Say goodbye to checked-bag fees forever—you’ll have everything you need (and more!) with the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method
What Is the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method, and Why Do Travel Pros Swear by It?
Published on Nov. 05, 2024
I spend about 150 nights on the road each year, so you might assume I’m an expert packer. While I’ve come close to perfecting my pack, there’s always room for improvement—a harsh reality I often face when I’m halfway around the world and realize my trip would have been so much better if I’d packed my [insert the one item I’ll spend the rest of my trip regretting that I didn’t pack].
For the past few years, I’ve been relying on more of a capsule wardrobe packing plan. This is basically a collection of clothing and accessories that I can mix and match to make several different outfits because it’s built around a coordinating color palette. Recently, I was introduced to a more streamlined version of this—called the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method—and I’m a convert.
Read on to find out what this TikTok-beloved packing method entails and how to pack quickly and easily before your next trip. Trust me when I say this is a game changer!
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What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, exactly?
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is a simple technique for women popularized by blogger Geneva Vanderzeil a few years ago that recently found new life—and legions of new fans—on TikTok. Simply pack five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two dresses and one set of accessories in a carry-on bag. (And, of course, don’t forget your undergarments!)
@genevavanderzeil Packing using my 5,4,3,2,1 packing guide! #54321packingguide ♬ original sound – Geneva Vanderzeil
As Vanderzeil notes, “the goal is to pack as little as possible while still having heaps of outfit options.” She resurrected this method for an overseas work trip that had multiple flights on the way to her destination, which was “a whole lot of opportunity to lose your bag.” Watch how she packs for her trip in this TikTok video for inspiration. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes the perfect solution.
Why do travel pros love it?
I love the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method for a few reasons: It’s easy to remember, it ensures I always have a variety of outfits to choose from on my trips, and it really helps me avoid overpacking (something I was notorious for doing years ago). When I use this method, I rarely come home with unworn garments because each item was purposefully chosen and crucial to the entire collection’s overall success.
For example, on a recent trip, I brought the following in my Beis carry-on roller bag:
- 5 tops: 1 white T-shirt, 1 black T-shirt, 1 pink dressier top, 1 black blazer and 1 denim jacket
- 4 bottoms: 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of black trousers, 1 floral skirt and 1 pair of beige-colored pants
- 3 shoes: 1 pair of white sneakers (worn on the plane), 1 pair of black heels, 1 pair of beige sandals
- 2 dresses: 1 black midi length and 1 jumper
- 1 set of accessories: 1 black clutch, 1 jewelry bag (OK, maybe this is a loophole, but it’s a smart one!) and 1 pair of sunglasses
I was able to make about 20 outfits with this combination, and it didn’t feel like I was obviously repeating pieces. For instance, adding the denim jacket or black blazer over the black midi dress completely changed the look—during the daytime, I paired it with my sneakers or sandals, and at night, I switched to my heels and clutch.
What else do you need to make this work well?
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method does take a bit of strategizing ahead of time to ensure you have enough variety to meet the needs of your trip’s itinerary, whether you’re packing for a cruise or European vacation. Here’s what I suggest:
Coordinate colors
I try to stick to a lot of black, white, beige and denim and then add in a few pops of color. Sometimes this is with a multicolored skirt or top, but it could even be with accessories. (I’m not shy about bringing a hot pink bag instead of a black one, for instance.)
Map out your outfits
Before I start packing, I lay out all the options I’m considering on the bed, then start putting them into mini piles as I compare them to my trip itinerary. Do I have a few dressier items and matching shoes for evenings? Comfy clothes and footwear for daytime activities? Have I thought through layers based on the weather? If anything is unaccounted for, I will discover it in this phase and have time to adapt my selections accordingly.
Accessories can make a big difference
If I’m going on a beachy vacation, I’ll bring a sun hat, swimsuit and tote bag. If I’m going somewhere cold, my accessories might be mittens and a couple of colorful scarves as my pop of color. And for jewelry, I always wear a few delicate pieces in my everyday life and then bring a couple of statement pieces to zhuzh things up for a fun brunch or a swanky lounge at night.
Bring some detergent
If I’m going somewhere hot and humid, as I did on my recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, I know I won’t be able to re-wear my sweaty shirts. Since I’m bringing only five, I always pack a travel-friendly bottle of Woolite so I can handwash a few key garments in the hotel sink.
Wear the bulkiest items en route
If you’re going somewhere cold and bringing bulkier items—like a winter coat, boots and a thick sweater—wear them on the plane. Otherwise, they will take up too much space in your bag, making it hard to fit everything else. In this scenario, I’ll usually swap out my dresses for more base layers and might even skip a third pair of shoes in favor of a second jacket.
How many days will a 5-4-3-2-1 wardrobe last you?
This largely depends on your destination’s weather. If you’re going somewhere with a colder climate, this could last for two weeks or more because you can re-wear everything several times. However, for hotter climates, this combination may last only six or seven days before you’re forced to do a little laundry.
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this story on the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, Jill Schildhouse tapped her experience as a travel writer and an avid traveler who spends approximately 150 days on the road each year. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
