Over-packer Anonymous
Over-packer Anonymous: Confession Time
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As a former heavy packer, I used to be known as โthe bag ladyโ โ hauling a suitcase for every possible situation (with backups, of course). A friend of mine finally nudged me (maybe bullied a little) into letting go of that overpacking habit.
Does this change cause anxiety? Absolutely. The โWhat if I do need this 9th pair of jeans?โ panic is real. But my wise friend put it simply: “There will be stores where you are going.” That advice changed everything.
Traveling light doesnโt mean being careless or unprepared. If youโre headed to the Caribbean, leave the puffer coat behind, but itโs smart to bring a sweater or hoodie for cooler nights. Packing in a carry-on is all about strategyโbring only what you know youโll need. No more second and third suitcases.
My Packing Process:
Gather everything you think youโll need and edit, edit, edit. Most of the time, we donโt need half of what we pack. Overpacking happens when you throw in last-minute โjust in caseโ items. Trust me, you wonโt need that 23rd shirt for a 5-day trip.
If you stick with me, Iโll show you how to cut down on clutter by tackling the most common overpacking traps.
Stage One: Toiletries
Toiletries can sneak up on you. Everything looks manageableโuntil you try to squeeze it into your adorable new toiletry bag. Hereโs how to cut back:
- Perfume: Use tester samples or small tubes. Even travel-size bottles are too much. A small perfume atomizer like this one from Amazon lets you take multiple scents without the bulk.
- Hair products: Bring only the essentials. Skip the five-step hair treatments. Use refillable travel containers because the full-sized products are too much.
Tip: If youโre traveling with a partner, pack extra shampoo if youโll be gone longer than 7 days. In my house, we always run out of shampoo (but never conditionerโpretty sure my husband has never conditioned anything in his life). - Body wash and soap: Bring the basics, but leave behind foot scrubs and oversized loofahs. If you prefer bar soap, many hotels and cruise lines provide travel-sized bars. I have sensitive skin, so I always bring my own body washโhotel scents like “cucumber-pumpkin-spice-vanilla” are not for me.
- Razors and brushes: Keep a dedicated travel razor and brush in your travel kit to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Pro Tip
When traveling with my husband we often run out of shampoo. If we are gone more than 7 days I will bring either a larger refillable one or just two of the small ones. Conditioner never runs out – pretty sure he has never conditioned anything in his life!
Bonus Tip
Keep all your travel items in one area of your bathroom. So when it is time to travel you can just refresh what you are low on. Toss out the stuff that has just a little bit in it- you will never get the last 1/25โ of shampoo out of that bottle, you can let it go now.
Stage Two: Jewelry
Jewelry is a personal struggle. There may have been tears shed here. I love options, but now I follow a strict rule: If it doesnโt fit in my travel jewelry case, it stays home.
- Stick to 1-2 metals and limit yourself to:
- 1 pair of studs
- 1 pair of hoops
- 1 fun pair of earrings
- 2-3 small bracelets
- 2-3 necklaces (optional)
Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing styleโjust choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Tips for editing
- Stick with 1 or 2 metals
- 1 each stud, hoop, and fun pair.
- Small bracelets to fit in the box -2-3 small ones
- Necklaces 2-3 easily in small jewelry bags like these inside the box
Stage Three: Shoes
Shoes are emotionalโletโs admit it. But they also take up the most space.
- Cold destinations: Boots and sneakers
- Warm destinations: Sandals and flats
- Dinner options: If you must have heels, bring one versatile pair.
Pro Tip
wear your largest pair of shoes on traveling days. That way you save space in your luggage for the smaller ones. If you canโt live without the pink pumps then you can rock them at TSA!
Stage Four: Outerwear
Itโs time to get real. Hereโs what you need based on the weather:
- Cold weather: 1 warm coat + 1 lightweight sweater or cardigan = DONE.
- Warm weather: A hoodie or light sweater for chilly evenings or flights.
Check out my seasonal travel outfit inspirations here for ideas on building minimalist travel wardrobes.
Stage Five: Outfit Planning
Made it this far without throwing your phone? Good newsโyouโre almost a carry-on pro. Hereโs a simple formula to keep your wardrobe manageable.
For a 7-day trip:
- Tops: 5-7 (mix of long sleeves and t-shirts)
- Bottoms: 1 pair of leggings, 1 pair of jeans, 1 skirt or dress for dinner
- Outerwear: 1 lightweight sweater, 1 cardigan
- Undergarments: 2 bras, 1 pair of underwear per day (this is not the place to skimp for real)
- Socks: 1 pair per day
Pro Tip: Wear your bulky itemsโlike coats or sweatersโon travel days. I always travel in layers, wearing leggings, a tank top, a hoodie, and my bulkiest shoes. Compression socks are also lifesavers if your feet swell during flights.
My 7-Day Packing List
- Tops: 1 shirt for every 2 days
- Bottoms: 1 pair of pants for every 3 days
- Shoes: 1 pair of tennis shoes, 1 pair of flats, 1 Chelsea boots
- Outerwear: Dress in layersโwear your bulkiest items on travel days
- Packing Cubes: Invest in good-quality ones. Cheap ones wonโt cut it.
Pro Tip
Wear your bulky clothing on travel days. I also have a specific outfit I only wear for going and coming. It typically consists of leggings, a tank top with a shirt, an outerwear item, my bulkiest shoes. Then I will also bring my coat if bringing one.
With these tips, two small bagsโyour carry-on and a backpackโare all youโll need. No more excess baggage, no more stress. Just thoughtful, intentional packing.
Packing List
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