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
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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!
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