Recently, I just got back from a 2-day business trip to Texas, and not only did I feel jealous of Texans who experience warm weather year round (I live in frigid Iowa, okay?), I also met someone who struggled with overpacking. “I just don’t know how to pack less”, she lamented to me, as she dragged around her full-size bag and a carry-on for a 2-day trip. Personally, I love the feeling of packing light (and maximizing your wardrobe in the process), so I take a bit of pride in the fact that 99% of the time, I can get everything I need in a small carry-on. I’m not writing this post to gloat (though it sure seems like it), but to come alongside you chronic overpackers and offer you a better way! If you’re tired of being weighed down with baggage (can’t do anything about the emotional stuff, sorry), then here are my best packing tips to help you get exactly what you need and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1. Write Down All the Planned Events
Whether you’re leaving for a work trip or a vacation, make the time to study your itinerary ahead of time (and if you don’t have one, then now is a great time to create one).
For my work trip, I knew that I was going to need a look for conference sessions, as well as dinner looks. This helps me plan specific looks for my specific events instead of throwing “everything but the kitchen sink” into my suitcase, hoping that something works when the time comes.
So, take some time before your trip to study the schedule or itinerary. Write down all the events you need outfits for, big or small. Whether it’s a work meeting, sightseeing, or sitting by the pool, it all counts.
After all, one of the biggest reasons why people overpack is because they want to be prepared for anything and everything. Being prepared is great! But believe it or not, you can be prepared without bringing your whole closet along. Once you know what you need outfits for, it becomes way easier to pack.
2. Check the Weather (A Week and Even Days Before You Leave)
Want to be a smart packer? Then check the weather forecast for your destination in the weeks and even days leading up to your departure.
It’s a good idea to start the packing process about a week before you’re scheduled to leave (last-minute packing causes panic and makes you bring too much). So start monitoring the weather about a week before your trip as you pack to get a general sense of what to expect. This will help you decide on the types of clothing and accessories you need to bring.
As your trip approaches, keep an eye on any changes or sudden weather shifts. This way, you can make last-minute adjustments to your packing list, such as adding an umbrella for unexpected rain or swapping out a heavy coat for a lighter jacket.
3. Plan Out Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Though it might sound like obvious advice, some people need to hear it: Plan out your outfits ahead of time. I’ll say it louder for the people in the back – plan out your outfits before you leave!
Instead of throwing random things in your suitcase, take the time to choose your outfits. After all, you already know what’s on the agenda and what the weather will be – you’ve got no excuse!
So bring to mind the activities you have planned for your trip and start laying out your potential outfits on your bed to see how different pieces can work together.
4. Utilize a Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re a seasoned reader, then you know that capsule wardrobes are a big part of what we teach and preach over here. Why? They truly can change your life. And I’m not exaggerating. A capsule wardrobe is perfect for every season – in life and in the weather. Whether you’re 30 or 50, dressing for fall or spring, a capsule wardrobe makes your life easier with a streamlined and versatile wardrobe.
On my last trip, I embraced the capsule wardrobe by packing versatile classic clothing items I could dress up or down. Things like a t-shirt, blazer, jeans, dress pants, and a skirt are wardrobe heroes. (And often unsung, so let’s sing!)
I wore my jeans to a casual work lunch as well as traveling. I wore my Mary Jane flats sightseeing as well as in the airport. I dressed up a striped tee to speak on a panel, but then paired it with my jeans for a casual look. You see – creating a versatile capsule wardrobe can significantly simplify your packing process.
The things I will never travel without are basic tees (both white and striped), leather flats, a blazer, and jeans. You’ll find more than that in my wardrobe, obviously, but you’ll never find less. These are the go-tos that I’ll bring with me wherever I go, whether Texas or Paris, and I’m always prepared.
So, choose your go-tos from a list of minimalist wardrobe staples and create your own mini travel capsule wardrobe. If you have a good variety (but not too many now, don’t cheat), then you can pack less and actually feel like you have more to wear.
When choosing your own pieces, focus on selecting a handful of essential pieces that can be effortlessly mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Neutral colors are best here – black, white, beige, gray, and navy pair well with each other and can be easily dressed up or down.
Just as important as the colors, choose timeless, classic cuts to ensure your outfits remain stylish no matter the occasion. By strategically curating your wardrobe, you can achieve a variety of looks without the bulk, making your travels more enjoyable and hassle-free!
5. Try On All Your Outfits Before You Pack
Now that you’ve got all your outfits planned out, it’s time to try them on and make sure they actually work. This helps you ensure everything fits well and coordinates perfectly, as well as see how each piece looks together and if you need to make any adjustments.
Pay attention to comfort and fit, making sure you feel confident in each look. This process also helps you identify any missing items or accessories that could elevate your looks.
Try on the complete outfits, including shoes and accessories, to get a full picture of what you’ll be wearing. Taking this extra step can prevent any fashion mistakes and ensure you pack only what you need!
6. Take Pictures of Your Outfits
If you haven’t tried it yet, taking pictures of your outfits is a game-changer for organized packing. Once you’ve planned and tried on your outfits, snap a quick photo of each complete look, including accessories and shoes.
These photos act as a visual packing list and serve as a handy reference during your trip, making it easy to remember how you intended to style each piece. Store these outfit photos in a dedicated album on your phone so you can quickly scroll through them each morning or whenever you’re deciding what to wear.
This step not only eliminates the guesswork and ensures you stay stylish, but it reminds you that you already have a full outfit and you don’t need to pack anymore.
7. Keep a Running Packing List on Your Phone
Whether it’s clothes or toiletries, every time I think of something to pack I write it down, especially the week leading up to a trip. This keeps me organized and more in control of the situation. (Because have you ever tried to remember every little thing 2 hours before you leave? You’re bound to forget something!)
This packing list helps you pack exactly what you need – no more and no less. And as you travel more, you can keep this list saved, making the next time you pack easier, faster, and better.
Start by creating a master list of all the items you’ll need for your trip, categorizing them into sections such as clothing, toiletries, or accessories. Use the note-taking feature on your phone to organize your list, making it easy to update and check off items as you go.
Having your packing list on your phone also allows you to quickly verify that you’ve packed everything when you’re ready to leave, providing peace of mind and reducing the likelihood of forgetting important items, as well as bringing too much.
8. Force Yourself to Make Decisions
After speaking with many women who overpack, I’ve learned that indecisiveness is a big reason why. Does that describe you? It’s not so much that you overpack because you want to be prepared for both a blizzard and a zombie apocalypse, it’s that you’re indecisive and struggle to make definitive decisions. So instead of making the necessary decisions before you leave, you throw it all in the suitcase and essentially just put off the decision for another day.
However, when packing, it’s essential to make deliberate decisions about what to bring and what to leave behind. Start by identifying your must-have items and outfits for the trip (such as your favorite pair of jeans or a versatile dress). Then, be honest about the pieces that might not be as crucial. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’ll need multiple options for every possible scenario, but in reality, you can often get by with less.
Limit yourself to a set number of tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched. Ask yourself if each item serves more than one purpose and if it complements the rest of your wardrobe. If something doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s likely best left at home. Being ruthless in your decision-making helps you avoid overpacking and ensures you bring only what’s necessary.
9. Limit the Statement Items
It’s a law of nature (I think): If you pack too many statement items then you’ll struggle to style the right outfits.
Sure, statement items can add flair to your travel wardrobe and they definitely have their place, but it’s important to limit them to avoid overpacking. Focus on selecting one or two statement pieces that can transform your basic outfits.
For example, a burgundy bag or a leopard print scarf can elevate a simple look without taking up much space. Remember, statement items should complement what you already have, adding variety without requiring additional pieces. Follow this approach and you’ll stay stylish while keeping your luggage light!
10. Final Checklist to Ensure You Haven’t Missed Anything
Before you close up your suitcase, make sure to do a final run-through to ensure you have everything you need. Start with the essential documents, of course, but also double-check that your outfits are appropriate for the weather forecast and planned activities, and ensure you’ve included a mix of casual and dressy options.
Conquer Overpacking With These Packing Tips
Yes, it’s possible! Learning to pack the right amount is an achievable goal that can make your travels significantly smoother and more enjoyable. By adopting these strategies you can reduce stress and avoid bringing everything you own. Don’t forget, embrace the challenge of making deliberate decisions about what to bring, and you’ll find that you can travel with less while still feeling stylish and prepared.
Now that you’ve conquered overpacking, it’s time to conquer your outfit ideas. Here’s How to Never Run Out of Outfit Ideas Again: 10 Wardrobe-Changing Style Tips
