Packing for a holiday can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to stay organised and avoid facing overweight baggage fees on your flight. Fortunately, there’s a foolproof approach that helps you pack just the right amount by balancing outfits and essentials without weighing down your suitcase.
This is where the clever 5-to-1 rule comes in, a simple method popular for its ease and efficiency. This packing method first made rounds due to a famous blogger named Geneva Vanderzei, and travellers who follow it say they feel more prepared, less cluttered, and much more relaxed. And now fashion expert Alison Lumbatis (@alisonlumbatis) has taken to Instagram to further explain how this method exactly works.
Beginning her video, Alison said: “If you struggle with overpacking and want to create a great capsule wardrobe packing list, you’ve got to try this method. It’s called the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, and it is as easy as it sounds.
“All you have to do is pick out five tops, four coordinated bottoms, three pairs of shoes and two layering pieces and one of anything else, like a dress, pyjamas, a hat, a belt or any other accessories you might need. And then, of course, pack as many undergarments or toiletries as you need.”
She continued: “The key is to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched that work for whatever activities you have planned during your trip.
“Bonus points, if you want to take this a step further, you could even take photos of yourself wearing the outfits or pictures of the flat lay pieces and keep that on your phone or your notes app so you can refer back to it during your trip.”
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method summarised
- Five tops
- Four bottoms
- Three pairs of shoes
- Two dresses (or outerwear)
- One signature accessory
This method isn’t strict
If you prefer dresses, swap out a shirt and pants for a dress. The key is to stick to a specific number of items, so bend the packing rule to fit your desired wardrobe. The packing method is also suited for a seven-day trip, said Alison.
To make the most of this packing method, choose a coordinating colour palette so all your clothing items can be mixed and matched effortlessly, reported Sourthern Living.
Opt for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that are easy to pack and won’t need ironing on arrival. Using packing cubes is a great way to stay organised and make the most of your suitcase space.
Does it work?
On Reddit, holidaymakers discussed whether this packing method actually worked for them. One person shared: “It was my introduction to packing lighter. My comfort zone is now a 5-3-2 model—five tops, three bottoms, and two shoes.
“I have done several six to eight-week trips to Europe using this approach. My next trip will be to Bali for seven days in April. I think I will have more to take to Bali than I ever do to Europe! Humidity, swimming, no access to laundry (or will to do laundry).”
Another person admitted: “I never found the ‘original’ 5-4-3-2-1 to be a great fit for me: five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two dresses, one accessory set. I always liked the concept of it, though, and I tweaked it for my own preferences. My usual pack consists of:
- Five tops (typically three T-shirts, two tank tops)
- three bottoms (typically one pair of pants, two skirts)
- Two dresses
- Two pairs of shoes
- One bag (either a crescent bag or a fanny pack)
“If I’m going to a hot destination, I will add two layering pieces for sun coverage: linen long-sleeve button-ups and one hat. If I’m going to a cold destination, I will drop the two dresses, change bottoms to two pants only and change my tops up: three sweaters (of varying weights), three t-shirts, one long sleeve.”