Packing Tips for Overpackers
This post could also be called “Confessions of a Semi-Reformed Overpacker.” I’m not sure if I’ve become less of an overpacker over the years or if I’ve just learned how to manage my mess and condense my clothes better thanks to my Away Luggage & packing cubes.
As someone who was used to traveling at least once a month pre-pandemic for my job + a lot of personal travel, the first time I had to pack a suitcase after staying at home for months was a bit of a shock. While I don’t encourage anyone to engage in any risky or unsafe travel during the pandemic, some of you may be going places over the holidays for the first time in a while and I wanted to share some tips!
File Fold & Use Packing Cubes
After watching ONE episode of the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up on Netflix, my fiance went full on Marie Kondo File Fold method in all of his drawers and then took it one step further and started using the same method while packing. At first I thought he was crazy, but then I started folding this way when packing too. I hate to admit it, but he was onto something. It saves you a ton of space & makes it easier to find things in your suitcase. I also love use packing cubes to keep similar items together and overall keep me more organized.
Try to get a rough idea of the agenda
My overpacking tendencies really start to come through when I don’t know what’s on the agenda. My mind goes deep down a rabbit hole and I start packing for EVERY POSSIBLE scenario. If you can roughly get an idea of what you’re doing each day, you can better estimate what you actually need to bring. Packing less also makes it easier to make decisions quickly about what to wear when you arrive at your destination. And be realistic! If you never go on runs when you’re at home, this is not the time to pack your running shoes.
Check the weather
I make the mistake of forgetting to check the weather all the time and have definitely paid the price. The price in this case is having to run around to work meetings in NYC wearing a huge pink poncho from the hotel :) You’ll always feel more comfortable if you’re prepared for cold/snow/rain!
Stick to one color palette
If you stick to a similar color palette, you’ll end up not needing to pack as many extra accessories, like very specific bags, jewelry, & shoes. When I pack I lay out every outfit I’m bringing and make sure every top has a matching bottom and then add coordinating shoes. If there’s one outfit that requires a specific shoe that doesn’t go with any other outfit, I usually try to swap out that outfit to save space. Laying out every outfit also helps you to make sure you have a coordinating bra and underwear for each outfit too!
Don’t bring anything “experimental”
This is not the time to try that skirt that you have in the back of your closet - you know, the one that you can’t figure out what top to wear with it so you pack 3 extra hoping one of them will magically be “the one” when you get to your final destination. We’ve all been there! Usually when you’re away you want to spend as much time as possible with the people you’re with and fully enjoy where you are. Fussing over your outfit or being uncomfortable in shoes that you didn’t realize gave you blisters usually takes away from the enjoyment of your trip.