YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS OF THEMSELVES AS AN OVERPACKER. THE URGE TO PACK EXTRA CLOTHING, TOILETRIES, AND GADGETS IS UNDERSTANDABLE GIVEN THAT TRAVELING MAY BE STRESSFUL ENOUGH. HOWEVER, THERE ARE SOME EASY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO STAY ORGANIZED AND LIGHTEN YOUR SUITCASE FOR AN UPCOMING VACATION. THIS WILL PREVENT YOU FROM HAVING TO CARRY ABOUT A BAG THAT IS TOO HEAVY (OR PAYING AN EXTRA BAGGAGE FEE).
1. USE A WARDROBE PLANNER
Another helpful method to avoid overpacking is to organize your travel wardrobe by outfit. Planning your outfits in advance will help you identify what you can reuse on your trip and ensure that you don't forget essentials like hiking boots or gym gear for particular activities.
2. PACK ONE BASIC COLOR
Choose one basic color to carry around, whether it be black, navy, or olive green. You don't have to fully give up style even if you're minimizing your outfit selections to save space.
Pro tip: use accessories to spice up your outfit.
3. PACK FO A WEEK AND PLAN TO DO LAUNDRY
Even if your trip is long, we advise packing a week's worth of clothes and washing everything you need to along the trip. Thinking smaller is less overwhelming, whether you send your laundry out for pickup or hand wash clothes in your hotel room sink.
4. PACK ONLY 3 PAIRS OF SHOES
Setting a limit of three pairs can help you pare down your wardrobe and avoid overpacking. Smaller pairs of shoes can be tucked inside larger pairs to save space, and you can also use packing cubes to keep shoes apart from the rest of your items.
Pro tips: put shoes at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels in order to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your back and shoulders.
5. KNOW WHAT TO ROLL AND WHAT TO FOLD
Although rolling your clothes can sometimes help you pack lighter, but it's important to think about fabrics when you're deciding how to fold your clothing.
