The 54321 packing method was the trick that finally helped me learn to pack light. Here’s how to create a travel capsule wardrobe for everything from quick getaways to 2+ month adventures.
I still remember arriving in Madrid for a semester abroad, jetlagged with three giant red suitcases—completely embarrassed as strangers watched me struggle to lug them down the cobblestone road to my host family’s apartment. I was 20 years old and had packed for every possible scenario, version of myself, and weather possibility. A week in, I walked to the post office with a massive box and shipped half of my belongings home because I couldn’t imagine dragging it all back.
While that experience did teach me to pack a little lighter, I still struggled with many of the common packing pitfalls: panic-packing the night before, cramming in “just in case” outfits, and packing more for the vacation me than actual me.
It wasn’t until I had kids and had to suddenly share my suitcase with diapers, snacks, a breast pump, and bottles, that I finally started packing smarter.
Around that same time, I also began decluttering our home (starting with my closet) and realized how much easier everything felt with less clutter. When we traveled as a family, packing minimally naturally became part of that mindset—not just for me but for the kids as well. That’s when I discovered the 54321 packing method, and wow, has it been a game-changer.
Here’s how the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method works—and how I’ve used it to build travel capsule wardrobes for everything from quick weekend getaways to a two-month adventure.
What is the 54321 Packing Method?
The 54321 packing method is a simple and flexible travel capsule wardrobe formula designed to help you pack only the essentials. The basic version looks like this:
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 pairs of shoes
- 2 dresses or layers—depending on what you need and the weather
- Plus 1 of each accessory—like a bag, belt, sunglasses, and a small jewelry set
Benefits of this travel capsule wardrobe formula
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is both simple and flexible. It provides a solid starting point that you can adjust based on your destination, plans, and the clothes you feel comfortable in. It’s not about following the numbers exactly—it’s about using them as a framework to help you pack lighter and more intentionally.
This packing formula also takes the stress out of packing by setting boundaries around each category, reducing decision fatigue, and preventing the last-minute spiral where you cram in a few more things, just in case.
Oh, and outfit decisions? They’ve mostly been made, so you can get dressed and go each day.
How to Pack With the 54321 Method
The standard 54321 packing formula works really well for trips lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks—just plan on doing laundry if you’ll be gone more than a week. Assuming you wear one outfit for travel, keep toiletries and extras to a minimum, and don’t need to pack a lot of bulky clothing, everything usually fits into a standard carry-on bag.
Packing for a shorter or longer trip? Check out my Mini Edit and Extended Edits below!
To help you get started, here are some ideas for warm and cool weather pieces you may want to include in your formula, along with some tips for creating your first travel capsule. Remember, the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is just a starting point, so feel free to make it your own!
5 Tops
Look for mix-and-match, layerable pieces in comfortable fabrics that work for the location and activities you have planned.
- Warm weather: tanks, lightweight tees, linen top, lightweight button-down
- Cool weather: short- or long-sleeve tees, thin knits, a cotton Oxford for layering, loose, layerable sweaters
4 Bottoms
Choose pieces you can rewear and mix with multiple tops.
- Warm weather: comfortable shorts, a short- or mid-length skirt, loose cotton or linen pants
- Cool weather: jeans, trousers, leggings, a skirt with tights
3 Pairs of Shoes
I usually aim for one comfortable walking shoe or trainer, one more polished shoe, like a pair of pointy flats, and one weather- or activity-specific pair.
- Warm weather: sneakers, sandals, flats, or flip-flops
- Cool weather: sneakers, boots, loafers, or flats
- Activity-specific: running or hiking shoes, waterproof boots, heels for a special event
2 Dresses or Layers
Dresses: These can include dresses, jumpsuits, or coordinate sets (matching top and bottom)—basically, an all-in-one outfit that requires minimal effort.
- Warm weather: breezy cotton or linen day dress or romper, flowy midi or maxi dress
- Cool weather: sweater dress or a lighter dress that layers well with tights, boots, and a sweater over
Layers: If you’re not into dresses or you’re traveling somewhere with cooler temps, layers (like a blazer, coat, jacket, or chunky cardigan) may be more practical.
- Warm weather: lightweight jacket or shacket, denim jacket, linen blazer, cardigan
- Cool weather: wool blazer, trench, wool coat, or puffer for colder temps
1 of Each Accessory
Pick the ones you usually wear and that pair best with the shoes you’re taking with you.
- Crossbody bag or small backpack
- Belt
- Sunglasses
- A small jewelry set you can wear on repeat
- Scarf
- Hat & gloves
Capsule Packing Tips
Consider workout gear, pajamas, and underwear separately. I don’t include these in the 54321 formula, but I do keep them minimal.
Keep your color palette simple. I like to keep things mostly neutral with a pop of color so everything mixes and matches easily. Choosing one base color for accessories (usually black or brown) helps immensely with outfit planning, creating cohesive looks, and sticking to the formula.
Tweak the categories and numbers. One of the best parts of the 54321 method is how easy it is to adjust. It provides just enough structure to stay focused while allowing you to personalize it based on your trip length, destination, and suitcase space.
Pack for the weather and what you’ll be doing. Think through your itinerary and choose pieces that can do double duty. If you’re sightseeing, a pair of cute trainers can go a long way (literally!) and work with multiple outfits.
Start with your shoes—then try everything on. I like to start with shoes since they 1) often take up the most space, 2) have to make sense for the trip, and 3) help guide the rest of what I pack. Once I’ve narrowed down my shoes, I do a quick try-on to make sure the outfits I’ve chosen work.
A Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Shorter & Longer Trips
What I love about the 54321 packing method is its flexibility. Whether you’re heading out for two nights or two months, you can swap categories and scale the formula up or down to fit your needs.
Use the 3-2-1 Mini Edit for quick getaways
For short trips and quick weekend getaways where you want to travel light (think: 2–3 nights with just a small carry-on), a 3-2-1 version works great. I’ve used it for everything from road trips and girls’ weekends to quick work trips.
Here’s what a warm-weather version might look like:
- 3 tops: 2 tees or tanks + 1 button-down or cardigan
- 2 bottoms: 1 pair of jeans + 1 pair of wide-leg trousers
- 2 pairs of shoes: 1 comfy sneaker + 1 pair of flats or sandals
- 1 layer: A linen blazer or cardigan
- 1 of each accessory: A bag, a belt, a pair of sunglasses, and a simple jewelry set
For longer trips, try the 6-5-4-3-2-1 Extended Edit
The number formula also works brilliantly for longer trips—I just scale it up by one. This is the formula I’ll be using for the 2-month transition as we move back to the US this summer.
A warm-weather version might include:
- 6 tops: 2 tank tops, 2 t-shirts, 1 light button-down, 1 nicer top
- 5 bottoms: 1 pair of jeans, 2 light trousers, 2 pairs of shorts
- 4 shoes: Everyday sneakers, flats, nice sandals, flip flops
- 3 bags: Leather crossbody, summery tote, and a minimalist fanny pack
- 2 dresses or layers: 1 linen dress + 1 cardigan
- 1 swimsuit + 1 of each accessory: Belt, sunglasses, hat, gold jewelry set,
Everything above fits in one large checked bag, with room to spare for my toiletries, running shoes, two sets of workout clothes, pajamas, a sweatshirt for around the house, socks, and underwear. This slightly scaled-up version gives me enough variety and wiggle room for weather shifts without overstuffing my suitcase.
54321 Packing List
I love a good list, but when it comes to packing, I live by them. I’m such a believer in this method that I created a free, printable 54321 packing checklist to help you create the perfect-sized minimalist travel capsule for your next trip.
The checklist includes:
- Two 5-4-3-2-1 formulas (one for warm weather, one for cooler trips)
- 3-2-1 Mini Edit for quick getaways and long weekends
- 6-5-4-3-2-1 Extended Edit for longer trips
Get the full, printable version below!
More Capsule Wardrobe Posts You Might Like
- Need something to round out your new travel capsule? Check out some of my favorite minimalist clothing brands before you start packing.
- Capsule curious? Start with my top-performing article, The Ultimate Guide: How to Build Your First Capsule Wardrobe
- And last but not least, a capsule wardrobe checklist filled with versatile pieces that will help you create endless polished outfits with minimal effort.
Ready to try a travel capsule?
Give it a go! If you do, I’d love to hear how it went, what you packed, and how you made it your own.
Here’s to packing smart, traveling light, and no more suitcase stress.
