{"id":249786,"date":"2022-12-12T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.smartertravel.com\/?p=249786"},"modified":"2022-12-12T13:03:11","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T18:03:11","slug":"overpacking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/overpacking\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Tips to Finally Stop Overpacking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cI never wear this at home, so now\u2019s my chance to get some use out of it!\u201d \u2026 \u201cWhat if I get invited to a fancy dinner?\u201d If this is how you think when you pack, it\u2019s no wonder you wind up with an overweight bag and an injury from hauling it around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are nine tips to help you finally stop overpacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack Anti-Stink Clothes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Look for fabrics like Merino Wool<\/a>, Polygiene<\/a>, or ones woven with silver, all of which are designed to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This will allow you to re-wear items without having to do laundry or worrying about smell. Brands like Smartwool<\/a>, Patagonia<\/a>, and Under Armour<\/a> use this technology in many of their active wear clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n

Related:<\/h3>\n

The Thinnest, Warmest Winter Clothes for Packing<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Plan an Outfit for Every Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman
Pormezz | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Go over your itinerary day by day and lay out a complete outfit for each one. This will give you a better idea of what you\u2019ll actually use and wear, rather than just packing a bunch of jumbled together items you think you might need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack Multipurpose Shoes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you work out when you travel, pack a pair of shoes that can withstand a run, but will also work for casual sightseeing. I like Nike\u2019s Free Rn line<\/a>, which has a knit upper that makes them lightweight and packable, while looking more like a fashion sneaker than a running shoe.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n

Related:<\/h3>\n

Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet, According to Doctors<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Coordinate Items with Your Travel Companion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Group
Prostock-studio | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traveling with a buddy? Decide ahead of time who will bring which toiletries, like toothpaste and sunscreen, so that you don\u2019t double up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only Pack for Definite Plans<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you do get an impromptu invite to that fancy party or the most amazing secret swimming spot, take it as an opportunity to go shopping. Whatever you buy locally will wind up being a memorable souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n

Related:<\/h3>\n10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 5 Lbs.<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pack Items That Go Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Try to stick to one neutral color palette when packing, so that you can mix and match tops and bottoms to vary your outfits while still packing minimally. A good rule of thumb is to only pack items that you can wear with at least two other pieces in your suitcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack Your Favorite Things<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Close-up
Kittiphan | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you never wear it at home, leave it behind\u2014or better yet, just donate it. Pack items that you know are comfortable and make you feel confident, not things you rarely wear because they pinch, irritate or just don\u2019t look the way you want them to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Laundry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re staying in a vacation rental with laundry, it\u2019s free and easy to do a quick wash halfway through your trip, so you can pack much less. Check the listing before you book if that\u2019s important to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t mind hand-washing a few things in order to pack less, pack a small travel clothesline<\/a> and a packet of laundry detergent (I like these laundry soap sheets<\/a> because they\u2019re solid and won\u2019t spill or cause TSA concern) to make it easier. If you\u2019re traveling to a country where the exchange rate is advantageous or the cost of living is very low, the hotel laundry service will usually be very affordable, and it\u2019s pretty great to get your laundry washed and folded without having to do any work.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n

Related:<\/h3>\n

Scrubba Untouched Review: A Portable Washing Machine That Fits in Your Pocket<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Start Small<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pick a small and lightweight suitcase.<\/a> If you start off with a big bag, you\u2019re likely to fill it up with things that you don\u2019t need, just because you have the space. You\u2019ll regret it when it\u2019s time to carry that bag through the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Caroline Morse Teel is a Managing Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram <\/em>@TravelWithCaroline<\/a> to see her photos from around the world.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“I never wear this at home, so now’s my chance to get some use out of it!” … “What if I get invited to a fancy dinner?” If this is how you think when you pack, it’s no wonder you wind up with an overweight bag and an injury from hauling it around. 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