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Packing Light- Confessions of The Over Packer

 

Learning to Pack Light

 

I have struggled for years on how to travel lighter. When it came time to pack for another trip, I would tell myself, "Hey, let's pack light." Every time I come home, I look at my luggage and note the stuff I didn't use or didn't need.

 

I would make a little headway or end up buying a small bag to split the load for the return trip. Another strategy was buying a lighter suitcase. But it was not ROLLER friendly. Not a fun adventure is rolling it any distance. So let's regroup and think things through.

 

Packing light is not easy for everyone. If you have been struggling with this for a long time, this article is for you.

In this article, we will talk about why people pack too much and how to overcome them. We will also discuss how packing light can be beneficial and what steps to take to make it happen.

Learning to Pack Light

When you pack light, your trip will be less stressful. You'll save time and money and can even re-energize. These are a few comparatively light packing tips that travelers have found helpful.

Benefits of Packing Light:

• Travel in greater comfort. It might seem like a lot of work at first, but once you get into the habit of traveling with one small bag, it becomes surprisingly easy. You'll be able to walk longer distances without much trouble, and it'll be easier to tell if you've packed everything you need.

 

• Save money. Even airlines take advantage of people and check your luggage fees in tight, expensive times. You may need a porter and taxi to get to your hotel with a plane-load of stuff. Avoid the headache by carrying just what you can and using the airport train or shuttle.
•  Save time. Waiting for luggage is not fun, so be prompt and pack one carry-on. You'll finish the airport experience more quickly, saving time and money. Even if you opt to check your bag as I do. A lighter suitcase is still easier to handle. My reason is I'm not particularly eager to take two bags on the plane. I have my laptop and electronics, leaving the option for a second personal bag if needed. I don't carry a purse. But if I go somewhere and bring stuff home, I have a tote that I can use for the second bag on the plane. Also, I wouldn't say I like to mess with the liquid, medication, etc., going through security—just my preference.
• Feel more secure. The most valuable things you own are safer at home. Mentally select five items you don't want to lose or can't replace easily. Keep these items on your person or leave them behind.
• Help the planet. Did you know that packing light is not only better for your well-being but also for the environment? Airplanes and other vehicles get better gas mileage when they carry less weight.

 

Strategies for Packing Light:

Dress in layers. 

Generally, try to wear your heaviest wardrobe items to avoid carrying them. But consider what shoes you are taking and wear the heaviest pair. You can always take your heavy shoes off on the plane, which is to consider when dressing to fly. It is often the more accessible shoes to slip on as their go-to shoe.

1. Bring multipurpose clothing. Many businesses are more flexible with the dress code for work trips, so you rarely need to wear a suit anymore. Focus on separates you can wear day or night.
2. Plan on doing laundry. Fret not; you can still do your laundry by washing your undergarments. Easy-to-pack, versatile clothing choices are designed for women who want to tailor their wardrobes for all sorts of lengths of trips.
3. Coordinate packing: If you're on the road or traveling with your significant other or a friend, it might not be a bad idea to pack half of the stuff.
4. Get an eBook reader. Books were always an intricate item to bring, and you couldn't tell how much you would end up reading. Now, with an eBook reader, you can store as many titles as your heart desires.

Minimize souvenirs and gifts. Online shopping has made it much easier for people to buy things from all around the world without traveling a long way. So there's less need to carry back a bottle of your neighbor's favorite sauce, Texas barbecue sauce, or the one-of-a-kind paperweight for example. Send a postcard instead. Or like me keep purchases small and not too heavy. 

Leave stuff behind. Conference organizers often provide their attendees with samples that make organizing their bags quite heavy. Offer your best goodies to your hotel housekeeper before tipping them. They might want the occasional t-shirt or tote bag. Lots of B&Bs have a library where you can leave behind any books you've finished with.

Evaluate for Necessity use:  When you get home, quickly check your suitcase to make sure all of your things made it. Keep the unused clothing in mind the next time you pack your bags!

Lighten your load by learning how to travel with only the stuff you need. By packing just the bare essentials, you can focus on your vacation or business activities instead of worrying about your luggage.

I have traveled for work and play over the years. And packing light is the best way to go. I have found that packing cubes is another excellent way to keep you focused on the basics. Planning is also a great way to avoid heavy bags and unnecessary items.

Practice… Practice... Practice…