My Packing Tips (How Not To Overpack)

As it is the summer and most likely a lot of you are planning on going abroad or going on a little staycation. I don't know about you but the temptation to pack everything just in case you may need it is real. However, that can cause you to overpack and a lot of the time you need to have luggage weight restrictions especially on a plane and the last thing you want to do is pay for an excess baggage charge. Plus when it comes to your luggage, you're the one who's going to be pulling it around and I bet most of you would rather it was as light as it can be. 

I thought I'd share my packing tips on how not to overpack when you're going abroad.

1. Make a list

Honestly, I live by lists and especially when it comes to packing. I make lists way in advance so that when the time comes to pack my suitcase. I can check everything off the list. Plus I'm a very forgetful person and I feel like if I don't write it down I will forget it. I also split my list up into categories like clothing, toiletries, miscellaneous and hand luggage just so it's organised and splits the packing up a bit. 

2. Check how much luggage allowance you have

This is really important as you don't want to pack a big suitcase only to find that you were only allowed a carry-on suitcase. Some airlines are very picky about their luggage allowance so always remember to check to see how much luggage allowance you have. If it's just carry-on, check the size of the suitcase because I feel like not all carry-on suitcases are the same size and some airlines are very picky so just make sure you check all the details of what luggage you're allowed before you start packing. 

3. Consider using a small suitcase

I find when I have a big suitcase, the temptation to fill it is real. I will pack extra shoes and clothes just because it will fit in the suitcase then when it's all packed I will realise I'm very close to the luggage weight allowance. It's happened when I've been super close to the weight allowance that it's a big risk and you have to remember that you'll be coming back from your holiday and most likely buy things to take home with you which will add to the weight of your suitcase and already you know you didn't have much leeway to begin with. That's why I recommend taking a smaller suitcase. Not necessarily a carry on but having a smaller suitcase means you have less room but can also help to decide what is necessary to bring and what isn't. 

4. Packing cubes

Packing cubes have really helped me to keep my packing organised. I can organise my tops into one, bottoms into another and undergarments into another. Plus you can surprisingly fit a lot in them that you may not have been able to fit if you just threw it in your bag. A technique I use is rolling your clothes because it takes up less space and means you don't have weird creases in your clothes like you would if you folded them normally. Plus it makes unpacking easier for you because you know where everything is. It's also really satisfying to the eye to have an organised suitcase filled with packing cubes. There are some really affordable ones out there so I highly recommend you get some for your next trip and you'll see why they are a great thing to have when you're travelling. 

5. Wear your heaviest clothes on the day you travel

This may be an obvious one but wearing your heaviest clothes can reduce the weight of your luggage by a lot. I'm not just talking about clothes either. Shoes can really weigh down your suitcase so if you wear your heaviest pair like converse or trainers or boots then it will mean your luggage will be lighter and therefore mean you have less to carry.

6. Plan your outfits

It can be all good just throwing in lots of shorts or tops just because they are summery but it will be no good if you only wear them once or even not at all because they don't match with anything. Plan your outfits and try to mix and match so you're not just wearing things once. Something like denim shorts means you can match them with plenty of tops and it means you're making the most of them by reusing them on different days. Have an outfit for the poolside, have an outfit for an excursion or plan an outfit to wear for your evening meal and entertainment. Planning your outfits means you're not packing anything unnecessary and you know what you will wear during your holiday. 

7. Consider sharing with your travel buddy

Another great way to lighten your luggage is to share it with your travel buddy. Divide your toiletries up by suggesting one brings shampoo and conditioner, the other brings deodorant and toothpaste. Plus if one brings a hair dryer then another could bring straighteners. It can really help in the long run and you're going to make use out of the products with you all using the same things. Plus it will save you money on products if you just share them. 

8. Buy toiletries when you get there

I think when we go on holiday, we sometimes forget that where we're going will have shops there with products we need. Sometimes for a cheaper price. Save some space in your luggage by not packing the majority of your toiletries and just buy them in either duty free or a local supermarket. It will save you some room and you don't even need to worry about your liquid allowance either, especially if you're only travelling with carry-on. Also duty free will have options for you but sometimes they can be a little pricey. Either way you'll have extra space in your luggage and don't have to worry about anything leaking in your bag either. 

9. Pack some spare underwear/socks in your carry on

Honestly, we've all had that fear of what if your luggage gets lost. It would be a nightmare but particularly if you have to go without your suitcase overnight. Having spare underwear and socks in your carry-on just means you will be able to change them the next day and you won't feel completely dirty while you wait for your luggage to turn up. The same goes with your chargers. Pack them in your carry-on because at least you'll be able to charge them anytime and the last thing you want to happen is your phone to die especially if your luggage gets lost too. 

10. Read the updated travel guidance and airport security information

Honestly, security is one of the scariest parts of an airport because there are so many rules and you do not want to be that person that gets stopped because it's always scary. How to avoid any worries though is to update yourself on what you can and can't bring with you. Even in your checked luggage because you know those go through a X-Ray scanner also. Sometimes new information gets added so it's important to check through your airport website what you can and can't bring with you on an aeroplane. The majority of countries have the same restrictions in place but it's always a good idea to have a check through. You want to go through security with very little stress so if you're up to date on the travel and security guidance then you should be fine.

There we have it. Those are my packing tips on how not to overpack. Let me know if you have any other packing tips in the comments below. I would love to hear them. 

Thank you for reading my blog and I'll be back tomorrow with another post.

See you then. 

Megan x 

*This is not a sponsored post* 

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