The Art of Packing Like a Real Human (Backpacks, Suitcases, and Life in General)

There’s something about late summer that makes me feel like I’m constantly packing a bag. Whether it’s an actual suitcase for a quick trip, a backpack for back-to-school, or just the mental load of “don’t forget the water bottle, the sunscreen, the charger, and the snacks,” August and September feel like one long game of real-life Tetris.

But here’s the thing: packing — whether it’s clothes, lunches, or your calendar — doesn’t have to feel like a chaotic scramble. In fact, it can teach us a lot about minimalism, organization, and even self-love. And no, I’m not saying you need to fold everything into origami-sized rectangles (though if that sparks joy, go for it). I’m talking about packing like a real human: simple, practical, and sustainable.

Everything Goes with Everything

If you’ve ever played around with a capsule wardrobe, you already know the magic: you pick a few core pieces that all mix and match, and suddenly getting dressed takes about two seconds flat. No drama, no “does this go with this?” panic — it just works.

Packing for a trip can be the same way. When you curate what you bring, instead of stuffing your suitcase with 47 “just in case” items, you give yourself options that don’t overwhelm you. You know what else this looks like? Decluttering your home.

When you only keep the things you actually use and love — the pieces that “go” with your life — everything feels lighter. You open a drawer and it’s not a guessing game. You open your closet and it’s not a guilt trip. Minimalism isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating space for ease.

The Magic of “Mini Kits”

This year, while running around between school prep and travel prep, I stumbled into one of my new favorite tricks: mini kits.

Think about it. A lunchbox kit. A skincare kit. A “car chaos” kit for when your kid’s shoes mysteriously disappear between the driveway and the front seat. Having these little bundles of essentials ready to go makes life feel so much less frantic.

It’s the same reason I made a self-care binder for myself — a single spot where I can tuck away skincare routines I actually like, menu ideas for healthy eating (plus the snack/lunch brainstorms for my son), exercise ideas, and even a cheat sheet of everyone’s current sizes so I don’t buy too-small shoes in a rush.

It’s basically packing for life. You’re giving Future You a head start.

What Packing Teaches Us About Priorities

Here’s a truth bomb: you can’t pack everything.

Not into your carry-on, not into your kid’s backpack, not into your daily schedule. Something has to stay behind.

And that’s not a bad thing. That’s actually where the magic happens. When you decide, this is what matters most right now, you free yourself from trying to juggle it all. Maybe this week it’s healthy meals and school prep, and the baseboards can wait. Maybe it’s giving yourself grace to rest instead of running errands.

Packing forces you to make choices — and so does life. Instead of thinking of it as a restriction, I like to see it as a gentle boundary that makes everything more peaceful.

How to “Pack” Your Days Like a Pro

If you’re craving more calm in your home and your head, try this mindset shift: treat your day like a suitcase. It has limited space. You only get to bring the essentials.

Here’s how I’ve been “packing” mine lately:

1. Anchor item: The one non-negotiable. Maybe it’s family dinner, maybe it’s a walk outside, maybe it’s that one client project you have to finish.

2. Mix-and-match basics: A couple of things that play well together — like chores that naturally stack (throwing laundry in while you cook), or errands that happen on the same side of town.

3. Accessories: The little extras that bring joy, not stress — a quick stretch before bed, lighting your favorite candle, listening to music while you tidy.

4. The “just in case” item: Limit yourself to one. Because we all know the “just in case” pile is the first thing that clogs up your suitcase and your brain.

When you think of your schedule this way, it stops being about cramming it all in and starts being about carrying what you actually want with you.

A Cozy Closing Thought

At the end of the day, packing — whether for a trip, for school, or just for the week ahead — is less about the stuff and more about the feeling. You want to feel prepared but not weighed down, intentional but not rigid, cozy but not cluttered.

So here’s my little reminder: you don’t have to be perfect at this. You just have to be present. Pack what matters. Leave the rest. And if all else fails? Don’t forget snacks. (Seriously, never forget snacks.)

🌿 About the Author

Hi, I’m Jocelyn—the heart behind Tidy On Your Terms. I help people create home systems rooted in self-love, not shame. My work blends cleaning and organizing with nervous system support, forgiveness, and flexibility—because your space should feel like peace, not pressure.

📖 Bring Encouragement Into Your Home

Looking to bring some encouragement into your space?
Check out the paperback Tidy On Your Terms here—a soft, supportive introduction to our approach.