With the ballet of vacation departures, the suitcases are often filled faster than they close. Between the beach outfits, evenings and sports activities, the baggage quickly turns into a puzzle. To avoid the excess weight at the airport or the car trunk that no longer closes, a solution is increasingly seduces 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 focus on the essentials. This minimalist approach, designed for stays of a maximum of ten days, has since conquered the followers of the light trip.
How to apply rule 5-4-3-2-1
Concretely, the method consists in taking five tops, four stockings, three dresses or combinations, 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 toilet bag, but the idea remains to remove the superfluous. Geneva Vanderzeil advises to opt for versatile and easy -to -combine parts in order to multiply possible outfits without increasing the volume. Travelers can also adjust these figures according to the duration of the stay, while retaining the basic principle: voluntarily limited to avoid excess.
Tips to win even more space
Beyond the clothes, the reduction in weight also involves the toiletry bag. If accommodation provides towels, shampoo or shower gel, no need to take them. 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 the stay. For experienced travelers, the method can even adapt to a cabin baggage, swapping a pair of shoes against more accessories or a technical garment.