Everyone knows that packing less is more when it comes to luggage on a long trip when it says, “pack a week’s worth of clothes.” There was no hard and fast rule for packing a week’s worth of clothes. Travelers will tell you that they wished they had brought fewer items on a long trip, and those would have been their biggest regrets.
Almost all travelers go overboard when it comes to packing. As soon as all that stuff is with you, you can either carry it around for as long as you can bear, give it away, or throw it out. You can avoid being overpack if you follow these eight tips!
1. List all the items you need to do
Start by creating a checklist. Planning outfits and excursions is easier if you have an inventory. You’ll have time to remember the little things if you start preparing your list a few days in advance.
If you want to have fun, segment your checklist into categories like clothes, hygiene, travel documents, electronics, beauty, and first aid. Make sure you don’t forget anything when packing your carry-on with this guide!
2. A Suitcase for Every Situation
The suitcase should be of modest size. You’d better believe that a large bag will be a heavy one. Trying to fill an elephant will result in so much packing that you will bring unwanted items. Generally speaking, if you can arrange it, you should get only one carry-on suitcase. However, you may need a giant bag if you’re going on a long-term trip.
While traveling long distances, use a backpack for your computer and camera equipment, as well as a carry-on travel bag. It’s always nice to check a large, double compartment suitcase on flights since, well, if you love shopping!
3. Don’t pack to the brim
A long trip should take place over several passes. Reevaluate your packing job the next day after leaving your luggage alone. Items often come in handy and spare time based on changing circumstances.
The load capacity of your luggage may become an issue if it even comes close to complete. Travelers tend to pay attention primarily to weight, but they should also pay attention to volume. You will have difficulty packing your bag if it requires too much effort.
Remember the following points:
- Clothing that is neatly folded/rolled takes up considerably less space than dirty laundry.
- A trip to a new city is sure to include new purchases.
- Moving should not require you to solve a complicated puzzle every time you pack your luggage.
Whenever possible, let your bags get no more than half full before leaving home.
Tip: As a packing note, if you travel annually, make sure you prepare quickly and efficiently. Don’t forget to leave items out for the next time you travel to don’t forget them.
4. Make Several Passes at Packing
Prepare your suitcase several times before a big trip, as mentioned earlier.
It’s a sure way to overpack if you wait until the last minute to pack.
Leaving your luggage alone after packing is a good idea. As you fill, you’ll probably wonder why you thought you needed a particular item at all!
Make sure all of your belongings are on the bed or floor before putting them in your luggage. You will better understand what you brought with you and get rid of unnecessary items from your bag.
5. Be knowledgeable about your destination
It will be easier to pack if you are familiar with your destination.
- Does your destination provide laundry service? Although doing laundry while traveling may not sound fun, it means that you’ll have to carry less. You won’t have to take much clothing during your trip if you pay for laundry services halfway through your journey.
- Weather predictions: Knowing the climate at your destination before you go will help you avoid overpacking clothes and shoes that won’t work in that locale. Rather than packing an umbrella, why not just buy one if it rains?
- Weather predictions: Knowing the climate at your destination before you go will help you avoid overpacking clothes and shoes that won’t work in that locale.
6. Sizing down
Unless you are traveling for at least a week or two, why fill up travel-sized bottles? No rule says you must fill bottles—or anything else—to capacity.
Make sure only to take the items necessary for your trip once you have decided. Make sure nothing runs out. Increase your purchases.
Prepare your wardrobe in advance to ensure you wear suitable clothing every day. You’re more likely to accomplish this than packing extra shirts/shoes/shorts/belts and hoping to figure it out later.
There is a “cute” factor to travel-sized toiletries and personal items, but they are generally not affordable. Consider investing in quality travel bottles that you can refill from your full-sized items.
7. Don’t squander your resources
Whenever possible, packaging should take place in modules. Consider packing in a few different “kits” for various purposes.
If you organize things according to their purpose, you will save time and energy later on. Managing and saving space is easy with colorful stuff sacks and compression bags. If you need to compress or roll clothing, consider implementing packing cubes or the Hoboroll by Gobi Gear, a lightweight bag that makes it easy. It is more efficient to move clothes instead of storing them flat.
Objects smaller than your suitcase should be stuffed into hollow spaces to make them as spacious as possible. Shoeboxes can accommodate socks. Whenever you receive something new, remove the packaging. To avoid adding weight, create your protective cases or fashion your ways.
Tip: If possible, keep luggage empty by packing items into soft, conformable containers instead of rigid ones.
8. Buy items locally
It is almost always true that packing less, bringing more money is the best advice. Unless you are a master of bartering, cash is far more valuable and versatile than physical possessions on a trip.
Is there something you forgot to pack? Buying the local version should solve your problems!
A big part of the fun is checking out new places and trying new products. It’s often cheaper in Asia to buy the same things, with some exceptions.
Look for cultural insight in local markets rather than bargains.
You should either bring the bare minimum of everything you need or buy more as you need it (e.g., don’t take extra batteries; they’re available almost anywhere. Only take a few ibuprofen rather than the whole bottle).
Now that you know how to pack a carry-on, you can avoid the hassle!
Once you have determined the best way to pack a carry-on for a week or so, you are halfway there! The only thing left is to practice, and that’s what’s the most fun, so enjoy!
