I will never tell you to stop overpacking. Even when I try to go “carry-on only,” I somehow still end up sneaking things into my husband’s bag. Overpacking is just who I am—I’m a certified bag lady, and I own it.
My bags have bags. I like to be prepared. I need options.
I refuse to be the person wishing I had packed that one thing while halfway across the world. Minimalism? Not for me.
That’s why this post isn’t about stopping overpacking—it’s about doing it better. Smarter. More efficiently.
Because let’s be real, the real problem isn’t us—it’s that airlines don’t give us enough space.
So pack all the things, and do it right! Keep reading for the best packing solutions that let you bring everything you need—without the chaos.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links. No extra cost is added to the item. Commissions come from a portion of the sale.
Packing Tips for Overpackers
My husband loves to remind me that I went “carry-on only” for a two-week trip to Bali, Singapore, and Japan. And I love to follow it up with: And I was unhappy with 90 percent of my outfits because they were all the same! I couldn’t even dress up for Tokyo Disney! Only jewelry and no Disney clothes.
I will NEVER do that again. I need to let my inner maximalist out, and that means I need options. I need layers. I need bags for every day and every event. I need to pack seven pairs of sneakers because one won’t cut it!
Tips to Pack Smarter (Without Packing Less!)
- Plan Ahead: Map out every day of your trip and any events. Plan outfits in advance so you don’t end up bringing random pieces that don’t go together.
- Lay It Out: Spread out your outfits by day and by event. (Yes, this will take up a lot of floor space, but trust the process.) Seeing everything helps you visualize the trip and avoid last-minute panic packing.
- Pack Early: If you’re like me, packing takes hours (or days). Give yourself time to tweak, swap, and perfect your packing situation.
- Use Packing Cubes: Pack one large cube per day or per type of event. I also separate pajamas and workout clothes into their own cube since they get used throughout the trip.
- Stay Organized: Whether you prefer packing cubes by day or category, having a system is key. I keep evening outfits in one cube, day outfits in another, and accessories in a separate bag.
- Take Photos for Reference: When laying out outfits, include shoes, bags, and jewelry, then snap a quick photo. It doesn’t need to be aesthetic—just a handy record.
- Photograph Your Packed Suitcase: If your bag gets lost, you’ll have proof of what’s inside.
- Separate Dirty Clothes: Keep a packing cube just for dirty clothes to make unpacking at home effortless.
Packing Solutions for Overpackers
- The Biggest Carry-On Allowed: Maximize space with the largest carry-on size airlines allow.
- A Good “Personal Item” Bag: Choose a structured, roomy tote or backpack that holds everything from snacks to extra shoes.
- A Checked Bag: If you’re an overpacker, just embrace it. A checked bag gives you peace of mind.
- A Huge Toiletry Bag: Because tiny travel bottles don’t cut it when you need options.
- Shoe Bags: Keep your suitcase clean and organized by storing shoes in dedicated bags.
- Packing Cubes: The key to keeping your suitcase from turning into chaos.
- A Travel Hamper: A pop-up hamper keeps dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
- Airtags in Every Bag: Label them properly and check the batteries before you go.
- A Luggage Scale: Avoid awkwardly unpacking at the airport. A luggage scale is a game changer.
Life as an Overpacker
Look, I’ve tried the minimalist approach. It’s just not for me. Overpacking isn’t a flaw—it’s a lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean it has to be chaotic.
With the right planning and organization, you can bring everything you need and make it work seamlessly.
I hope this post helped you embrace your overpacking tendencies while making them more efficient!
Are you an overpacker like me? Do you have any must-have packing tips or favorite products? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to perfect my overpacking game!
XOXO,
Julia
Posts You May Like:
- Pre-Vacation Checklist: Packing and Prep
- How to Spend Your Downtime on a Cruise
- My Favorite Unsexy Products That Actually Work
About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of traveling locally and beyond!
Stay Connected:
Follow along on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes content:
Leave a Reply