It doesn’t matter how many times you go on holidays, the urge to vastly overpack everything you may or may not need is strong. That’s because for some reason, we assume that even if we have a full outfit for each day carefully layed out, somehow we’re going to need to do a quick outfit change or find our clothes muddied in some way.

Sure, if you’re off on a long hike, cycling across countries, or going between multiple destinations, then planning outfits carefully (and maybe re-wearing a few things) makes total sense. But let’s be honest—overpacking usually creates more stress than it’s worth. You might end up paying extra for baggage, wrestling with a suitcase that barely zips, and lugging around stuff you don’t even touch.

So, if you’re a notorious overpacker, how do you avoid that in future? In this article we’ll explore that and more:

Give Yourself A Clothing Budget

Rather than tossing in seven different outfits for a three-day weekend getaway, you might actually benefit from giving yourself a strict clothing allowance. Maybe that means three tops, two bottoms, and one nice outfit for an evening meal if you’re going for the weekend. The psychology behind this approach is pretty fascinating because once you implement boundaries, you naturally become more selective about what makes the cut.

You could even turn this into a little game where everything has to coordinate with at least two other items. This forces you to think about combinations instead of specific outfits for scenarios you might not even find yourself in.

Pack Irreplacables First

Items you absolutely cannot purchase or replace at your destination should always get priority in your luggage. That should include your prescription sunglasses, essential medications, specific skincare products you rely on, or that fitting lightweight rain jacket you love. These necessities are the foundation of your packing strategy, and everything else should work around them.

Electronics and their chargers fall into this category too, such as your phone charger, camera equipment, or laptop for work trips, which might be non-negotiable. Once these items have their space, you can more realistically figure out how much room you can spare for dipsoable needs.

Don’t Pack Heavily For All Weathers

Some pack for every single weather scenario, like unexpected blizzards in summer to freak heat waves in winter. This anxiety-driven approach can double your luggage volume in about two seconds. Instead, checking the general forecast for your destination about 48 hours before departure gives you a realistic picture of what conditions you might encounter.

Most places sell umbrellas and basic weather gear if you truly need them, so don’t worry! It’s also fine to bring a rain coat if you’re heading to the coast in summer just in case of course, just don’t go over the top.

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