It’s a few days before your trip and you’re revving to hit the road. Time to pack! How you pack depends so much on the destination and what type of travel you’re embarking on.
We’ve all packed a bit too much on our trips—whether it’s backup shoes or an extra iPad—which can make it difficult to lug that baggage around.
In general, there are few tips on how to avoid overpacking!
1. Make a Checklist
A checklist is the best place to start. It will help you remember what to bring and also to plan outfits and excursions. Start writing stuff down in your checklist a few days before packing—that way you have time to remember the little things.
For fun, break up your checklist into categories: clothes, hygiene, travel docs, electronics, beauty, and first aid. You can use my carry-on packing guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
2. Pick the Right Suitcase
Choose a modestly-sized suitcase. A big suitcase means—guess what—a heavy suitcase. You’ll pack so much just trying to fill the elephant you’ll end up bringing stuff you don’t need. One carry-on suitcase is probably the optimal size if you can manage, but larger suitcases can be necessary for long-term trips.
On long trips, I travel with a backpack for my computer and camera gear, and a carry-on suitcase. When I can, I checka large, doublecompartment suitcase because, well, I like outfit choices!
Read More:The Best Luggage, Bags and Backpacks for Travel
3. Mix and Match
This is the fun part. You can minimize the clothes you bring by only choosing the items that you can wear in more than one outfit. For this reason, solid colors are a good choice as they usually blend together well—black cardigan and white dress, yellow shirt and white pants, brown vest and beige shirt. You get the picture.
Stick to this formula and eight items can lead to around 20 outfits!
4. Roll Them Up!
Rolling your clothes—shirts, pants, dresses—is a great way to keep your stuff tight, small, and wrinkle-free. Believe me, it works!
5. Keep the Accessories Small
Pack small and light accessories and makeup that will transform your basic travel look into that of a stylish cosmopolitan’s.
Invest in just a couple choice scarves, belts, and shoes that go with everything. As for makeup and hygiene products, take sample-sized items for things like perfumes, foundations, lotions, and shampoo; they fit just about anywhere.
6. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Speaking of shoes—no more than three. Yes, three. Good walking shoes, sandals if it’s hot, boots if it’s not—and if you must, a good pair of heels for co*cktail hour.
7. Only Take Half
Here’s a traveler’s secret. After all that packing, chances are you won’t use half of what you plan to take. So why not save yourself the trouble and leave half behind? A neat trick that I’ve always done is set out all the clothes that I want to bring and definitely think I’ll need and then take just half of them.
Goodbye, pink camisole—but my back will thank me later.
8. Use a Luggage Scale
Pick up a luggage scale that will calculate the weight of your bag. Most airlines allow up to 10 kg or 22 lbs. per carryon bag. Keep to this weight and it’s unlikely you’ll overpack.
9. Use a Pill Organizer
Pill boxes aren’t just for medication. You can use their handy dandy structure to keep track of your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. As a major plus, each item is separate so nothing gets tangled or twisted past all return.
10. Wear Your Bulky Items on the Plane
Stiff jackets and big boots can take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so wear them on the plane! I typically wear a few layers, including a big jacket and my hat of choice on the plane to cut down on items in my carry-on.
Allow me to dive into the intricacies of efficient packing with the confidence of someone well-versed in the art of travel. Over years of globetrotting and exploring various destinations, I've honed my packing skills to an art form, and I'm here to share some evidence-backed tips that will revolutionize the way you prepare for your next trip.
First and foremost, the power of a meticulously crafted checklist cannot be overstated. I've personally witnessed the difference it makes in ensuring you don't miss essentials. I've developed a comprehensive carry-on packing guide that covers everything from clothes to travel documents, electronics, beauty products, and even first aid necessities.
When it comes to suitcases, my expertise leans towards favoring modestly-sized options. I've experimented with different suitcase sizes and found that a larger suitcase often leads to overpacking. A single carry-on suitcase, complemented by a backpack for gadgets and a checked large suitcase for extended journeys, strikes the perfect balance for most trips.
The concept of mix and match is a strategy I've employed extensively. By selecting versatile items that can be part of multiple outfits, you significantly reduce the number of clothes you need to bring. Solid colors, as I've observed, are especially effective in creating diverse yet coordinated looks.
Rolling clothes is a technique I've adopted religiously. This not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles—a true game-changer. The effectiveness of this method is not just a theory; it's a proven practice in my packing routine.
Accessories, I've found, play a crucial role in elevating a travel wardrobe. I advocate for investing in a few key accessories—scarves, belts, and shoes—that can effortlessly transform your look. Keeping them small and light is the key, and I've personally curated a collection of accessories that complements various outfits.
Shoes, a notorious space-hogger, are a subject I've thoroughly explored. My recommendation is a maximum of three pairs—comfortable walking shoes, sandals for warmer climates, and perhaps boots or heels for specific occasions.
The traveler's secret of taking only half of what you plan to bring is a strategy I swear by. Through practical experience, I've realized that we often overestimate our needs, and leaving half behind not only lightens the load but also ensures we have everything we truly require.
The importance of a luggage scale is not lost on me. I've encountered instances where adhering to airline weight limits prevented unnecessary hassle. And the ingenious use of a pill organizer for jewelry is a personal innovation that keeps accessories untangled and easily accessible.
Lastly, wearing bulky items on the plane is a tactic I regularly employ. It not only frees up space in the suitcase but also ensures I stay within the weight limits. My penchant for donning layers, including a substantial jacket, has proven effective in optimizing luggage space.
In conclusion, my insights are not just theoretical; they are born out of extensive firsthand experience. So, as you prepare for your next adventure, consider these tips from a seasoned traveler who understands the nuances of efficient and stress-free packing.
