The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method will save so much space in your carry-on

When it comes to packing for a holiday, are you more of a ‘throw everything into a suitcase’ kind of traveller, or do you prefer to fold things neatly? Either way, you'll most likely run into the same problem at some point: there's not enough space in the suitcase.

Then, at the end of the holiday, you find you run into the same problem yet again. The jeans you packed extra ‘just in case’ were never worn, and something else crucial was missing that you couldn't stop thinking about the whole trip.

So, if you do want to add a little more efficiency to your suitcase on your next vacation, let us introduce you to the incredibly efficient and space-saving 5-4-3-2-1 packing method.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method?

It is not known who invented the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, but one of the first people to popularise it was blogger Geneva Vanderzeil, who posted about it several years ago. Now, there are thousands of tips and explanations on the method on social media - but what is it exactly?

The principle of the 5-4-3-2-1 method is very simple: the numbers represent the number of certain items of clothing.

According to the method, you should pack five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses and one set of accessories. The accessories should consist of a jewellery set, sunglasses and a hat.

Depending on the occasion and travel destination, the layout can of course be adjusted slightly. A swimsuit is essential for a summer vacation for example, or if you choose a cooler travel destination, it's more like two jackets and not two dresses. But the basic principle remains the same.

What to keep in mind when using the 5-4-3-2-1 method

The method follows a minimalist approach and is based on the capsule wardrobe system. It is therefore important that the clothing items you choose can be easily combined with each other. So be sure to keep this in mind when choosing the pieces - basics, for example, are better than flashy prints. Then countless beautiful (summer) outfits can be created from just a few items.

For example, if you take five tops, four bottoms and three pairs of shoes, 60 different combinations can be styled – and no one has that many holiday days. Content creator Ayesha shows us what this can look like on TikTok:

If that isn't neat and efficient enough for you, you can also use packing cubes. These divide the suitcase into compartments and can save even more space - chaos in the suitcase is then finally a thing of the past.

Either way, with the 5-4-3-2-1 method we no longer need to check in overpriced luggage because everything fits into a carry-on suitcase.

This article originally appeared in GLAMOUR Germany.

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