

How to Pack Light: 5 Tips From a Former Overpacker
We’re right in the middle of the holidays—aka travel season. If you’re trying to figure out how to stuff ten pairs of shoes, nine sweaters, and a winter coat into a carry-on, stop right there. Here’s how to plan ahead and pack light for your next vacation.

We all love to have options when we’re on a trip, but how often do you come home with a suitcase half-full of unworn clothes? Count the number of days you’ll be there, and pack one outfit for each day and night (and try to mix-and-match your favorite wardrobe pieces!) Plus, it’ll save you time once you get there. Instead of digging around your packed suitcase trying to decide what to wear, you’ll just pull out your planned outfit and be ready to hit the town.

We all love to have options when we’re on a trip, but how often do you come home with a suitcase half-full of unworn clothes? Count the number of days you’ll be there, and pack one outfit for each day and night (and try to mix-and-match your favorite wardrobe pieces!) Plus, it’ll save you time once you get there. Instead of digging around your packed suitcase trying to decide what to wear, you’ll just pull out your planned outfit and be ready to hit the town.

Think of items that take up the most space in your suitcase—shoes, jeans, and jackets. Luckily, these things can all be re-worn throughout your trip. Try to pack one solid coat and two pairs of shoes—a cute neutral pair to match any outfit (day or night) and some athletic sneakers for your fitness classes! Then, limit yourself to just a few pairs of jeans to wear with different tops—trust us, no one will notice.

Think of items that take up the most space in your suitcase—shoes, jeans, and jackets. Luckily, these things can all be re-worn throughout your trip. Try to pack one solid coat and two pairs of shoes—a cute neutral pair to match any outfit (day or night) and some athletic sneakers for your fitness classes! Then, limit yourself to just a few pairs of jeans to wear with different tops—trust us, no one will notice.

These things are lifesavers. Organizing all your items into little cubes will help keep everything compact, consolidated, and separated. Plus, you’ll make Marie Kondo proud. This pack comes with one large, one medium, and two small cubes, as well as a medium toiletry bag and TSA-approved clear bag. Everything fits neatly into your suitcase, and you’ll be able to keep everything clean by putting your shoes in their own compartment.
Photo credit: Amazon.com

These things are lifesavers. Organizing all your items into little cubes will help keep everything compact, consolidated, and separated. Plus, you’ll make Marie Kondo proud. This pack comes with one large, one medium, and two small cubes, as well as a medium toiletry bag and TSA-approved clear bag. Everything fits neatly into your suitcase, and you’ll be able to keep everything clean by putting your shoes in their own compartment.
Photo credit: Amazon.com

Yes, it’s annoying to walk through an airport wearing hiking boots and a big puffy jacket, but it will save you so much room when packing. If you couldn’t limit yourself to one jacket and one pair of shoes (because who can?), this is how you can bring an extra of each.

Yes, it’s annoying to walk through an airport wearing hiking boots and a big puffy jacket, but it will save you so much room when packing. If you couldn’t limit yourself to one jacket and one pair of shoes (because who can?), this is how you can bring an extra of each.

You plan out all your outfits, fit everything nicely, and think, but what if I end up wanting this shirt, too? This will be your downfall. You’ll start throwing in extras left and right until your suitcase is stuffed to the brim. You’re not doing yourself any favors adding on those extra pounds and messing up your pre-planned #OOTDs. If it’s an afterthought, you probably don’t need it.

You plan out all your outfits, fit everything nicely, and think, but what if I end up wanting this shirt, too? This will be your downfall. You’ll start throwing in extras left and right until your suitcase is stuffed to the brim. You’re not doing yourself any favors adding on those extra pounds and messing up your pre-planned #OOTDs. If it’s an afterthought, you probably don’t need it.