The Art of Packing: Or How I Learned to Stop Overpacking and Love the Carry-On

Let’s talk about packing—the ultimate love-hate relationship in the world of travel. On one hand, packing means you’re about to embark on an adventure, which is exciting. On the other hand, it’s a stressful exercise in decision-making that leaves you questioning your entire wardrobe and possibly your life choices. Seriously, who knew choosing between two nearly identical black T-shirts could cause so much internal conflict?

If you’re anything like me, packing usually starts with the best intentions. You tell yourself, “This time, I’m going to pack light. I’ll only bring the essentials.” But then the voice in the back of your head starts whispering those two dangerous words: “just in case.” And before you know it, you’re standing on your suitcase, trying to zip it shut because you’ve packed for every possible scenario, including a spontaneous hike up Everest and an impromptu black-tie gala.

Here’s the truth: overpacking is a trap, and it’s one I’ve fallen into more times than I’d like to admit. There was that time I packed three coats for a trip to Miami—because, you know, unpredictable weather—and ended up wearing exactly zero of them. Or the time I brought five pairs of shoes for a weekend getaway and ended up wearing the same pair of flip-flops the entire time. Lesson learned: more options don’t necessarily equal better choices.

So, how did I finally break the cycle of overpacking? It wasn’t easy, but it all started with embracing the carry-on. Yes, that’s right—the humble carry-on, the ultimate test of packing discipline. At first, it felt impossible. How could I possibly fit everything I need into one small bag? But with a little bit of strategy and a lot of ruthless decision-making, I discovered that not only is it possible, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

Here’s how I did it:

1. The Power of a Packing List:First things first—make a packing list. I know it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve thought I could wing it and ended up forgetting something crucial (like, oh, I don’t know, underwear). A packing list helps you stay focused on the essentials and prevents you from throwing in that extra pair of jeans “just in case.” Pro tip: stick to the list. If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t go in the bag. Harsh but necessary.

2. Mix-and-Match Magic:The key to packing light is versatility. Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. A good rule of thumb is to pick a color palette and stick to it. Neutrals like black, white, and gray are your best friends because they go with everything. Throw in a couple of pieces with a pop of color or pattern, and voila—you’ve got a wardrobe that’s stylish, functional, and won’t take up half your suitcase.

3. Layers, Layers, Layers:Layers are a traveler’s best friend. Not only do they keep you comfortable in changing weather conditions, but they also allow you to pack fewer items. Instead of bringing a bulky sweater, opt for a light cardigan or jacket that can be layered over a T-shirt or blouse. Plus, layering gives you more outfit options without adding bulk to your bag.

4. The Shoe Dilemma:Ah, shoes—the bane of every overpacker’s existence. I’ve learned the hard way that packing too many shoes is a surefire way to waste space and add unnecessary weight to your luggage. Here’s the deal: you really only need three pairs of shoes. Yep, three. One pair for walking, one pair for dressier occasions, and one pair for casual or beachy vibes. And if you can find a pair that does double duty, even better. Your feet—and your suitcase—will thank you.

5. Toiletries: Less Is More:I used to be the person who brought full-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion “just in case.” But after one too many leaks and realizing I never actually used half of what I packed, I’ve since downsized. Travel-sized toiletries are the way to go, and most hotels provide the basics anyway. Plus, it’s a great excuse to treat yourself to those cute travel-sized products that make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

6. The Roll, Don’t Fold Debate:When it comes to packing, I’m firmly on Team Roll. Rolling your clothes not only saves space but also helps prevent wrinkles (mostly). I’ve found that I can fit way more into my carry-on by rolling than by folding, and it’s much easier to see what you’ve packed at a glance. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about rolling up your clothes into neat little bundles. It’s like you’re a packing pro, even if you’re still secretly stressed about forgetting something.

7. The “One More Thing” Trap:We’ve all been there—just when you think you’ve finished packing, you spot one more thing that you think you might need. Resist the urge! This is how overpacking happens. If you didn’t need it when you made your packing list, you probably don’t need it now. Trust yourself and stick to the plan. Your future self, who isn’t lugging around an overstuffed suitcase, will be grateful.

Once I mastered these tips, packing became a whole new experience. No more dragging heavy suitcases through crowded airports, no more stressing about lost luggage (because it’s all with me!), and no more wondering if I’ll even use half of what I packed. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about breezing past the baggage claim and heading straight out to start your adventure.

And here’s the best part: when you pack light, you’re not just saving space—you’re also freeing up mental space. No more worrying about what to wear or whether you’ve packed enough. Instead, you can focus on the important stuff, like soaking up new experiences, trying local food, and making memories.

So, the next time you’re preparing for a trip, challenge yourself to pack light. Embrace the carry-on and leave the “just in case” items behind. You’ll be surprised at how liberating it can be—and who knows, you might even start to enjoy packing (okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s worth a try!).