<p>Stopping breakouts starts with understanding acne and looking for solutions that suit the needs of your skin and body. Acne is one of the most <a href="https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers">common skin conditions</a> in the United States. Though it is typically considered an adolescent condition, it can occur at any stage in life and affects up to 50 million Americans annually.</p><p><a href="https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/acne.pdf">Acne</a> is caused by your skin’s natural oil, sebum, and dead skin cells clogging your skin’s pores. When the pore is clogged, the typically harmless bacteria present in the sebaceous glands—the glands that produce sebum—can cause inflammation and infection resulting in acne. Though acne is not a serious health risk, it can cause scarring and damper your self-image, emotional well-being, and confidence. </p><p>Learning how to prevent acne and stop your face from breaking out with different methods and skincare routines can help keep your acne in check. This can help make you more comfortable in your skin, and lower the chances of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples from popping up. Here to help clear up your complexion and prevent further breakouts, we've provided you with a few easy-to-follow tips you can start implementing today to ensure better skin days ahead!</p><p>&nbsp;<i>Opening image:&nbsp;Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash</i><br></p>

How To Stop Your Face From Breaking Out

Preventing acne and breakouts can be important to your emotional well-being and health. Learn how to treat acne with a variety of methods from your skincare routine, to diet, vitamins, and exercise that can help you prevent future breakouts.

<p>Just when you’ve finally got your winter wardrobe aesthetic down to a T, in comes the most awkward time of year for fashion: March. The weather can go from moderate to warm to chilly to rainy all in the span of a day, and figuring out what the heck to wear can be a total pain. Should you rock your <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-pea-coats">winter coat</a> even though you might overheat in the afternoon? Should you slip on your favorite strappy sandals even though your feet may freeze later? Are <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-floral-dresses">floral dresses</a> still out of the question?</p><p>Lucky for you, we just so happen to have the answers to the above closet conundrums—as well as any others you may have—and we’re sharing all the deets with you below. From a few failsafe outfit ideas to a list of staple pieces you shouldn’t be without, keep scrolling to see our top tips for getting dressed during the transitional weather and learn how to tackle winter-to-spring dressing for good.</p><p><b>TIP #1: LIGHTEN THINGS UP</b></p><p>The temps may be warming up, but that doesn’t mean you need to dive straight into the sundresses and sandals. Start slow by making simple swaps that lighten up your ensembles without making you freeze. Replace chunky sweaters with long-sleeve <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-winter-layering-tees">layering tees</a> and switch out your go-to camel coat with an equally versatile <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-military-jackets">military jacket</a>.</p><p><b>TIP #2: LAYER, LAYER, LAYER</b></p><p>Speaking of military jackets—AKA the perfect between-seasons staple—strategic layering is key to mastering winter-to-spring dressing. If you’re ready to wear that new spaghetti strap slip dress but the weather isn’t, throw it over a long-sleeve tee or style it with a cozy cardigan and <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-black-ankle-boots-for-fall">ankle boots</a>. If your mornings require a jacket but your afternoons don’t, wear an outfit that looks good both ways so you can ditch a layer later.</p><p><b>TIP #3: INCORPORATE COLOR INTO YOUR LOOKS&nbsp;</b></p><p>Brightening things up is one of the simplest ways to ease into spring style, and it doesn’t have to mean compromising warmth or comfort. Throw on a tie-dye sweater instead of the black one you’ve worn on repeat all winter, take your favorite <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-white-skinny-jeans">white jeans</a> out of storage, and try accessorizing with colored statement bags and heels instead of neutral ones.</p><p><b>TIP #4: MIX NEW-SEASON PIECES WITH OLD-SEASON ONES&nbsp;</b></p><p>One of the easiest tricks in the book is to pair new-season pieces with old ones to create looks that work for both kinds of weather. Pair a slinky slip skirt with a cable-knit sweater, style your favorite miniskirt with a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-womens-blazers-under-100">blazer</a> and knee-high boots, or add an edgy moto jacket to a breezy floral dress. Get creative here—there are no rules.</p><p><b>TIP #5: INVEST IN A FEW WINTER-TO-SPRING STAPLES</b></p><p>While the styling tips above are excellent ways to make your outfits appropriate for transitional weather, there are also some failsafe staples that’ll pretty much do the work for you.</p><p><b>Mules:</b> You definitely don’t have to ditch your ankle boots just because warmer weather is near. In fact, you shouldn’t. But if you’re dying to show a little skin and it’s too chilly for sandals, <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-summer-mules">mules</a> are your match. Heeled ones, flat ones, fancy ones—any and all are excellent ways to make your outfits appropriate for transitional temps.</p><p><b>Trench Coat: </b>From the perfect weight to the water-resistant fabric to the wear-with-everything color, the <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-trench-coats-2017">trench coat</a> is pretty much the quintessential transitional staple. If you already have a classic style you love and want to grab a trendier style too, we highly recommend this chic leather option.</p><p><b>Light-Wash Jeans:</b> If you’ve been wearing dark washes on repeat, now’s a great time to whip out the lighter ones. They’ll still provide the warmth you want with your <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/browse/clothing/denim">denim</a> outfits, but with a spring-forward touch.</p><p><b>Midi Dress:</b> A dress with a longer length—and preferably <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-work-dresses-with-sleeves">longer sleeves</a>—is an excellent way to ease into springtime vibes. And, to address the question we mentioned earlier, florals are definitely not off-limits here.</p><p><b>Lightweight Sweater: </b>Think of <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-layering-sweaters">this</a> as pre spring’s version of the basic white tee. Wear it on its own when the weather allows, layer it under that trench when you need some extra warmth, go for a cool-girl look and throw it under a slip dress—you get the gist.</p><p><i>Opening image: Photo by Alexandru Zdrob?u on Unsplash</i></p>

How To Dress For Transitional Weather

Master The Art Of Winter-To-Spring Dressing With These 5 Simple Tips

<p>Whether it’s the hectic holiday season or you’re looking for the perfect birthday present for your BFF, it can be tough to figure out what proper gift-giving etiquette actually entails. Next time you’re shopping for a new co-worker or that friend who has everything, refer to the tips below as your definitive guide to selecting the best gift for the individual and the occasion.&nbsp;</p><h4><b>Think About the Recipient</b></h4><p>No matter what the occasion is, remember that the gift is about the person and not yourself. Think about the things that they value so you can ensure the gift is tailored to them, and the recipient will likely realize the time you took to&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/the-psychology-behind-gift-giving-and-generosity/">search for the perfect present</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Let’s say you’re still in the initial stages of getting to know a new friend at work. Since the person is a co-worker, try considering their role at the company. What does their desk look like? Are they constantly filling up on coffee or obsessed with meeting their daily hydration goals? Grab a personalized <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-travel-coffee-mugs-home">tumbler or coffee mug</a>, and put a gift card inside of it. Are they always showing you pics of their fur babies or kids? Grab a pretty picture frame so they can put one in their workspace.</p><p> </p><p>If the gift is for a relative, it’s okay to get a little more personal. If you know your dad is crazy about fishing, start researching fishing poles or cool gear you know he doesn’t already have, like a new jacket or hat. Is the present for a sibling? Take the untraditional route and go for a gag gift. Is someone you know getting married? Pick out a gift they registered for—can’t go wrong. Remember, think about the specific person and what they value. If your aunt doesn’t share your sense of humor, maybe don’t go with a gag gift for her.</p><h4><b>Don’t Worry About Money</b></h4><p>Gift-giving can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re super creative, consider gifting something homemade instead of splurging on a luxurious present. Have you been invited to a housewarming party? A set of drinking glasses is essential to every household, and it’s something that comes at all kinds of price points.</p><p><a href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/holiday-gifting-survey-november-2018/">People feel pressured to overspend</a> during the holidays and special occasions, but if you focus on giving gifts that you know the recipient will value, you’ll simultaneously spend less <i>and</i> give a better gift.</p><h4><b>Avoid Self-Improvement Gifts</b></h4><p>Even if your intentions are good and it’s something you’d love to receive for yourself, self-improvement gifts can be a little off-putting. Unless the recipient asks for something specific, you should probably steer clear of things like self-help books and gym memberships.&nbsp;</p><p> </p><p>If your friend is on a mission to lose some extra weight, don’t buy them a self-help book on weight loss. There may be occasions where this gift is well-received, but discretion is best in nearly all situations. On the contrary, if a close friend has recently become obsessed with doing yoga, gifts that support that interest are often appropriate, even if the hobby is <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-fitness-gear-and-fashion-gifts">fitness-related</a>.</p><h4><b>Better Late Than Never</b></h4><p>Life can get busy, and it’s easy to overlook a special day or event. Even if you feel ashamed for forgetting the occasion, let the person know how much you care about them and apologize. Your friends would rather know you remembered eventually than think you forgot about them altogether. Pick up a personalized card and show up in person if you can—this is the best way to show your sincerity.</p><h4><b>Be Creative and Personal</b></h4><p>Sometimes gift cards are more comfortable to give, but don’t forget to try to be personal. Adding a heartfelt note or floral arrangement is so simple and always a nice touch. If the gift is for a best friend you’ve got lots of memories with, find something that commemorates a time or event you shared together. Maybe that’s a T-shirt from your last getaway or a framed photo of the two from a memorable occasion like a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-bridal-shower-gifts">wedding</a> or <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-gifts-for-the-home">housewarming party</a>.</p><p>Remember that the goal is to give a useful gift. Don’t give a plant to your friend who can’t keep her succulent alive or a cookbook to someone who hates cooking. Good etiquette means finding something that’s valuable to the recipient.&nbsp;</p><h4><b>Don’t Expect Anything In Return</b></h4><p>Last but not least, the best form of giving is to expect nothing in return. Keep in mind that it’s the thought that counts, and be sure to focus less on cost and more on the things that make them happy. By keeping these few suggestions in mind, you will be able to apply your best gift-giving etiquette for every individual and occasion.</p>

Gift Etiquette

Essential tips to give the perfect gift.

<h4><b>Simple Tips to Create a More Peaceful Bedroom (And Get Better Sleep)</b></h4><p>What’s the most important room in your home? Some would say the kitchen or the bathroom, but there’s one absolutely critical room that hardly ever gets a fair shake: your bedroom. The bedroom is typically that room tucked away in the far recesses of your home. It’s the room you lock when guests come over, and sometimes it’s the last place that ever gets cleaned. </p><p>That really shouldn’t be the case, though. In fact, your bedroom should be treated as one of the most sacred spaces in your entire home. You spend about a third of your life there, after all. It’s where you go to relax and have time to yourself, and critically, it’s where you can get good, recharging sleep. </p><p>At least, that’s what your bedroom should be able to do for you. If you haven’t taken the time to turn your bedroom into a tranquil space that encourages rest and uninterrupted sleep, here are a few calming bedroom ideas that you may want to consider.</p><h4><b>1. Declutter</b></h4><p>The first step in creating a peaceful bedroom is getting rid of the clutter. Even if you’re not ready to launch into a full minimalist lifestyle, it’s important to make an effort to declutter and reclaim your bedroom before you start working on improvements. </p><p>Your room can no longer serve as a depository for all of your belongings that don’t have a home. Get rid of the carpet of clothes strewn about the floors, put everything in its proper place, and clean up those crumbs from that late-night snacking spree. </p><p>This isn’t just bluster or unnecessary preparations that you can skip, either. Needless clutter has been shown to literally <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/high-octane-women/201203/why-mess-causes-stress-8-reasons-8-remedies">cause the very stress</a> that you’re trying to remedy. It overstimulates your mind, prevents relaxation, and leads to feelings of guilt, so make sure that your bedroom is neat and tidy. </p><h4><b>2. Find a Great Bed</b></h4><p>Next up, make sure that you have a quality bed. This is the literal foundation of a good night’s sleep. It won’t matter how well you set up the rest of the room if you wake up with back pain or general discomfort each morning. </p><p>Start by making sure that you <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-mail-order-mattresses-home">have a good mattress</a> that fits your style and cultural preferences. Don’t stop there, though. You also want to make sure that you have a couple of sets of <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-bed-sheets-home">quality sheets</a> in order to maximize your comfort as you rest. If you are combating anxiety, or generally find yourself struggling with stress as you head to bed, consider <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-weighted-blankets-home">investing in a weighted blanket</a> to help promote sleep. </p><h4><b>3. Pick the Right Nightstand</b></h4><p>Your nightstand is one of the easiest items to overlook. Each nightstand should be specifically chosen with the user in mind. Make sure that it has enough space to hold everything you might want by your side at night, including:</p><p><b>- </b>A lamp.</p><p><b>- </b>An alarm clock.</p><p><b>-</b>Your phone.</p><p><b>- </b>Glasses.</p><p><b>- </b>A small fan.</p><p><b>- </b>A glass of water.</p><p><b>- </b>Headphones.</p><p><b>- </b>A spot for a book, journal, or magazine.</p><p><b>- </b><a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-products-for-a-refreshed-home">An essential oil diffuser</a>.</p><p>Consider everything you want in arm’s reach whenever you’re resting and then make sure you select an end table that is big enough to hold it all.</p><h4><b>4. Hang Up Blackout Curtains</b></h4><p>Lighting is a crucial factor when it comes to sleep. Your body wants to follow <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-importance-of-your-sleep-environment-3014944">its natural circadian rhythm</a>, and if it gets light while you’re trying to rest, you’re going to have trouble getting quality sleep. This can be caused by anything from an early summer morning to a street light outside your window. </p><p>The easiest way to control the amount of light in your room is to hang blackout curtains. These are simply thick curtains designed to keep out the light when drawn. This allows your room to remain dark for the duration of your sleeping time.</p><h4><b>5. Embrace Aromatherapy</b></h4><p>Essential oils are a popular form of aromatherapy that can make a significant difference in the quality of your sleep. Oils that are <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201604/six-aromatherapy-essential-oils-stress-relief-and-sleep">particularly effective for sleeping</a> include lavender, jasmine, and bergamot. It can be very helpful to set up a diffuser in your room and then fill it with water and a few drops of an essential oil of your choice before your head hits the pillow.</p><h4><b>6. Create a Technology-Free Space</b></h4><p>This one can be challenging, but it will pay you back in spades. Try to make your bedroom a technology-free area. We already talked about the disruptive effect that light can have on your body’s natural circadian rhythm, and it should come as no surprise that the blue light from our devices is certainly one of those disrupters. In fact, blue light has been shown to suppress the release of the sleep hormone melatonin <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side">more powerfully</a> than most other light we’re exposed to.</p><p>The issue of blue light before sleep isn’t just one that adults deal with, either. Kids also struggle with it profoundly. In fact, studies have shown that children who use devices at bedtime are more likely to suffer from a decrease in both <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5669315/">sleep quality and quantity</a>. Whether you’re doing it for yourself or your children, keeping devices out of the bedroom is clearly worth the effort.</p><h4><b>7. Make It a Sleep-Only Zone</b></h4><p>Finally, make sure that your bedroom is a place where you primarily sleep. It’s tempting to set up forms of entertainment, work from your bed, or even snack while under the covers. The problem is, if you do too many different things in bed, your mind is going to have a much harder time associating your bed with genuine sleep. </p><p>Keep your bedroom, and especially your bed, for sleep only. Don’t set up unnecessary things in your sleeping space. If you have more than a bed, end table, a dresser, and <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-2019-home-decor-trends">a mirror</a>, you may want to check your priorities.</p><h4><b>Creating a Perfectly Peaceful Bedroom</b></h4><p>If you’re looking to enhance your bedroom, consider following these seven simple yet powerfully effective relaxing bedroom ideas. Some are practical, like setting up a diffuser or using blackout curtains. Others are more mental in nature, like making an effort to create a sleep-only, technology-free zone to rest in. All of them, though, are aimed at helping to turn your bedroom from a cluttered extra room into a sacred space, hand-tailored to provide you with the best sleep possible.</p><p><i>Opening image: <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/bed-bedroom-carpet-curtains-1839183/">pixabay.com</a></i></p>

7 Calming & Relaxing Bedroom Ideas

The bedroom is one of the most undervalued areas of a home. Here are some tips to help turn your space into a peaceful bedroom designed for the best sleep possible.

<p>Minimalism has been a buzzword for quite a while now, but what exactly does it mean? While it does have to do with literally “minimalizing” facets of your life, there’s actually quite a bit more to this trending term than you’d think. Ahead, we’re giving you the deets on what it takes to live a less-is-more lifestyle.&nbsp;</p><h4><b>The Values of Minimalism</b></h4><p>While it’s tempting to try to reduce minimalism to a single statement, perhaps the best way to properly understand the concept is by breaking it down into some of its most important elements.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is About Living Intentionally</b></h4><p>First and foremost, minimalism should bring a sense of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuabecker/2018/02/28/the-case-for-minimalism/#597196717119">intentionality along with a realignment</a> to your life’s goals. What is the purpose of living? Are you simply going through the motions of your 9-to-5 job and post-workday spin class? Adopting a minimalist lifestyle is a good way to create a sense of intentionality and purpose for the very reason you wake up each morning.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is about your Mindset</b></h4><p>While minimalism may conjure up images of stark, white-walled living spaces, it isn’t really about the outward appearance. It’s an inward, internal, primarily mental effort to find your passions and discover what you really care about.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is About Resisting Peer Pressure</b></h4><p>We live in an internet-dominated, social media-obsessed world where everyone has an opinion on everything. Minimalism strives to resist the incredible peer pressure that so many opinions can have on a person’s psyche. It frees you to live your life confidently, as yourself, in every situation you find yourself in.</p><h4><b>Minimalism Breaks Away From the Material</b></h4><p>A true minimalist mindset naturally leads to owning less stuff, especially in a world where we’re constantly inundated by material things. However, the goal isn’t to prove a point or see how much you can deprive yourself of the things you need. It’s about breaking away from the unnecessary indulgences and keeping only the things you love—and it affects every level of life.</p><p>The concept of quality over quantity becomes key here. Rather than purchasing the cheapest bra you can find or stocking up on 7-for-$27 undies that you don’t really love, invest in the <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-underwear-for-women">best, quality-made undergarments</a> that will last for many washes and wears. Minimalism isn’t about having less stuff—it’s about filling your life with high-quality items you need and love.</p><h4><b>Minimalism is About Living Honestly</b></h4><p>Last but not least, remember that minimalism thrives on honesty. In a sense, all of the previous points reflect this sentiment. If you’re not being honest with everything from your mindset to your possessions, you’re lying to yourself. The minimalist lifestyle frees you to tap into who you really are and then shamelessly and honestly show that to the world.</p><h4><b>The Benefits of Minimalism</b></h4><p>While there are tons of obvious benefits to freeing yourself from material things and adopting an honest, intentional, and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle, there are quite a few other benefits to minimalism, as well.</p><p>Minimalism promotes <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2019-02-12/millennial-money-minimalism-can-declutter-finances-too">healthy finances</a>.</p><p>Minimalism frees up time typically spent cleaning the clutter.</p><p>Minimalism enhances <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-trauma/201902/what-can-minimalism-do-mental-health">mental health</a> in multiple areas including stress and depression.</p><p>Minimalism enables a green, eco-friendly lifestyle.</p><p>Minimalism can lead to better relationships with the people around you.</p><p>And, of course, these are just a handful of the most impactful elements of minimalism. Even if you’re sold on the concept at this point, though, the challenge that still remains is how to live minimally.</p><h4><b>Tips for Living a Minimalist Lifestyle</b></h4><p>For starters, take a deep breath and relax. The minimalist lifestyle is actually quite a bit easier to adopt than you might have guessed. Below, find a few quick tips to help you shift your mindset in a minimalist direction.</p><h4><b>Set Clear, Achievable Goals</b></h4><p>Heading through your house with a garbage bag and a ruthless determination to rid yourself of every item that doesn’t spark joy is not the best way to kick off a minimalist life. In fact, it’ll probably lead to a bit of remorse before you know it. The best way to start? Sit down and set some clear, achievable goals.</p><p>What do you want to accomplish? Do you have tons of clothes with the tags still on them as a result of too many impulse purchases? We’ve all been there. Rather than simply donating them all, consider building a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-essentials-for-a-capsule-wardrobe">capsule wardrobe</a> first so you can see what you really value and are willing to wear on a regular basis.</p><p>If you have too much stuff cluttering up your living spaces, come up with <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-2019-home-decor-trends">a specific design</a> and aesthetic for each room before getting rid of the unnecessary decor, while taking care to keep whatever adds value to the space. In other words, start with small, basic, achievable goals, and have a plan in place to achieve them.</p><h4><b>Quality Over Quantity</b></h4><p>Every time you invest your hard-earned money into something for your home, do it with an eye towards quality. One of the initial, tangible effects of minimalism is a reduction of your possessions. </p><p>Only keep the things that bring genuine purpose and meaning to your life. This applies to everything you purchase for your home. When you get something new, make sure it’s made to last.</p><h4><b>Start Small</b></h4><p>Minimalism can have a dramatic effect on every element of your life. It’s not something you can achieve overnight, and it’ll take time to make a shift in your mindset.. Remember, you’re trying to set achievable goals as you start out. </p><p>It doesn’t matter if you live in a tiny studio apartment or a gorgeous, five-bedroom home—you’re going to want to tackle one section of your living space at a time. Start with a smaller area like a bedroom, bathroom, or even your car. If you take on too much at once, you’re going to get overwhelmed fast. Whatever your situation, make sure you start small.</p><h4><b>Stay Focused</b></h4><p>Finally, remember to stay focused. You’re not doing this for a week, a month, or even a season of life. Minimalism is a long-term commitment. Remember to circle back to your goals and check in on your progress from time to time. </p><p>Are you maintaining a healthy mindset? What about your possessions? Do they all provide some sense of value? It’s amazing how quickly old habits can creep back into the picture. Strive to stay focused, and you’ll stay on track.</p><h4><b>Living a Minimalist Lifestyle</b></h4><p>Choosing to live a minimalist lifestyle is a wonderful thing. Harness that passion and excitement and use it to fuel your initial push towards freeing your mind, reducing your possessions, and living your life with utter intentionality. </p><p>As you shift your mindset, living spaces, and overall attitude towards life to match your new minimalist lifestyle, you’ll begin to find freedom from financial concerns, an easing of the stresses of life, and better relationships with those around you. Once you’ve gotten a taste of the incredible benefits a minimalist lifestyle can bring, you’ll never want to go back.</p><p><i>Opening image: <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-design-minimal-1087819/">pixabay.com</a></i></p>

Minimalism

What Is It, What Are Its Benefits, and How Can You Incorporate It Into Your Life?

<p>Packing light has several advantages, especially since more and more airlines are adopting a la carte pricing policies. These new fees often include charges for checked baggage. Baggage fees are the norm for low-cost carriers, and major airlines charge passengers for checked luggage on domestic and regional routes. The cost can range from <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/AirlineFees">$25-$100</a> for one checked bag each way, depending on the route and the airline. That means that unless you travel with carry-on-only, you may add $50-$200 more to the cost of a round trip flight. </p><p>Cost isn’t the only advantage of packing light. Have you ever had to wait for your suitcase at baggage claim? Most baggage claim areas are beyond security, so crowds can be even worse there than at check-in. If you master the art of packing a carry-on, you can breeze past this congested part of the terminal and leave the airport quickly. </p><p>You will also avoid the chance of having the airline lose your bag. <a href="https://apex.aero/2017/05/04/sita-baggage-report-2017-lost-luggage-technology">Airlines have been getting better at handling baggage</a>, but they still lose about five bags per 1,000. If you travel enough, it’s likely you will eventually lose a bag. With carry-on luggage, you can avoid this possibility.</p><h4><b>Why Master the Art of Packing Light?</b></h4><p>Carry-on-only travel has advantages, but it also has drawbacks. If you are not used to it, it can seem almost impossible to pack everything that you need while accounting for variables such as TSA restrictions.  </p><p>However, once you master the different aspects of packing light, you will see that traveling with a carry-on is possible, and it will save you time and money. Here is what you need to know about traveling light. </p><h4><b>Get The Right Bag</b></h4><p>Airlines have very specific rules for carry-on luggage. Enforcement of these rules can vary, but it is best to be on the safe side and get a bag that meets the published size requirements. Legacy carriers, such as <a href="https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/during-your-trip/carry-on.html">Delta</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.jsp">American Airlines</a>, say that a suitcase needs to be 22" x 14" x 9".  It pays to <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/airline-baggage-fees-american-delta-united-jetblue-air-canada-westjet">research luggage size requirements</a> before you fly. Some airlines allow slightly larger sizes, and others require smaller cases.</p><p>Luggage manufacturers are aware of these rules, and they make <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-carry-on-luggage">stylish and functional carry-on suitcases</a> that meet most airlines’ requirements. Some of these bags are adjustable. Usually, this means they have a zipper that, when open, allows the suitcase to expand by an inch or so. </p><p>In addition to the right bag or luggage, getting <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-travel-accessories-on-amazon">the right travel accessories</a> for your personal needs and your destination can help make packing light even easier. From compact tools to luggage organizers and compressors, there are a lot of useful items that can empower you to bring the necessities and keep your luggage manageable.</p><h4><b>Bring Versatile Clothing</b></h4><p>One of the most challenging aspects of packing light is choosing what to bring and what to leave. One way to deal with the “should I pack it” question is to only bring clothing items that you can mix and match. For example, each top that you pack should be able to fit with two or three different bottoms. To accomplish this, you can work within a specific color scheme or opt for clothes with neutral colors. Be sure to pack for the weather in your destination. If you are not 100% certain about the forecast, bring clothing that you can easily layer. </p><p>If you are taking a longer trip, rather than packing more, you can plan to do a load of laundry mid-trip. </p><h4><b>Use Packing Organizers</b></h4><p><a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-handbag-organizers">Packing organizers</a>, such as compression bags or packing cubes, give packers two vital advantages. First, they allow you to organize your suitcase. Even though you only have a 22” x 14” of space, cubes can help keep your items organized. </p><p>Secondly, cubes or bags allow you to maximize the number of items that you can fit into your suitcase by compressing everything as much as possible. Manufacturers make cube sets that are specifically for standard-size carry-on cases. </p><h4><b>Be Strategic With Liquids</b></h4><p>Choosing clothing items might be the biggest challenge for some carry-on users, but for many, the most significant packing problem comes from TSA liquid restrictions. Currently, the TSA allows three containers that have 3.4 ounces of liquids or less. These rules include aerosols, gels, and pastes. You need to carry liquid items in a separate, clear bag that you can take out during the security screening. Some companies manufacture <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-tsa-approved-toiletry-bags">convenient, TSA-approved toiletry bags</a> to make the security checkpoint process easier. </p><p>The liquid rules sometimes change, so you need to <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule">check with the TSA</a> before traveling. You can limit the impact of these restrictions by opting for solid soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics, and deciding which items you can purchase at your destination.</p><h4><b>Forget “Just In Case” and “What If” Items</b></h4><p>For the average traveler, a lot of suitcase space gets taken up with “just in case” items. Hopefully, you have already packed all your necessities, and your strategic and versatile clothing choices can help you deal with the weather. At this point in your packing process, you should ask if you really need to bring any additional items. </p><p>If you think that you “might” need an item, the odds are probably against you having to use it. If you do need something that you didn’t pack, you can always purchase it at your destination. </p><h4><b>Ask About Amenities</b></h4><p>If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, you should research the available amenities before you leave. In some cases, you can even call and ask for something that the hotel does not mention on their website. They may provide you with something extra if you request it beforehand. </p><p>“Amenities” may not just cover things such as toothpaste and shampoo, but also hairdryers and larger items. If you do not have to bring a <a href="https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-hair-dryers-2014">hairdryer</a>, you will have that much more space in your suitcase. </p><h4><b>Double-Check What You Can Bring</b></h4><p>TSA liquid restrictions affect what you can bring, but other regulations can cause problems at security checkpoints. Some of these rules, such as bans on lighters, knives, and hazardous chemicals, are obvious. Others, such as restrictions on the size of scissors and clippers that you can have, are less obvious. You can find <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all">lists of accepted and prohibited items on the TSA website</a>. </p><h4><b>Continually Re-evaluate and Reduce</b></h4><p>Review your strategies during and after each trip. What items did you need that you didn’t bring? What things stayed in your suitcase the whole trip? What items were easy to purchase at your destination? While you can follow specific strategies for carry-on-only travel, your personal travel needs are different from the needs of others. Because of this personal dynamic, there is always going to be an element of trial and error while you learn to pack carry-on luggage. </p><p>If you see the size of your suitcase and TSA regulations as guidelines for your packing, rather than limitations, you can succeed in your efforts to learn the art and science of carry-on-only travel.</p><p><i>Opening image: <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/luggage-packed-travel-trip-1081872/">pixabay.com</a></i></p>