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Excess luggage charges for airline flights should provide enough incentive to limit overpacking. Some people, however, are simply compelled to stuff as much as possible into their bags with every trip. What's the reason for overpacking? Last minute packing the day or night before departure can result in overpacking, while others simply must have three outfits for each day.
If you fall into either category, it's time to look at your motivation. Moving your creature comforts, toiletries and clothing to another place for a trip is a daunting endeavor. The noble endeavor of trying to bring everything with you can be stressful. In truth, it's unnecessary and can get quite expensive with airline travel. Add damaged luggage into the mix and your penchant for overpacking needs to be remedied. -
Planning is the key to avoid overpacking. Make a list to help limit your required clothing items. Be sure to check the weather for your destination. Choose clothing that will complement the weather and your planned activities. You can wear an outfit more than once or launder your clothing while on vacation. It's really not necessary to take three outfits per day.
Plan your attack by choosing neutral-colored coordinating clothes that you can mix and match. Black and khaki colored clothes are good choices, as are wrinkle free fabrics. Limit your toiletries to travel sized bottles that fit inside a reasonably sized cosmetic case or shaving kit.
Check your list to make sure you've addressed the absolute minimum of what you need for your trip. If what you've laid out looks like it won't fit in your suitcase, it probably won't. Take another look at your clothes. Can something do double duty to limit your overpacking? Cull out your items until you reach a reasonable amount that won't cause your suitcase to bust. - Some tricks for packing include rolling clothing to save space and tucking belts, scarves, underwear and socks inside shoes to save space. If luggage weight is an issue, consider bringing a small bottle of detergent to hand wash some clothes. Use the space inside your suitcase wisely. Tuck smaller items around your main stacks of clothes. Wear bulky items such as jackets, boots or outdoor gear on the plane or pack them in the car.
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Try thinking about packing differently. Maybe the trunk of the car has limited space on the family vacation and you need to use a smaller suitcase. Possibly, the airline is charging a fixed price per bag, especially for super saver fares. Some airlines no longer allow one checked bag and charge a fee; usually 15 dollars per bag. If your overpacked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, charges usually begin at 25 dollars. Some airlines allow one free bag while some allow absolutely none with a fee. Check with your airline before your trip for their specific luggage policies. Be prepared to pay big fees if you've overpacked your bags.
You should keep jewelry, electronics and personal travel papers with you at all times. These items should be packed in your carry on luggage. This will save room in your checked luggage and prevent these important items from being lost or stolen. Carry on baggage is checked very carefully at the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) checkpoints in every airport. Make sure to limit overpacking in your carry on luggage as well. isit TSA's website listed in the link section below for more information. - An empty suitcase can weigh as much as 10 to 20 pounds. A newer model, empty, medium-sized Samsonite suitcase weighs over 10 pounds. What is the probability that your clothes, toiletries, shoes, belts, underwear, jackets and night clothes will only weight another 25 to 30 pounds to keep you bag under the 50 pound limit? Slim to none. Limiting what you take with you is the only remedy. Buying a lighter suitcase makes sense as well. However, you aren't addressing the problem of overpacking. Limit what you take with you and you'll find it changes nothing about the quality of your trip. Pack what is necessary, not what "might" be necessary.
