less easily. Think about how clothes will work together, not just individually. Selecting items that can be worn multiple ways is another top tip. That scarf, for instance, could be used to turn a casual ensemble into a dressier outfit, or as a travel-friendly headscarf. A scarf could also be used as a travel pillow or blanket for added comfort throughout your journey.
Stay organised
The trick to living out of a suitcase is staying organised. Resist the urge to toss unfolded and/or dirty clothes into the mix. Packing cubes are great investments for people wanting to stay organised on the go as frequent traveller Nathaniel Fried explains:
“These cubes compress your clothing so that they take up less space and also allow you to store the same items together without having to search through your entire bag for something. I use three packing cubes when I pack my backpack. One for all of my bottoms – pants, shorts, and dresses and another one for all my tops. The third one I use for all of my undergarments, scarfs and swimsuits.”
Bring extra bags
Ziploc bags are another excellent investment for those wishing to live out of their suitcase with ease. As well as helping you organise your luggage before you jet off, they can help you manage the items in your bag en route.
Use these Ziploc bags to separate your dirty laundry and to keep worn shoes away from your clean clothes. Don’t let your Ziploc laundry bag get too full; keeping on top of your washing will ensure a fresh supply of clothes throughout your trip.
Keep essentials to hand
The essentials you use every day, such as your toothbrush and toiletries, should be handy. You don’t need the fuss of rooting through your suitcase every time, so make sure they’re at the very top of your bag for easy access. The same theory applies to your camera, phone, paperwork, and cash. Organising your clothes the night before and storing them at the top of your suitcase so they can be grabbed quickly is also well worth the effort.
