Travel has been both my passion and profession for the past 30 years, yet I struggled for a long time with overpacking. I still vividly remember my first business trip to Palma de Mallorca—a five-day trip that I tackled with two oversized suitcases. I crammed everything in, barely managed to close my bags, and arrived with wrinkled clothes and excess baggage I didn’t even use. My dear colleague Robert, who had to help me drag those heavy suitcases, definitely remembers it too!

Over the years, I learned from my mistakes and developed a system for efficient and organized packing. If you're someone who struggles with packing, this guide will help you minimize stress, maximize space, and ensure you bring only what you actually need.

The Golden Rule of Packing

There’s a saying: Lay out everything you plan to take, then cut it in half.

Before you start packing, spread out all the clothes you think you'll need. Then, pack only half of them—but double the amount of money you plan to bring. Many travelers overpack and underbudget, leading to regrets. The reality is, you won’t need as many outfits as you think.

So, how do you pack light without forgetting essentials?

1. Check the Weather Forecast

A few days before departure, check the weather at your destination. This will prevent unnecessary packing—why bring a jacket or umbrella if it won’t rain? Or sandals if it will be freezing? Packing without checking the weather first is a recipe for carrying unnecessary items.

2. Pack Clothes You Actually Wear & Can Mix & Match

Only bring clothes you love wearing and can reuse multiple times. If you don’t wear it at home, you won’t wear it on your trip either.

• Plan outfits ahead – this reduces stress and prevents overpacking.
• Don’t shop for new clothes last-minute – lay out what you already own; you’ll be surprised by how many outfit combinations you can create.
• Choose versatile pieces – items that can be worn more than once with different combinations.
• Pack more tops than bottoms – no one will notice if you wear the same jeans twice, but changing your shirt makes all the difference.

3. Don’t Pack at the Last Minute

Rushed packing leads to chaos, forgotten essentials, and unnecessary items. Plan your outfits ahead and pack in advance to avoid realizing that your favorite travel pants are in the laundry or that you forgot to buy travel-sized toiletries.

4. Stop Packing “Just in Case” Items

How many times have you packed "just in case" items that never got used? If you really need something unexpected, use it as an excuse to go shopping at your destination.

5. Use a Packing Checklist

Having a packing checklist makes a huge difference. I have two versions—a summer checklist and a winter checklist. Before a trip, I print the one I need and check off items as I pack. This system has helped me avoid overpacking and become efficient at bringing only the essentials.

6. Roll Your Clothes to Save Space

Rolling clothes instead of folding them is an amazing space-saving trick. It also prevents wrinkles, making it easier to grab outfits without a mess. Just make sure you roll items neatly to avoid creases.

7. Consider Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Bulkier Items

I used to vacuum-seal my clothes using space bags, which allowed me to fit a lot more in my suitcase. However, this method has a downside—if you don’t have access to a vacuum at your destination, it’s hard to repack for the return trip.

8. Pack in Layers – The “Pyramid” Method

I use a pyramid system to pack efficiently:

• Bottom layer – shoes (in bags), socks, and underwear fill the empty spaces inside the suitcase frame.
• Middle layer – bulkier items like jeans, dresses, and skirts (laid flat).
• Top layer – wrinkle-prone clothing.
• Small gaps – rolled clothes to fill spaces.

9. Skip the Umbrella – Bring a Lightweight Rain Poncho

Instead of packing a bulky umbrella, I always carry a disposable poncho. It takes up almost no space, and I simply throw it away after use.

10. Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries

Instead of buying expensive "travel-size" cosmetics, I invested in small reusable bottles. This saves money and space while allowing me to bring my favorite products.

• Look for multi-use products (e.g., shampoo + conditioner, face moisturizer with SPF).

11. Organize Small Items Properly

Small essentials like phone chargers, extra glasses, or medication should be packed in soft protective cases (like socks or pouches). Place fragile items inside shoes or in a separate pouch to avoid losing them.

12. Don’t Overpack Medications

You don’t need to bring your entire medicine cabinet—just the basics:

• Pain relievers
• Motion sickness tablets
• Allergy medication
• Basic first aid (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)

If you take daily medication, get a weekly pill organizer to keep everything compact.

13. Fill Empty Spaces

If you leave empty space in your suitcase, clothes will shift, making your suitcase disorganized. Fill small gaps with rolled-up socks or scarves to keep everything in place.

Final Packing Checklist: Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget

Before you zip up your suitcase, go through your checklist one last time to avoid missing anything important.

Carry-On Essentials:

• Travel documents (passport, ID, boarding pass)
• Wallet with cash & cards
• Phone & charger
• Headphones
• Hand sanitizer & tissues
• Lip balm & moisturizer
• Snacks & water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Medications

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant
• Razor & shaving gel
• Sunscreen
• Makeup & skincare

Clothing & Shoes:

• Underwear & socks
• Pajamas
• Tops & bottoms (planned outfits)
• Jacket or sweater
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sleepwear

Extras:

• Travel pillow
• Compact shopping bag
• Notebook & pen

Packing Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare!

Preparation is half the job done. Follow these tips, stick to the essentials, and enjoy stress-free travel without dragging around unnecessary baggage. Once you streamline your packing, you’ll never go back to overpacking again!