HOW TO AVOID OVERPACKING FOR A TRIP

If you have a tendency to overpack for a vacation and are hit with overweight baggages fees at the airport, I feel your pain. How you pack can depend on the destination and what type of trip you are venturing into.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid overpacking

Make a Checklist

It could be just me but having a checklist is personally one of the best ways that I keep myself accountable for what I pack on a trip. It also helps me remember what to bring and how to plan certain outfits for different excursions. I recommend writing things down on a checklist a few days to a week before packing so you have time to remember the little things you'd like to bring. If you want to be super specific, break the checklist into categories such as clothes, hygiene, travel documents, electronics, beauty, etc.

Pick the Right Suitcase

The right suitcase can mean the world of difference when it comes to traveling. The bigger or heavier the suitcase, the more chance you have of paying overweight baggage fees. If possible, try to stick with a carry-on and pack what you need. However, larger suitcases may be necessary when it comes to longer trips. Here are my go to Amazon travel essentials for any type of trip.

Mix and Match

When it comes to coordinating outfits, my biggest tip is to mix and match different outfits so you have plenty of options. By mixing and matching items, 10 items can easily lead to 20-25 different outfits. Solid neutral colors are my go-to choices when it comes to blending outfits together.

Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Rolling your clothes such as shirts, pants, and dresses is a great way to keep your stuff tight, small, and wrinkle-free. However, one thing that I have started doing to save space, especially when traveling only with a carry on is using vacuum sealed bags. These are game changers when you are wanting to fit more with limited space.

Keep the Accessories Small

Packing light on accessories and makeup will help keep the weight of your luggage down. Invest in travel-sized products that will take up less space despite traveling with a carry-on or a checked bag. When it comes to accessories, pack the essentials that will style with numerous outfits.

Take Half of What you Think you Need

After packing your suitcase, go back and check what items you think you can live without for your trip. This will save you the trouble of having to haul around items that you may not use. One trick I have started doing is setting out all the clothes that I want to bring and making a different pile for clothes I believe I can go without. I will then go through the go without pile and narrow the pile down to only a few items to add to my bag.

Check Your Luggage Weight

If you are wanting to be safe before traveling to the airport, a luggage scale is a great way to calculate the weight of your bag. Most airlines will allow up to 10 kg or 22 lbs. per carry-on bag. When it comes to checked bags more airlines will allow up to 23 kg or 50 lbs. per bag.

Wear Your Bulky Items on the Plane

If you are traveling somewhere cold, bulky winter items are prone to taking up more space and being heavier. For this reason, I typically wear a few layers including a winter jacket, boots, and even a hat on the place to cut down on the items within my suitcase(s).

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