The Sudoku Packing Method – Slow Travel Tours

As I prepare to head back to Italy, my neighbor mentioned the sudoku packing method.  I’ve never tried it, but it sure looks like a great idea!  Because my trips with Adventures in Italy span the spring-to-summer transition, I spend days agonizing over what to bring, constantly checking the weather, and trying to predict how the spring will go once I’ve arrived and it’s too late to regret my choices! And guests are always asking what they should pack, what will the weather be like?  While I do check a bag, technically my suitcase is carry-on sized so I could bring it on board with me.  Shoutout to AWAY bags, I love mine and never travel to Italy without it!

my trusty Away Bigger Carry-on Flex

Once I started down the rabbit hole of the sudoku packing method, I found that everyone has a version, a theory, their own spin.  I’ve linked a few here, but the basic philosophy is this; pack 9 items in your capsule wardrobe, add shoes and accessories, and you have a multitude of outfits in your carry-on bag for your week (or more) of vacation.

photo credit curvy sewing collective

Lay the items out before you pack them, in the grid format just like in the photo.  One post recommended a trial run where you actually wear the items at home before you go to make sure you like your choices.  Wearwhenwhatwhy suggests don’t pack items you don’t wear at home thinking you’ll wear them on vacation. You won’t.  Apartment Therapy has helpful tips on how to build the grid, which items to start with and how to build from there. The Monthly Edit does a deeper dive with photos of all of the outfits, and speaks to where dresses fit in. And will this method work for a longer trip?

Have you ever tried the sudoku packing method?  Or is there an other packing hack you use?  I’m always looking for more efficient ways to travel!

If you’d like to learn about Adventures in Italy, read these previous posts, there are still a few spots open for our fall trips!

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Michelle Logue leads cultural and creative adventures in Orvieto, Italy. With a mandate to provide “travel that transforms,” Adventures in Italy gives guests an immersive experience. After more than 20 years of return trips, Orvieto has become a welcoming home base surpassing the typical Italian vacation.

Adventures in Italy operates trips in May and September. Find out more about tours and special offers by following Adventures in Italy on Facebook and Instagram and visit www.adventuresinitaly.ca

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.