Ever since my family KonMaried their clothes, it has been quite natural to start following the basic KonMari principles also while traveling. It was so natural in fact that I myself didn’t see it as anything unique until I started paying attention to people’s comments:
“Wow, you guys (meaning our family of four) are so quick coming in and out, I hardly saw you moving any of your baggage!” A friend who hosted us at their summer cabin for one night while we were road-tripping this summer.
“Hmm, this looks interesting, let me see a little closer. So neatly packed! Can you teach me how to fold clothes this way?” My father-in-law a few years ago. According to my mother-in-law, he has folded his clothes while traveling the KonMari way ever since.
Here’s how following the basic KonMari principles will help you while packing and unpacking, as well as throughout your travels.
PACKING
If you have already decided which of your clothes spark joy to you at home, it will also be easy for you to know what to take with you when you’re traveling - the clothes that you love and will actually wear.
From a KonMaried closet, it will be easy to see what you have, if anything needs washing or repairing before you leave, or if you need to purchase anything before your travels.
In a KonMaried closet, many things are already folded so you just grab them and move them to your suitcase. Super simple!
One of the main KonMari principles is to group like items together. Stick to this while packing. All t-shirts in a row, next to shorts, next to pants, etc. Have a separate section or a small bag for smaller items such as underwear, socks, and jewelry.
TRAVELING
One thing the KonMari Method is known for is the unique, upright folding method. When your clothes are folded this way in your suitcase, it is very easy to see what you have. No need to rummage through your baggage, just take one look.
For the same reason, you don’t necessarily have to take your things out of your suitcase for short stays. I like to hang my dresses and jackets, take out shoes and toiletries, and the rest can stay in the bag.
This way there is also less repacking when you’re heading back home or switching to another location.
I have personally tested this for you. On our latest seven-week travel we stayed at 3 houses, 3 summer cabins, 2 hotels, 1 apartment, and 1 ship. So yes, we got pretty good at repacking. And also yes, my three-year-old was ready to call quits on this whole trip. But we got to see so many beautiful places and people!
UNPACKING
Unpacking your belonging at the end of the trip can feel…uninspiring. I’ve noticed that the quicker I do it the less dreadful it feels. I like to unpack all my baggage either right away, or if I arrive at night, the next morning.
First, take all dirty laundry out and put it directly in the washing machine if you can or in the hamper if you’re unable to wash them right away.
Next, unpack one (sub)category at a time: take all shoes and put them back where they belong, etc.
When the suitcase is empty, remove any airline tags, make sure the suitcase is clean, and take it back where it belongs. Done!
Now it’s time to cherish all the memories made during your travels and maybe even start planning your next trip.
Where will you travel next?