Ditch the Extra Baggage–Literally
How to travel light and smarter: lessons from an over-packer embracing minimalism on the go
By Zainab Zaman
Whether it's a road trip to a nearby town or flying to a new continent, I am always plagued with the same issue that consumes my waking thoughts days before the trip… "How am I supposed to pack everything?"
As a chronic overpacker with a deep attachment to all of my belongings, packing is never a simple feat. I always end up with an extra checked bag, over the weight limit, or bringing a carry-on suitcase for an overnight trip.
Many over-packers (like myself) face anxiety when packing and fear the unknown, so they implement a 'just in case' attitude when it comes to packing and bring more than needed. While overpacking might theoretically simplify the trip, it can be a physical and mental burden.
I am currently in my second semester abroad and learned that if I don't make some changes quickly, I will end up paying an arm and a leg in baggage fees, but I continue to face the mental strain of overpacking.
The first lesson that was a hard pill to swallow was that not everything you own is necessary for every trip. I know, the truth hurts. Rather than throwing a whole closet in bags and getting to choose what to wear when I get there, I have started pre-planning outfits. While you can't predict the future, you can have a rough idea of what activities you will be doing and what the city's style is.
Packing two pairs of bottoms and interchangeable tops can stretch further than you think. Also, if you travel with friends, you can share clothes, increasing your outfit options.
Another hard truth is that you don't need to pack your entire 12-step skincare routine or 5 different lip glosses. Bring your skincare routine to the bare bones, and only pack one of each makeup product. If bringing all your products is something you truly can't part with, I recommend getting these small travel pots. This way, you can still bring your favorite creams without wasting space.
Another hack is to wear your heaviest items on the plane. For example, I've dwindled the shoes I pack to two. Both my trainers and heeled boots are needed and versatile, so I've learned to wear my boots on the journey, no matter how uncomfortable I get. This also applies to jackets; the plane is usually cold anyway, so give yourself some extra space by wearing your coat.
It wasn't until I invested properly in the tools needed to travel light that I learned how simple it can be. Having the right tools for success is important in every venture – this is no different! I recommend investing in a travel backpack that mimics a suitcase with several pockets and sleeves. This makes packing easier when you can open it up and organize every pocket and crevice. Compression cubes are also a must-have; they help sort clothes by item or even by the day you want to wear them, all while saving space.
Implementing these small tips to pack lighter can relieve mental strain from traveling.
According to travel expert Anne McAlpin, travelers with minimized bag loads make it easier to track and carry baggage, reduce the likelihood of misplacing items on trips, and "reduces decision fatigue… and helps travelers enjoy the journey more because more of their concentration is on the journey and not on unnecessary details."
Part of traveling is escaping from real life, so why would you want to bring it all with you?
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