With the ballet of vacation departures, suitcases often fill up faster than they close. Between outfits for the beach, evenings and sporting activities, luggage quickly turns into a headache. To avoid excess weight at the airport or a car trunk that no longer closes, a solution is increasingly appealing to summer travelers: the 5-4-3-2-1 method. Popularized by Geneva Vanderzeil, it is based on a clear rule: voluntarily limit the number of articles per category to concentrate on the essentials. This minimalist approach, designed for stays of up to ten days, has since won over fans of light travel.
How to apply the 5-4-3-2-1 rule
Concretely, the method consists of bringing five tops, four bottoms, three dresses or jumpsuits, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits and two bags, then a single hat and a pair of sunglasses. This base can of course be accompanied by underwear and a toiletry bag, but the idea remains to eliminate the superfluous. Geneva Vanderzeil advises opting for pieces that are versatile and easy to combine in order to multiply the possible outfits without increasing the volume. Travelers can also adjust these figures according to the length of stay, while maintaining the basic principle: voluntarily limit themselves to avoid excesses.
Tips to save even more space
Beyond clothes, weight reduction also involves the toiletry bag. If the accommodation provides towels, shampoo or shower gel, there is no need to take them with you. Some prefer to buy their hygiene products on site to free up space. It is also possible to reduce the number of underwear if you can wash them easily during your stay. For seasoned travelers, the method can even be adapted to carry-on luggage, by swapping a pair of shoes for more accessories or technical clothing.