How to Avoid Overpacking: 12 Essential Hacks by Smart Travellers

Travelling can be fun, but overpacking can make it stressful. You not only have to carry around all the baggage, but also must pay an extra luggage fee at the airport. But we know all this, don’t we? Yet, most of us tend to over pack!  

The result? We find ourselves struggling with bag zippers or left stranded at the check-in with a suitcase that’s about to burst.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, packing is an art. As a frequent flyer, mastering this art and investing in the best suitcases UK can let you travel light and easy, saving you time at the check-in and letting you make the most of your holiday.

Here are 12 essential hacks that smart travellers often use to avoid overpacking.

12 Essential hacks to avoid overpacking

1. Create a list of items

It is smart to create a list of items you intend to pack before you actually start packing. This helps you avoid packing items that you later realise were unnecessary. Depending on the type of trip, duration, destination, and purpose, determine what you need and what you can do without during the trip. Choose a large suitcase or medium one and start packing.

2. Pack in advance

Unless you are on an emergency trip, you must pack well in advance. If you are supposed to catch a flight on Friday, then begin packing from Monday. This gives you ample time to filter out the non-essential items.

3. Invest in the best suitcases in UK

The art of packing works best when combined with the best choice of luggage. A mediocre suitcase can make packing a challenge. Invest in the best suitcases in UK from premium brands. Such suitcases contain advanced features such as TSA locks, spinner wheels, compartments for organised packing, cross straps, sturdy fabrics, and more.

Recommended suitcases for easy travel and packing:

Highbury Stylish 4 Spinner Wheel Suitcase Trolley Case Range (Set of 3, Multi Coloured Box)

Highbury Yellowstone Hardshell Trolley Suitcase (Set of 4 in burgundy colour)

Ryanair Wizzair Lightweight Underseat Carry-On Luggage (40x25x20 cm, Rosegold, 8-Wheel Spinner Suitcase)

 

4. Apply the “rule of three”

The “rule of three” in packing is popular among smart travellers. It is an efficient trick of packing three tops, three bottoms, and three jackets with three pairs of shoes. This makes for 27 ensemble combinations! Enough for a long-haul trip!

5. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes help to condense your items and fit them at one place of the bag. You can use one cube for clothes, other for toiletries, another for accessories, and so on. They can also avoid mix-ups of your items while travelling. Packing cubes helps you use the space of a large lightweight suitcase optimally.

6. Abandon the “just in case” thought

The “just in case” thought is the culprit of overpacking most of the time. “Just in case I want that blue dress too.” “Just in case I need another pair of shoes.” That extra pair paves the path of overpacking and, later on, makes you feel guilty of it. Whenever your mind is ruffled with the thought of “just in case,” remember the “rule of three.” Stick to it.

7. Share the items when in a group

When travelling in a group of friends, you can easily place items in different bags. For example, if you want to carry an extra sweater, ask your friend, if he/she has space in their bag. Pack only one toothpaste. All of you can use it during the trip. No need for each person to pack their toothpaste.

8. Pack versatile items

Certain items are versatile, i.e., they are multi-purpose items, thus, removing the need to pack multiple items. For example, instead of a fluffy towel, you can pack a thin, micro-fibre, lightweight towel. Ditch a neck pillow and opt for an inflatable travel pillow. This gives more space to add items in your large suitcase.

9. Use your best carry on luggage smartly

Smart travellers make the most of the best carry on luggage through packing hacks. They manage to fit in most of their toiletries and accessories in their hand bag or cabin bags.

Recommended carry on luggage for smart travelling:

Unisex travel Cabin Carry on Flight Hand Luggage Bag (EasyJet Jet2 Underseat Approved 45x25x20cm)

 

Small Travel Holdalls - Ryanair Cabin Approved Hand Luggage Size Bags (Polyester Duffle 40x25x20cm, 20 Litre Onboard Carry-On)

 

 

10. Use a toiletry bag

Somebody who loves their skincare and makeup can’t do away with their essentials. A toiletry bag with neat compartments and exterior pockets can be handy in this case.

11. Use colour palettes creatively 

This trick not only leads to smart packing, but also keeps you stylish during your entire trip. Pack whites, bieges, navy blues, maroons, and blacks. You can mix and match them to create elegant combinations. You pack less, but have more to flaunt.

12. Weigh your luggage with a digital scale at home

No smart traveller leaves their house without weighing their luggage. A digital scale comfortably fits at the handle and gives an accurate weight of your suitcase. This saves you from check-in hassles at the airport. Ensure you know the UK airlines size rules before packing.

Crux:

Packing isn’t rocket science. Yet, a few hacks like the ones mentioned above can help you pack neatly without running short of any essential item. At the same time, it helps you travel light and happy. Premium luggage, trolley bags & cabin bags from CarryWell are for smart travellers who like to keep their items well-organised.

Get the best suitcases & trolley bags from reputed brands at UK’s trusted platform CarryWell. Browse our extensive selection of airline-approved suitcases, carry-ons, cabin bags, trolley bags, and more

FAQs:

1. What happens if you overpack?

Overpacking luggage creates unnecessary stress, snatching the joy of your trip. Overpacking results in heavier bags, extra airline fees, check-in delays and other hurdles.

2. What’s the golden rule of packing?

The golden rule of packing is to pack half the clothes you planned to take. 

3. Is it better to place clothes flat in a suitcase or roll them while packing?

According to smart travellers who have mastered the art of packing, rolling clothes is a better option, as it avoids hard edges and also can avoid wrinkles (depending on fabric).

4. Is there any disadvantage of using packing cubes?

Packing cubes may add weight to your suitcase. Besides, you may not need them, if your suitcase has in-built compartments that allow neat and organised packing.

5. Does the choice of luggage affect how you pack?

Yes. Size of suitcase affects your packing For example, extra large suitcase may pose no hassle in accommodating all your items. A small trolley bag may test your packing skills. Also, the quality of luggage is important. Premium luggage can endure check-ins and handling and keep your essentials safe and intact.