Packing Pains and How to Solve Them
I love to travel. I hate to pack.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Packing for a trip can feel like a tug-of-war between wanting to pack light and feeling unprepared when you forget something.
You want a practical travel wardrobe, but you hate spending a fortune on a single piece of clothing.
You love cruising but don’t go often enough to nail the art of cruise packing.
You enjoy traveling with family, but coordinating everyone's luggage is a logistical nightmare.
If you've ever felt this way, take a deep breath. You’re not doomed to travel-packing despair! With a few strategies, packing doesn’t have to be the stress-inducing ordeal it often becomes. Let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips to simplify your packing process and make your trips more enjoyable.
1. Baggage Strategy: Talk It Out
Packing for a trip doesn’t start with stuffing clothes into a suitcase—it begins with communication. Before you start packing, sit down with your family or travel companions to set expectations:
Set Limits. Establish a rule: pack only what you can comfortably carry yourself. This minimizes overpacking and ensures everyone takes responsibility for their own bags. Yes, some will “cheat,” but having a shared guideline reduces the chances of someone bringing their entire wardrobe.
Discuss Luggage Types. Decide whether everyone will bring a carry-on, a checked bag, or a mix. This conversation also helps avoid last-minute surprises at the airport or during road trips.
If you’re traveling with kids, consider giving them a small suitcase or backpack they can manage. Not only does it teach responsibility, but it also spares you from lugging extra gear.
2. Plan for the Return Trip
Ever notice how your luggage seems to expand during your travels? Clothes that fit perfectly on the way out suddenly take up twice the space coming back. Add in souvenirs, new clothes, or local goodies, and your suitcase may start to feel like a jigsaw puzzle.
Here’s how to handle it:
Pack Light. Bring fewer clothes than you think you’ll need. Chances are you’ll buy a shirt or two along the way.
Leave Space. Keep some room in your suitcase for new items. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help maximize space.
Pack a Collapsible Bag. Tuck a lightweight, foldable duffel bag into your suitcase. Use it for dirty laundry or as an overflow bag for the return trip.
3. Do Laundry on the Go
Laundry might sound like the last thing you want to think about while on vacation, but it can be a lifesaver, especially for longer trips.
For example, my sister-in-law discovered the joys of cruise laundry services. On a recent seven-day cruise, she paid about $50 for unlimited laundry for her entire cabin. Each day, she sent out a small load, which came back the next day, freshly cleaned and folded. By the time the cruise ended, her family’s laundry was done, and she even had one of her formal gowns dry-cleaned for just $11.
Why consider on-the-go laundry?
It reduces the amount of clothing you need to pack.
It saves you the headache of post-trip laundry mountains.
Services like hotel laundry or laundromats can be surprisingly affordable when compared to dry-cleaning costs at home.
If laundry services aren’t an option, pack a small travel detergent or soap sheets. Many hotels have laundry facilities, or you can hand-wash lightweight items in the sink.
4. Use a Packing List
A packing list is a game-changer for avoiding forgotten essentials and overpacking.
Digital Lists. Create a checklist on your phone using apps like Google Keep, Evernote, or Notes. These lists are easy to customize for each trip and ensure you won’t accidentally leave your phone charger or toothbrush behind.
Paper Lists. If you’re more old-school, a handwritten packing list works just as well. Bonus: it’s satisfying to physically check items off as you pack!
Destination-Specific Lists. Browse pre-made packing lists online. Websites like Her Packing List or Packsmith by Tortuga offer tailored suggestions for specific destinations, weather, and travel styles.
Here’s how I organize my packing list:
Essentials. Passport, ID, tickets, money, phone charger.
Clothing. Tops, bottoms, shoes, undergarments, pajamas.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, travel-sized shampoo, sunscreen.
Miscellaneous. Medications, snacks, reusable water bottle, a book or Kindle.
5. Maximize Versatility in Your Travel Wardrobe
Traveling light doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A little planning goes a long way in building a wardrobe that’s both functional and fashionable.
Stick to a Color Palette. Neutral colors like black, white, and navy can mix and match easily. Add pops of color with accessories like scarves or jewelry.
Layer Up. Bring lightweight layers for unpredictable weather. A cardigan or jacket can dress up a casual outfit or keep you warm on chilly flights.
Choose Multi-Use Items. Think dresses that double as beach cover-ups or sneakers that work for both sightseeing and casual dinners.
6. Pack Smarter, Not More
Instead of cramming your bag with “just in case” items, focus on packing smart:
Travel-Sized Everything. From toiletries to gadgets, opt for compact versions.
Share the Load. Traveling with family? Coordinate to avoid duplicates. For example, one person can bring a hairdryer while another packs sunscreen.
Wear Bulkier Items. If you’re bringing a heavy coat or boots, wear them during travel to save luggage space.
7. Bonus: Embrace Minimalism
Think about the last trip you took. How many items did you pack but never use? Probably more than you’d like to admit. Use each trip as an opportunity to refine your packing habits.
Start small:
Challenge yourself to travel with only a carry-on.
Keep a mental note (or better yet, write down) what you didn’t use.
Gradually pare down your packing list for future trips.
Remember, the less you bring, the less you have to manage. And isn’t that the goal—to focus on the adventure, not the logistics?
Helpful Resources
Need more packing inspiration? These websites are worth bookmarking:
Her Packing List: A must-read blog for female travelers.
Packsmith by Tortuga: Perfect for those who want to master the art of carry-on packing.
Travelers’ Checklist: Customizable lists based on destination, activity, and traveler type.
Traveling doesn’t have to mean enduring the stress of overpacking, forgetting essentials, or lugging around heavy suitcases. By planning ahead, using a packing list, and embracing a minimalist approach, you’ll be able to spend less time worrying about what’s in your bag and more time enjoying the journey.
So, where are you headed next? Wherever it is, remember: pack light, travel far, and have fun!
Originally posted in 2019. Updated in 2024.