I tried the viral sudoku packing hack - and it's changed the way I travel

I'm a professional travel writer so I feel like I should be better at capsule wardrobes and travelling with carry-on luggage only. But I'm a chronic overpacker, too, always adding one more thing to my suitcase at the last minute. So, when I came across the viral sudoku packing trend on Tiktok, I challenged myself to give it a go. It was so efficient, it has completely changed the way I travel now.

The premise is simple: pick nine core pieces - three tops, three bottoms and three layering items - that all go with each other. That last bit is the most important: each piece of clothing must work with every other item, otherwise this isn't going to work. Then use a three-by-three sudoku-like grid system to create 27 coordinated outfits.

"It's not about having enough clothes, it's about having the right clothes," says social media influencer Natalie Shaquer, who popularised the packing hack online. Her original sudoku-packing reel posted on Instagram in February this year is now just shy of five million views.

"Everyone has been told to pack light, but very few people have been shown how. This system gives travellers a framework they've never had before," says Natalie.

I can vouch for it. It's worked wonders for me. Here's how you can do it, too - one step at a time.

This method relies on layering so my first step is to gather all of the clothes I plan to take and place them on the bed. In the past, I have chosen blue denim and black garments, then added a few colourful statement pieces like jeans, pants and a colourful dress that can also be worn with a layer to create a skirt and top look.

Then comes the part I didn't think was possible - eliminating unnecessary clothing from the equation. From my pile of desired clothing, I picked three tops, three bottoms and three layering pieces.

This is where things get exciting. Lay out the clothes in a three-by-three sudoku-like grid, making sure every row and every column contains at least one top, one bottom and one layering piece.

When you're done, this is what your grid should look like:

Row 1: Top, Layer, Bottom

Row 2: Bottom, Top, Layer

This, I have to admit, is the hardest part. Now that you have created the grid, make sure every item goes with every other piece of clothing. Scan your eyes horizontally, vertically and diagonally. Or simply mix and match pieces randomly. If something doesn't work with another piece, it's time to replace it with something that does. Once you're done, you have effectively created 27 outfit options.

To give my travel wardrobe a bit more personality, I add running shoes, gold flats, a couple of handbags, a bright scarf that also doubles as a sarong and a smattering of jewellery. Once again it's important to make sure every accessory you're adding is working with all the other pieces.

Thanks to this packing grid, I have finally nailed capsule wardrobes. Now I just need to find a hack to tidy up my makeup bag.