Packing for any trip can be challenging. Uncertainty about the weather, cultural norms for dining out and just wanting to be ‘fly’ all make us look at our wardrobes a little differently. Add the dynamic of traveling to a new country and perhaps leaving the country for the first time and you’ve got a perfect formula for an over packed suitcase. Overpacking is a common problem which leads to too much baggage, bag fees and just a cumbersome travel experience overall. We all can use a few tricks to avoid the overpacking dilemma.
If you’ve ever found yourself sitting on your suitcase trying to zip it closed before a big trip, you’re not alone. Many travelers overestimate what they’ll need while abroad and end up bringing a little bit of everything. A few extra shoes or a just in case outfit all can lead to a heavier than ideal luggage. This post will take you through some techniques to avoid common overpacking pitfalls and leave you feeling light, free, and prepared for your adventure. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pack like a pro without the extra weight dragging you down.
Effective Strategies to Avoid Overpacking
We all have visions of strolling down the street or showing up for a night on the town in our dream destination looking fabulous. You’ve laid out two outfit changes per day with shoes and accessories to match. You have more looks than you’ve ever flaunted at home ready to hit the skies with you. But is it really necessary?
Overpacking can add unnecessary burden to your travel experience and cost you money. Going with a less is more approach when traveling abroad can give you freedom, flexibility and peace of mind for a stress free travel experience. Here are some techniques to help you avoid overpacking for your next trip.
1. Start with a location informed list
Before you take one thing out of the closet, do a little research on your destination. Review weather forecast. Determine what type of activities might be on the agenda. Be clear on how long you will be there.
Once that is clear, identify the essentials like toiletries. You may require specific natural hair or skin care products that are not likely available in your hotel. I know people that can shower or wash their hair with anything. That is not me.
Identify special outings or events that require specific garments (like swimwear for beach outings or a coverup to visit religious sites). These things should go on the top of your packing priority list.
2. Choose Versatile Clothing and Build a Capsule Wardrobe
This is the best technique for packing light. Think items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Like black pants that can be worn casually with a t-shirt during the day or dressed up with a different top for a night out.
I love my bright colors. With my dark complexion they really seem to pop. When traveling, I opt for neutrals or solid colors that pair easily with other pieces. This means you can bring your orange top! But have a color strategy. This will come in handy for determining the accessories you need.
Steer clear of single use items like that cute sequin dress that is only good if you go out for a really fancy dinner. Or that fun pair of yellow heels that only work with that one dress. It might sound boring but it works!
3. Minimize Footwear
Shoes take up the most real estate in your luggage. That said, you will want to minimize the total number of shoes you carry with you. Prioritize comfort over fashion. That doesn’t mean you can’t have both.
Wear one pair of comfortable walking shoes and pack one. I like to have at least two options for walking around. Bring one versatile pair of dressy shoes (preferably a neutral color). Of course pack any speciality shoes you may need like hiking boots if hiking is in your plan.
That one pair of red stilettos that are impossible to walk in but are a stunner when you are sitting at the bar, leave those at home. The reality is, it is unlikely that you will wear them and if you do, it would only be once and that is a waste of valuable packing space. Comfort is key especially on international trips where you will likely be walking a lot. Not to mention, there will probably be cobblestone or dirt roads in your adventure. No one needs that torture and you definitely don’t want to scratch up the heel of your favorite Louboutins.
Pro Tip: You can also stuff smaller items inside your shoes. I always pack my socks inside my sneakers for space and convenience. And never put your shoes in your luggage without shoe bags. If you haven’t considered this, just think about all the crap you’ve walk through on the street being right up against your clean clothes. Disgusting.
4. Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
I use packing cubes religiously on trips. They help to keep me organized and if you have the compression version, they can also help to create more space.
Packing cubes can also be used to help you sort items. I tend to put underwear in a small cube and tops one that is larger. They don’t work well for bulky items like sweaters or jeans but you should probably leave the bulky stuff at home anyway.
Packing cubes keep your suitcase from being cluttered and bonus, you can separate your dirty items from clean stuff in the cubes as well. This is especially important when you have a multiple destination trip where you may have to pack and unpack a few times.
5. Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries
Under no circumstances will you need a full sized bottle of shampoo for your 7 day vacation. I know. We like our products. But it can take up a lot of space and not to mention add weight to your bag that you don’t need to have.
In some cases, you can find your beauty products in travel sizes. The cost can sometimes be higher not to mention from a sustainability perspective it may not be the best options. But I have a solution for that.
Instead of always searching endlessly for mini versions of the stuff I love, I just buy small containers and add it from my full sized version at home. Just remember to label the containers so you don’t end up conditioning your hair with your body lotion. If it’s not anything special, then try out the stuff at the hotel. This may be particularly important if you’ve decided to bring only a carry-on bag.
6. Go Wrinkle Free
I don’t know about you, but the idea of having to find an iron that won’t burn or leave water stains on my favorite dress is more than I want to handle on vacation.
Opt for outfits that are wrinkle resistant. Cottons, cashmere, spandex and knits are great options when you don’t want to deal with ironing. They are also perfect for packing in packing cubes where rolling or smashing might be in the plan.
If a total wrinkle free wardrobe is not in the cards, you could leverage plastic bags inside your luggage to help minimize wrinkles. Or my new favorite item is Downy Wrinkle Release fabric spray. It works really well on linen and t-shirts to smooth away the appearance of wrinkles.
A Few Other Considerations
If the idea of paying extra fees hasn’t made you rethink your packing, think about this. If you’ll be taking the train or ferry at any point during your journey, you will need to ensure your bags get on and off. And sometimes that might include stairs. It is unlikely that someone will be there to assist you which means you are on your own managing it. Even if you have great travel insurance, no one wants to dislocate their shoulder dragging a heavy bag up a flight of stairs.
Secondly, getting dressed for the day becomes an easier task when you have less options clouding your judgement. If you’ve packed well, you already confirmed what matches and what works best for the occasion. You simply get dressed and head out for the day ensuring you maximize your time in your destination and not in the second guessing your outfit for the day.
Finally, while most of us don’t want to do laundry on vacation there is alway the option to leverage the hotel laundry facilities. Or if you are like me, washing a few things in the tub or sink also work. Just make sure you are traveling with things that are hand/machine washable. And bonus it they your items are made from fabrics that will dry quickly.
My Perspective
Packing light is a strategic effort to save you time, money and sometimes injury. It might sound like a good idea to have everything that appears in your dreams in your suitcase but the truth is, you don’t need it. You can avoid overpacking by making sure you plan versatile outfits rather than packing for every possible occasion. This will cut down significantly on what you need to bring.
Embrace the idea of packing with a purpose. Your frame of thinking should be “I’ll wear this for this specific purpose” and not “let me bring this just in case…” No one will remember that you wore those same pants with a different shirt two days ago. Heck, you probably won’t even see any of those people again.
Ready to pack like a pro and set off on your dream international trip? Check out the post on International Tripping for more tips to get you traveling. Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips to make your next adventure unforgettable.
FAQs About Effectively Packing for International Trips
What are the essentials I should pack for an international trip?
The essentials for any international trip include your passport, credit cards, power adapter, a small first aid kit, and comfortable clothes that match your destination’s climate. Packing light toiletries and keeping footwear to a minimum will also reduce baggage bulk.
How can I avoid overpacking without feeling unprepared?
You can avoid overpacking by sticking to versatile items that serve multiple purposes, like clothing you can layer or mix and match. Limiting footwear and choosing lightweight items will ensure you feel prepared without burdening yourself with unnecessary baggage.
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