Are you an Over packer
Do you often find yourself burdened with excessive luggage when you travel? Here are some telltale signs that you are guilty of over-packing.
Are you constantly worried about exceeding the airline’s 50-pound luggage limit for a trip that only lasts 5-7 days? Or worse, have you ever had to publicly repack your belongings at the airport to get your suitcase under that limit? You may be an over-packer.
Is navigating an escalator with your baggage a Herculean task? Have you packed enough sweaters for a summer trip to the Caribbean to outfit a small army? You may have an over-packing problem.
Does your luggage habitually fall over when left alone? Have you ever had to forcibly close your suitcase by sitting on it? Is your hard-shell suitcase bulging at the seams? It’s time to admit it, you are an over-packer.
Do you use your carry-on or personal bag as extra storage for items that didn’t fit in your checked luggage? Is getting your luggage in and out of your car a workout in itself? You are not just an over-packer, you are a chronic over-packer.
But fret not, over-packing is more common than you might think. Roughly 62% of Americans are prone to over-packing when they travel. Even though many people over-pack, most realize that it’s a habit that needs to be broken as it only complicates their journey. Here are a few tips to help you pack smarter for your next trip.
Lay it all out: Before stuffing items into your suitcase, lay them all out. Seeing what you plan on packing can help you realize if you are being excessive and need to pare down.
Pack for certainties, not uncertainties: Don’t pack for hypothetical scenarios. Only pack for concrete plans. If your history of waking up early for workouts is spotty at best, perhaps leave the workout clothes behind this time.
Try a trial run: After packing your suitcase, take it for a walk around the block. This will give you a realistic sense of what it will be like to carry it through the airport. If you find it hard to handle, you may want to reconsider some of the contents.
Use available resources: Check whether your accommodation offers laundry facilities. If it does, you can do laundry instead of packing a different outfit for each day.
Pack efficiently: Use packing cubes or other organizing aids to maximize the space in your suitcase. Buy local: If you need something while on vacation, consider buying it locally. It supports the local economy and gives you a chance to find unique items.
Be picky with your shoes: Shoes are bulky and heavy, and you may not need as many pairs as you think. Choose a few versatile and comfortable pairs instead.
Lastly, when in doubt, leave it out. This motto will help you to avoid over-packing.
Remember, there are two types of tourists: those who pack light and those who wish they had. Strive to be the former, or you might end up regretting it.
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