If you’re anything like me, packing for a trip usually starts with “I’ll just bring my travel essentials” and somehow ends with me sitting on my suitcase, sweating, trying to force the zipper closed while wondering if I really need three pairs of heels for a four-day vacation. Of course, I won’t need them but every single time, I convince myself that I might just need that extra outfit “just in case.”
So, I figured out a way on how to stop overpacking and travel light. Because heck it can be borderline stress to drag suitcase through border security and to and from your trip with clothes you end up not wearing.
Sound familiar? Yeah, we’re in this together. The truth is, overpacking is a habit, and like any habit, it can be broken. Traveling light isn’t just about saving space in your luggage, it’s about freeing your mind and making your trip more enjoyable. No dragging heavy suitcases up hotel stairs, no paying ridiculous baggage fees, no panicking at the airport because your bag is 2kg overweight.
So, let’s talk about how I’ve slowly (but surely) learned to stop overpacking and actually enjoy the sweet freedom of traveling light:
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How to stop overpacking and travel light
It took a whole lot from me to realize that packing light is the way to go. Here are my tried and tested tips on how to stop overpacking and travel light.
Accept That You Don’t Need Options for Every Mood
My biggest problem used to be “What if I wake up and don’t feel like wearing what I packed?” And that’s how I ended up stuffing my bag with five different “vibe” options for each day.
Casual-chic? Packed. Sporty? Packed. The “I might end up at a fancy rooftop dinner even though I’m going on a hiking trip” outfit? Yup, packed too.
The thing is, most of the time, I ended up wearing the same two or three outfits on repeat because they were comfy and easy. The rest just stayed folded in my suitcase, silently mocking me for lugging them across borders.
Now, I remind myself that trips are not fashion shows (unless you’re literally traveling for one). Pick outfits that are versatile and make you feel good and forget the rest. The reality is, you’ll probably be too busy exploring, eating, or just living the trip to care about wearing a different outfit every single day.
Plan Your Outfits Before You Pack
This one was a game-changer for me. I used to just throw random clothes into my bag, thinking I’d “figure it out when I get there.” That’s basically an invitation to chaos.
Now, I literally plan my outfits in advance. I’ll stand in front of my closet and put together a day-by-day breakdown of what I’ll wear. If I’m traveling for five days, I plan five outfits, sometimes six if I know there’s a chance I’ll spill ice cream on myself (which has happened more times than I want to admit).
And here’s the trick: I stick to clothes that can mix and match. That way, even if I change my mind, I can swap a top or bottom without needing a whole extra outfit. For example, one pair of jeans can work with three different tops, which means more variety without packing my entire wardrobe.
Pro tip? Actually, try on the outfits before packing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown in a dress that looked cute in theory but made me miserable when I wore it.
Embrace the Magic of Travel-Sized Everything
I used to pack my full-sized shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, sunscreen, body lotion, and even my hair mask “just in case.” Let’s be real, those bottles are HEAVY. And nine times out of ten, I’d come home with them almost untouched.
Now, I’m obsessed with travel-sized versions of everything. Tiny bottles of skincare, mini toothpaste, little deodorants. Yes, they exist, and they’re adorable. Even better, I’ve learned to use refillable travel bottles so I don’t have to keep buying minis.
The best part is I realized I don’t even need my full 10-step skincare routine on holiday. Shocking, I know. But when I’m lying on a beach sipping coconut water, I’m not thinking about exfoliating acids. Instead, I’m thinking about how much sunscreen I remembered to put on.
Shoes: The Silent Luggage Killer
Confession: I once packed four pairs of shoes for a weekend getaway. And I wore… two.
Shoes are bulky, heavy, and take up way too much space. These days, I limit myself to two pairs max. One comfortable pair for walking (sneakers or sandals, depending on the trip) and one pair for going out (something slightly dressier but still versatile). That’s it. If I can’t make my outfits work with those two, the problem is with my outfit choices, not my shoe options.
Trust me, your back will thank you when you’re not dragging an overweight suitcase up cobblestone streets in Europe or running to catch a bus with three pounds of shoes on your shoulders.
Stop Packing “Just in Case” Items
This one hurt to learn, but it had to be said. I used to pack for scenarios that were so unrealistic, I might as well have prepared for a zombie apocalypse. Did I really need to bring a full first-aid kit, three extra jackets, and a book I might read if I suddenly had a spare week? Nope.
Here’s the thing, if you need something desperately, chances are you can buy it where you’re going. Unless you’re trekking to some remote jungle, most places have pharmacies, clothing stores, and convenience shops.
Now, instead of packing for the unknown, I pack for what I actually know will happen. For example, if I’m going to a beach town, I don’t need to bring hiking boots “just in case.” If I’m going to a city, I don’t need snorkeling gear.
Use Packing Cubes (and Be Honest With Yourself)
Packing cubes changed my life. No exaggeration. They keep my clothes organized, they save space, and they force me to be honest about what I’m bringing. If I can’t fit everything into my designated cubes, it’s a sign I’m packing too much.
I even categorize them: one cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear, etc. This way, I don’t end up tearing through my entire suitcase just to find a single pair of socks. And because everything has its place, I can see if I’m going overboard. If I’m shoving clothes into a cube, I know I need to cut back.
Repeat After Me: Laundry Is Your Friend
Here’s a mindset shift that helped me pack lighter: I don’t need a brand-new outfit for every single day of my trip. I can do laundry. Shocking, I know.
If I’m going on a long trip, I pack clothes that are easy to wash and dry quickly. I’ve hand-washed T-shirts in hotel sinks, used laundromats abroad, and even taken advantage of laundry services. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to wash clothes than to pay overweight baggage fees or drag around an oversized suitcase.
Plus, wearing something twice isn’t the end of the world. Honestly, no one’s keeping track of your outfits except maybe you.
Downsize Your Tech and Accessories
Another trap I used to fall into is bringing every gadget I owned. These days, I keep it simple. My phone covers most of my needs (photos, entertainment, communication), and if I really want to read, I download a few ebooks ahead of time. Accessories like hats, belts, or jewelry? I stick to one or two versatile pieces instead of bringing my entire collection.
Less stuff means less stress, and more room for souvenirs.
Which of these tips on how to stop overpacking and travel light do you use? Which of these tips on how to stop overpacking and travel light do you find useful? Let me know in the comments. Ciao for now.
