In order to be successful with the Two Suitcase Project, it is important to first know how to pack those suitcases properly. Knowing these best practices can help condense your load, and ultimately leave you feeling like are living more simply and eliminating clutter.

The following video taught me how to “Pack Like a Pro” for my adventures abroad and I have always packed this way ever since (you can follow Tom Ayzenberg on Twitter here: @tomayz or check out his travel blog here):

Packing is a trial and error process. After a week-long vacation, you will realize there were many things you didn’t even wear or use on the trips that you could have left at home. The best way to learn how to pack lightly is by going to visit a good friend or close family member. Leave most of your clothes behind and if you find yourself needing a sweatshirt to stay warm or a pair of shorts to run in, simply borrow them!

It helps to know the purpose of your destination in order to pack properly, just how it’s important to know your company’s goals in order to execute a marketing strategy properly. So what is your purpose? Are you traveling to casually visit family? Then you can probably leave the cocktail dress and the business suit at home.

Good luck and happy packing!