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If you are an overpacker, this article is for you .Years ago, before the world shut down, I traveled for work constantly—3 to 5 times a month—and I was a packing ninja. One small carry-on was all I needed. I even managed an almost two-week trip to Europe for my husband’s 40th with just a carry-on. I had it down to a science.
I have no idea who that person is anymore. The further I get from business travel—and the older I get—the more I pack. Case in point: my five-day, four-night trip to Key West last month. Every year, I seem to bring more, and this time, I checked not one but two bags—a full-sized suitcase and a duffle (which wasn’t totally full, but I had a plan for it)—so I could stroll onto the plane with just my laptop bag. If you’re anything like me, you might be searching for the best packing tips for overpackers to make your next trip more organized and stress-free.
And honestly? I had zero regrets. The weather was all over the place, and I was glad to have everything I needed. If you’re like me and struggle with packing light, you might find yourself searching for the best packing tips for overpackers to help make the process smoother. This article will give you practical strategies to pack efficiently without sacrificing the things you love to bring on your trips.
The Struggle of Packing More vs. Packing Smart
The reality is, most of what takes up space in my suitcase isn’t even clothes. It’s shoes (I wear a size 10, so they take up a lot of room), products, and hair tools. Some people can throw a few travel-size essentials in a bag and call it a day—I am not one of those people. I need my skincare, my makeup, and at least a couple of hair tools to feel put together.
So, if you’re looking for packing tips for overpackers, I’m not your girl for packing light—but I do have strategies to help you stay organized while bringing everything you need. The only real trick is bringing less and being okay with fewer options—but at this stage in my life, that just feels like unnecessary stress. When I travel, I want all my things. I want my products, I want my options, and I want to enjoy my trip without feeling like I’m sacrificing comfort.
That said, I do have some packing tips for overpackers to help you mentally and physically organize your luggage so that even if you bring more, you won’t feel overwhelmed or scattered. Because overpacking is one thing—being a disorganized mess is another.
8 Tips to Make Packing Easier
1. Get a Rolling Rack
Invest in a simple rolling rack and use it to corral everything you’re considering bringing. Having everything in one place makes it so much easier to see what you’re working with at a glance. You’ll be surprised how quickly you notice what’s missing, what’s redundant, or what you might not actually need. Plus, it’s a great spot to hang any new purchases you’re considering before committing them to your suitcase.
Recommendations: Simple Houseware Heavy Duty Clothing Garment Rack, $62
2. Pack a Few Days in Advance to Avoid Stress
There’s nothing worse than scrambling to pack at the last minute while also trying to handle everything else before heading out the door. Instead, I pack a few days ahead. It gives me time to double-check what I need, swap things out if necessary, and avoid that last-minute panic of throwing in extra “just in case” items I don’t actually need.
3. Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a total game-changer, especially if you’re bringing more than just a carry-on. They help keep everything organized, maximize space, and make unpacking a breeze. I just pop the cubes straight into the drawers at the hotel.
I like to group items by category—tops in one, bottoms in another, underwear, sleepwear, swimwear, etc.—so I can easily find what I need without digging through a chaotic suitcase.
Recommendation: Bag Smart Compression Cubes, $29.99
4. Pack Your Toiletry Bag the Night Before
While some people swear by keeping a separate travel-sized essentials kit ready to go, I bring too much for that to work. Instead, I pack my toiletry and makeup bag the night before, use it in the morning, and then throw it in my suitcase before I leave.
Recommendations: BAGSMART Large Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook: $22.99 and Large Travel MakeUp Bag, $27.99
5. Plan Outfits Based on Your Itinerary
Instead of just packing a bunch of random pieces and hoping they work together, take a few minutes to plan your outfits. I like to think about what I’ll be doing each day and build outfits around that. Mixing and matching pieces helps prevent overpacking while still giving me plenty of options.
6. Keep a Digital Packing List (and Snap a Suitcase Photo!)
Make a packing list on your phone (or in a notes app) and use it every time you travel. I keep one master list with all my essentials—clothes, toiletries, chargers, medications—so I never have to start from scratch.
Bonus tip: Before you zip up your suitcase, take a quick picture of the inside. If your luggage gets lost, you’ll have a record of what was inside, which makes dealing with the airline or insurance way easier.
7. Carry-On Must-Haves for Travel Emergencies
No matter how much I pack, I always make sure my absolute essentials are in my carry-on. Think medications, chargers, jewelry, one extra outfit, and any must-have skincare or makeup. If your checked luggage gets delayed, you won’t be stuck without the things you really need.
Recommendation: BagSmart Small Travel Bag, $9.99
8. Have a Dirty Laundry Strategy
Nothing is worse than coming home from a trip and having to sort through a suitcase of mixed clean and dirty clothes. Have a plan for laundry before you even start packing. A large zippered laundry pouch, a lightweight packing cube, or even a simple dry-cleaning bag work well.
If you’re traveling somewhere warm, I’ll throw in a few dryer sheets to keep everything fresh.
Final Thoughts
At this point in my life, I’ve fully embraced the fact that I’m never going to be a minimalist packer—and I’m okay with that.
I’d rather have everything I need (and a few extra things I might need) than spend my trip wishing I had packed differently. The key is not letting the extra stuff turn into extra stress. A little organization goes a long way in making packing—and unpacking—easier, so you can actually enjoy your trip instead of feeling overwhelmed by your suitcase.
Packing tips for Overpackers FAQs
Q: What is the best way to organize a suitcase when overpacking?
A: Use packing cubes to separate clothes by category and keep a digital packing list to avoid forgetting essentials.
Q: How can I pack more without my suitcase being overweight?
A: Choose lightweight materials, wear bulkier items on the plane, and use compression packing cubes to maximize space.
What’s your biggest packing struggle? Share your best packing tips in the comments!
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