From choosing what to take and which bag to put it into trying to keep everything under airline weight limits, it can be a nightmare deciding what stays and what goes. To ensure your next solo trip begins stress-free, read on for eight tips you can implement the next time you need to pack a bag.

1. Choose smaller luggage
2. Downsize your toiletries
3. Do laundry while you're away
4. Write a list and stick to it
5. Choose neutral and versatile clothing
6. Plan your outfits
7. Add scarves and pashminas
8. Wear heavy, bulky clothes while travelling

1. Choose smaller luggage

No matter how big the suitcase you have ready to pack, you're probably going to fill it. One of the quickest and most effective ways to pack lighter every time you travel is to use a smaller suitcase. This way, you won't be tempted to throw in items you don't need just because you have free space, and your body will also appreciate having a lighter suitcase to lug around!

2. Downsize your toiletries

Women tend to pack especially when it comes to toiletries. A large, heavy toiletry bag takes up too much space in the suitcase and can quickly add unnecessary weight. Think about it - the hotel you booked will likely have a hairdryer you can use, and they'll have plenty of luxury shampoos and conditioners you can try out. Reduce the range of toiletries you carry with you and choose miniature versions of your favourite products.

>> Read more: 5 reasons to go to Vietnam solo

3. Do laundry while you're away

Another great way to lighten the packing load is to factor in laundry while you're away. Rather than grabbing clean underwear, socks, and outfits for each day, narrow down the selection and simply head to the laundry (or use a hotel's in-house service) while you're away.

4. Write a list and stick to it

If you're prone to adding unnecessary luggage to your bag because you're not sure what you'll need while you're away, then write a list and stick to it. Plan carefully what you'll need and don't let any extras start to creep in. Once you've spent some time finalizing the list, you can save it to your computer or phone and refer to it whenever you travel.

>> Read more: 8 destinations for a solo trip to Vietnam

5. Choose neutral and versatile clothing

If you choose neutral, versatile clothing that will be easy to mix and match while you're away, you won't have to pack as much luggage. Select a pair of dark-coloured, wrinkle-free pants or jeans that will go with a variety of tops and you've immediately saved space and lightened your load.

6. Plan your outfits

If you plan your outfits, you'll make sure you only take clothes you'll actually wear on your trip. How many times have you included clothes “just in case” you found an occasion to wear them, but then they never came out of your bag?

7. Add scarves and pashminas

A fantastic way to dress up a travel wardrobe without adding a lot of weight is to liven up your outfits with beautiful scarves and pashminas. These wardrobe staples barely take up any room, they're very lightweight and any outfit will benefit from a pop of colour or a pretty pattern.

A popular technique with frequent travellers is to choose clothes that don't crush or wrinkle and therefore can be rolled up in the suitcase rather than folded. Carefully rolling clothes is a useful way to take up less space in your suitcase and leave room for other, larger items that you really need to pack.

8. Wear heavy, bulky clothes while travelling

A tried-and-true travel tactic for many people is to wear their bulkiest, heaviest clothes en route to their destination. You can instantly save a few pounds of luggage by throwing on your thick jeans instead of lightweight cotton pants and wearing your bulkiest coat instead of a flimsy sweater.

Related articles:

>> Solo traveller's guide to Vietnam

>> Top 8 things to do in Vietnam with the family

>> When and where to surf in Vietnam? 

>> Top 4 experiences for adventure travel fans in Vietnam