You don’t Need All That S%*!: How to prevent overpacking

Normal life: I’ve been wearing the same sweatshirt for four days straight.
Packing for a 3-day vacation: “I’ll probably change 3x a day, so 46 outfits should be enough.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Overpacking is one of the most common travel struggles - and it can lead to heavy baggage fees, wasted time at the airport, and way too many “what was I even thinking?” moments.

After years of making (and fixing) this mistake, I’ve nailed down a system that helps me travel smarter and lighter, without sacrificing style or comfort. Here are my tried-and-true tips to stop overpacking once and for all.

1. Plan Ahead with a Packing List

The easiest way to prevent overpacking is to plan intentionally. Before you even unzip your suitcase:

Write a packing list based on the length of your trip, destination, and planned activities.
Check the weather forecast (no need to pack three sweaters if it’s 85° every day).
Research dress codes, especially for religious sites or upscale restaurants.

💡 Pro tip: If it’s not on your list, don’t pack it.

2. Choose Versatile Outfits

Instead of packing completely different outfits for each day, focus on mix-and-match pieces.

Stick to a neutral color palette so you can rotate tops, bottoms, and layers seamlessly.
Add a pop of color or statement accessories to change up the look.

Think: 3–4 versatile outfits that make 8–10 combinations.

3. Limit Shoes (Yes, Really)

Shoes are the biggest suitcase hog. My rule: one dressy pair, one casual pair, one pair of sneakers. That’s it. And normally I try to limit it to exactly TWO pairs.

Choose comfortable shoes that can work in multiple scenarios.
Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane to save space.

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not dragging a heavy suitcase down cobblestone streets.

4. Use Packing Cubes or Vacuum Bags

Packing cubes are my holy grail for organization. Vacuum bags? A total game-changer for longer trips. These are the ones I swear by.

Roll your clothes to save space and avoid wrinkles.
Separate outfits by type (daywear, workout gear, evening clothes).
Be mindful: vacuum bags let you fit more, but they can also push your luggage over the airline weight limit.

5. Downsize Your Suitcase

This one hurts, but it works: use a smaller suitcase. If you give yourself more room, you’ll fill it with things you don’t need.

Opt for a carry-on whenever possible.
If you need a checked bag, choose a smaller one than you think you’ll need.

Constraint = clarity.

6. Review & Edit Before You Go

Before zipping up your bag, do a final sweep. Ask yourself:

Have I packed duplicates I don’t need?
Will I realistically wear this?
Does this outfit serve more than one purpose?

As Coco Chanel famously said about accessories: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Apply the same rule to your suitcase but make it one (or six) items.

Final Thoughts

Overpacking doesn’t just weigh down your bag, it weighs down your trip. Packing intentionally means less stress, less money spent on baggage fees, and more room to bring home souvenirs that actually matter.

✨ My challenge to you: Next time you pack, remove at least 3 items you think you need but won’t. Your back, your wallet, and your sanity will thank you.

How do you prevent overpacking? Drop your best tip in the comments - I’m always looking to add new hacks to my system.

Until next time,