Choose the least amount of clothing necessary.
When planning a trip to the United States, the first step in lightening your luggage is to choose the minimum amount of clothing you will need. Use as few pieces of clothing as possible during your trip, while still maintaining a focus on comfort and functionality.
First, check the dates of your trip and the climate of your destination. This will clarify what type of clothing is needed. For example, light T-shirts and shorts will work well in New York City in the summer, while warmer clothing is essential in Chicago in the winter. By choosing clothing appropriate for the season and weather in this way, you can eliminate unnecessary items.
Next, choose basic items that can be worn in a variety of styles. For example, a single, simple white shirt can be used as is for casual wear or with a jacket for formal wear. In addition, items in neutral colors or solid colors can be easily combined with other clothing for a variety of coordinates.
In addition, we also recommend the idea of a "3-day" clothing set. This method involves bringing only three days' worth of your favorite coordinates, which are then washed and used over and over again. This will greatly reduce your overall luggage and make it easier to move around.
Finally, regarding accessories, avoid large, bulky items and bring only small, lightweight items. It is also helpful to pack them in a waterproof pouch to prevent them from being lost.
Thus, if you keep your choice of clothing minimal and multifunctional, you will be able to stay comfortable and stylish during your trip to the United States. Above all, the most important thing is to create an environment that allows you to focus on creating new experiences and memories on your trip. To that end, try practicing minimalist packing techniques.
Utilize multifunctional items
A very effective way to lighten the weight of your luggage when traveling in the United States is to utilize multifunctional items. A multifunctional item is a single product that has multiple uses, thereby reducing the number of items you need to carry and the overall weight of your luggage.
First, multifunctional clothing can be very useful while traveling. For example, we recommend stoles and large scarves that can be used as warm clothing. These can be used as blankets on airplanes or as sun shades on sunny days. Reversible jackets and pants are also useful. One outfit can be worn in different styles, so you can change it up depending on your mood or the place you are visiting.
Next, multifunctional bags are another item to look out for. There are types that can be used as both a backpack and a tote bag, as well as those that fold up small enough to be used as a sub-bag. Such bags are convenient when traveling and allow you to pack only what you need for the day and go light.
And let's not forget multifunctional gadgets. There are chargers and batteries for smartphones and charging cables that can handle multiple devices in one device. Such gadgets not only save space, but also provide peace of mind in the event of a sudden loss of charge.
Lastly, multifunctional cosmetics are also important, such as BB cream and CC cream, which combine the effects of foundation and sunscreen, and can save makeup time. Also, cosmetics that can be used as both a lip and cheek cream can be used to adjust the entire complexion with just one cosmetic.
Thus, by choosing multifunctional items wisely, you can make your overall luggage much lighter. The extra space will allow you to pack souvenirs and other items that will become new memories. This will make your trip more comfortable and lighter.
Do not bring items that can be purchased locally
When planning a trip to the U.S., one of the most important points to keep luggage to a minimum is the concept of not bringing items that can be procured locally. This will greatly reduce the amount and weight of your luggage.
First, there is no need to bring daily necessities and consumables that are easily available in your travel destination. For example, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are often provided by hotels or available at nearby drugstores. In addition, many products are sold in small sizes or single-use types rather than large bottles, so using these products is convenient.
Next, it is also recommended to buy food and beverages locally. Especially in the U.S., there is a wide variety of supermarkets, so you can buy fresh fruit, snacks, and sweets locally to enjoy the unique flavors of the area. Bringing your own water bottle will also make it easier to stay hydrated.
Regarding medicines, you may choose to bring only the minimum necessary medicines from Japan and procure the rest locally. In this case, however, it is important to check the English names of the medicines beforehand, and if necessary, ask your doctor to write you a prescription in English.
It is also a good idea to think about souvenirs in advance. Rather than preparing a large quantity of souvenirs from Japan, choosing unique souvenirs that are only available in your destination will reduce the amount of luggage you need to carry, and the selection of souvenirs itself will be a fun part of your trip.
By adopting this approach of "not bringing what can be procured locally," you can travel light while eliminating unnecessary luggage. This approach is especially effective for long stays and itineraries that involve a lot of travel. We encourage you to take advantage of this point on your next trip to the United States.
Choose a bag made of lightweight materials
When planning a trip to the U.S., one of the most important tips for lightening your luggage is to choose a bag made of lightweight materials. You will be moving around a lot during your trip, and a heavy bag will make you tired easily, and some airlines have weight restrictions. Therefore, it is important to choose a bag that is lightweight yet durable.
First, let's look at the material. Bags made of nylon or polyester are recommended because they are lightweight yet water-resistant. Reinforced nylon materials, such as ripstop nylon, are particularly tear-resistant. Such materials are also resistant to rain and dirt, making them ideal for unexpected weather changes.
Next, consider the construction of the bag itself. Backpacks and suitcases with frameless designs or simple internal structures have less unnecessary weight and can therefore be packed with more luggage. Also, multifunctional pockets are convenient for organizing small items. However, be careful not to pack too much, as too much can lead to weight.
In addition, it is important that the size be comfortable for you to carry on your own. If it is too large, it may feel unbalanced even if you have only a few contents, and if it is too small, it may not hold everything you need. Therefore, it is also essential to choose the right size bag for your itinerary and the number of items you will need at your destination.
Finally, we also recommend that you actually try on the product in a store as if you were trying it on. It is a good idea to check every detail, such as the cushioning of the shoulder straps and handles. If you find the best lightweight bag for you in this way, you will be able to spend your time comfortably and efficiently during your trip to the United States. We wish you a safe and enjoyable trip!
Compact clothing in compression bags.
One ingenious way to lighten your luggage when traveling is to use compression bags to compact your clothing. This technique is very effective, especially on long-distance trips, such as trips to the United States. Using compression bags not only maximizes the space available in your suitcase or backpack, but also has the added benefit of keeping your clothes wrinkle-free.
First of all, what is a compression bag? It is a special bag that can reduce the volume of clothes and towels by removing the air after placing them inside. This makes even large quantities of clothes surprisingly compact. It is very easy to use. First, fold the clothes and place them in the compression bag. Then, simply remove the air from the zipper or valve and you are done. Some products require a vacuum cleaner or similar device, but in many cases, just pushing the bag by hand is effective enough.
This method is especially suitable for bulky items such as winter clothes and jackets. Also, if you can only carry a small bag, this method will fit a complete set of necessary clothing without difficulty. There is one caveat, however. That is the weight. Although compressed, it looks lighter, the weight of the contents itself remains the same.
This method is also very useful when returning home. Souvenirs and new shopping items, which tend to increase during a trip, can be accommodated without any space problems with this technique. However, if the souvenirs themselves are fragile, additional considerations should be made.
Last but not least, by utilizing these useful items, you will be able to travel stress-free on your trip. And most importantly, you will be able to enjoy every day of your trip in your favorite outfits. We hope you enjoy your wonderful trip to the United States with this minimalist packing technique that will lighten your luggage and your mind!
Reduce paper by going digital
When planning a trip to the U.S., one of the most important points to lighten your luggage is to reduce the amount of paper by going digital. The paper you carry with you while traveling can be surprisingly heavy and bulky. However, with the help of modern technology, many papers can be digitized and stored on smartphones and tablets.
First, save the confirmation of your airline ticket or lodging reservation that you received via e-mail on your smartphone. Many airlines and hotels allow check-in via QR code or barcode, so there is no need to print it out. Also, some apps can be set to allow offline access, so you don't have to worry about unstable Internet connections.
Next, we recommend that you digitize tourist information and maps. Instead of using bulky guidebooks, look up information about the destination in advance and save it as a list of favorites; Google Maps, for example, has an offline map function that can help you find your way around and eliminate the need for large amounts of paper maps.
It is also convenient to use apps to manage itineraries and itineraries. Google Calendar" and other itinerary management apps allow you to write down appointments and set reminders, so you don't have to worry about forgetting important appointments. In addition, notebook applications such as "Evernote" and "OneNote" can store not only notes but also photos and voice memos, so you can write down necessary information on the spot.
Finally, for reading materials such as books and magazines, e-readers such as the Kindle allow you to enjoy them without having to carry a large number of books with you. By going digital in this way, your entire luggage will be lighter and you will not be burdened when traveling.
These innovations will make your entire luggage much lighter, and you will have more space for souvenirs on your trip. We hope you will try it next time.