Packing Sudoku Is the Genius Trick for <a t feel monotonous, Shaquer begins with three bottoms that offer distinct vibes. “Different shapes. Different energy,” she says. “If they all look the same, you will feel bored by day three.” This might involve a mix of tailored trousers, classic denim, and relaxed wide-leg pants.
Next, incorporate three layers that can adapt to shifting moods and temperatures—perhaps a blazer for a sharp look, a cardigan for softness, and a trench coat for added polish.
Then, choose three unique tops: one basic, one sophisticated, and one with personality, such as a bold print or vibrant color. The items don’t need to be neutral, but they must coordinate well. The objective isn’t uniformity; it’s achieving cohesion through contrast.
It is important to note that footwear is kept separate from the 3×3 clothing grid. Shaquer typically recommends a total of three pairs: pack two (a flat and a heel) and wear your heaviest pair, such as boots or sneakers, on your travel day. Naturally, remember to pack all your non-clothing essentials, including electronics, toiletries, and your passport.
Using packing sudoku, how many days will your wardrobe last?
Mathematically, nine items can generate as many as 27 different outfits. In practice, you will likely rotate your favorites and adjust your look using accessories and layering. However, for a standard seven-day trip, Shaquer notes that it never feels repetitive.
“You are not bringing your entire wardrobe,” she says. “When you go to Italy, you do not mourn that you are not also in France—you enjoy Italy. Your packing sudoku is built for this trip, this climate, this version of you right now. That is not a limitation. That is focus.”
She is currently applying this technique to a three-week journey that covers an Australian summer, a West Coast winter, and a stop in Texas. The only modifications? Including one pair of linen pants to extend the summer wardrobe and a puffer vest for the colder climate. Everything else stays within the grid.
How can you make packing sudoku work for you?
Packing sudoku is most effective when treated as a framework rather than a style preference. Here is how to do it:
Define the function first
Before considering aesthetics or color palettes, determine what your trip <a t require endless choices. “You are not bringing your entire wardrobe,” Shaquer says. The grid mandates focus. For many travelers—particularly women who often feel pressure regarding their outfits—that level of clarity can be incredibly liberating.
Are there any downsides to packing sudoku?
Packing sudoku is not ideal for trips that are highly technical or require specialized gear. Therefore, if you are planning a hiking excursion that necessitates thermal layers, waterproof boots, and quick-dry fabrics, the grid should not be forced upon it. Function-specific requirements can take precedence over the structure.
It is also not the best approach for travelers who truly prioritize maximum outfit variety for the sake of fashion.
And yes, it demands discipline. The most common error people make, Shaquer says, is selecting <a t just the space it saves—it’s that it encourages you to choose intentionally, commit with confidence, and stop second-guessing your decisions.
“The power is in restraint and interconnection,” Shaquer says. “If one number breaks the pattern, the puzzle fails. Packing sudoku works the same way.”
About the expert
Natalie Shaquer is an Australian travel creator who developed the viral packing sudoku method to assist travelers in packing more efficiently and lightly. Her advice has reached more than 4 million people globally.
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