You have been packing too much underwear

The art of packing

You have been packing too much underwear

As any seasoned traveler knows, packing is a delicate art. Not only do you have to make everything fit in the required number of bags, but you also have to mind the weight and ensure you are not forgetting any essentials. Like any skill, packing can be practiced and learned. And while needs vary by person, people tend to pack similar things. Here are some things that are wasting space in your luggage, and some that are truly useful.

Pouches and packing cubes: Bring them

While not essential, pouches and packing cubes can be really helpful, especially if you tend to just shove things into your suitcase and later have to take everything out just to find a specific pair of socks. Having pouches and cubes dedicated to specific categories will not only help you find things more easily, but will also simplify the packing process.

"Just in case" underwear: Leave it

No one wants to run out of clean underwear. However, there’s no need to pack seven pairs of underwear for a three-day trip. No matter what circumstances you are envisioning, a pair per day is more than enough, and one spare if it’ll make you feel better. Worst-case scenario, you can always find a laundromat or go the good old-fashioned route of washing it in the sink.

Luggage scale: Bring it

If you enjoy shopping during your trips or are a serial overpacker, a portable luggage scale is not a bad idea. You could try buying fewer things during your holiday, but where’s the fun in that?

Or maybe you did your best, but grossly underestimated the weight of things. A luggage scale will allow you to check the weight of your bags during the trip, so you can plan ahead and avoid ugly surprises at the check-in counter.

Duplicate items: Leave them

Not everyone wants to spend their holiday in the same pair of shorts, but why are we packing multiple pairs of white sneakers? Aside from some basics, there is no need to have more than one thing with the same purpose. When in doubt, always pick the item that will be easier to match with the rest of the things you are packing.

Carry-on change of clothes: Bring it

In a perfect world, airlines would never misplace anyone’s luggage, but alas, we are only human. Carrying a change of clothes with you may seem over-the-top, that is, until they tell you your luggage will arrive in two days. Unless you are comfortable with wearing your travel clothes for multiple days, having a spare on hand is always a good idea.

Additional duffel: Bring it

This might seem unnecessary, but it can come in handy on longer trips. A canvas duffel can be easily packed and occupies minimal space. If you end up not needing it, it will not affect your luggage. If your bag breaks or you need an extra bag, it can be a lifesaver.

Full-size toiletries: Leave them

Not everyone likes using hotel toiletries, so we won’t tell you to leave your special shampoo at home. But on the flip side, you won’t need 10 oz of shampoo for a week-long trip. If you are bringing a lot of toiletries or some with bulky packaging, consider using travel-sized containers and carrying only what you need.

Portable power bank: Bring it

In an ideal world, batteries would last all day long. Running out of battery is always annoying, but when it happens in an unfamiliar place, it can go from bothersome to dangerous. Having a power bank handy ensures that this won’t happen to you.

Travel pillow: Leave it

Let’s be honest, travel pillows aren’t much more comfortable than the pillows provided by airlines. Worst-case scenario, you will have to roll up your hoodie into a makeshift pillow. Unless you plan on sleeping in places where pillows are not provided, a travel pillow will only take up space.

Bag for dirty laundry: Bring it

At home, one usually has a designated spot for dirty laundry, but during a trip, it usually ends up mixed with the clean clothes. Having a bag for the dirty laundry will keep it all in one place, away from what’s clean, and will make it easier to grab if you decide to go to a laundromat.