After two weeks of travelling through New Zealand, bouncing between house sits and one-night motel stays, I’ve learned a thing or two about packing efficiently.
We brought one suitcase between the two of us and a small backpack each, but I quickly realised that for short motel stops, I barely touched most of what was in that suitcase.
So, next time, I’m coming prepared with a ‘go bag’—a small, grab-and-go pack with just the essentials for a one-nighter, leaving the main suitcase untouched.
If you’re constantly on the move, this little system makes life easier, whether you’re road-tripping, backpacking, or just hopping between different types of stays.
What’s in My Go Bag?
Toiletry Bag (Mini but Mighty)
- Small travel containers of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Makeup remover & pads
- Minimal makeup (just mascara, bronzer & a brush for me)
- Razor
- Small travel perfume spray
- Any essential meds – for me, that means Oestrogel & Utrogestan
A Small Packing Cube with Clothes
- Underwear
- One full set of clothes for the next day (shorts & t-shirt or a simple dress)
- Nightwear
Backpack Essentials
- iPad & book for downtime
- Mini first-aid/medical kit (antihistamines, paracetamol, plasters, etc.)
That’s it. Simple, compact, and perfect for those quick overnight stays without having to dig through a full suitcase.
The Beauty of Packing Light
When you’re doing short stays, you don’t need much. I tend to rotate through a few outfits anyway – jeans, shorts, a handful of tees, and one dress just in case – so for a single night, there’s no need for extra layers, swimwear, or accessories.
Most places, especially in countries like New Zealand, have laundrettes if you need a mid-trip refresh, and house sitting offers even more flexibility for washing clothes. So, instead of overpacking, you can simply wash, dry, and rotate a small selection of clothes.
How a Go Bag Makes Travel Easier
- If you’re driving, you can leave the big suitcase in the car and just grab the go bag for the night.
- If you’re travelling with a larger backpack or suitcase, keep the go bag at the top so you don’t have to rummage through everything.
- If you’re switching accommodation types, it saves the hassle of unpacking and repacking constantly.
This little system keeps things simple, light, and stress-free—because the less time spent dealing with bags, the more time spent enjoying the adventure.
Here are some more general packing tips to make your trips smoother and more efficient;
Pro Packing Tips for Smarter Travel
- Pack in layers – Keep frequently used items (toiletries, chargers, nightwear) at the top of your bag for easy access.
- Stick to a colour palette – Neutral, mix-and-match clothing reduces the number of outfits you need to pack.
- Roll, don’t fold – Rolling clothes saves space and minimises wrinkles.
- Invest in ultralight gear – A microfibre towel, compact toiletry bottles, and lightweight clothing can significantly cut down bulk.
- Limit ‘just in case’ items – If you don’t use it at home weekly, you probably won’t need it on the road.
- Carry a small laundry kit – A travel-sized detergent sheet and a universal sink plug mean you can wash essentials anywhere.
- Use compression bags – Great for reducing the volume of clothes, especially bulkier items like jackets.
- Keep a digital copy of important documents – Store scans of passports, visas, and travel insurance in cloud storage.
- Wear your heaviest items – If you’re bringing a jacket or boots, wear them during transit to save space in your bag.
- Have a ‘go bag’ setup – Whether it’s a go bag for one-nighters or a well-organised suitcase, having a system makes packing and unpacking effortless.
Final Thoughts
The best thing about a go bag? You don’t have to think about it. Just grab and go, knowing you have everything you need for an stress-free overnight stay. Packing less actually makes the journey feel lighter, both physically and mentally.
I hope this helps! Happy travels!
