Packing light? Couldn’t be me. While some travelers pride themselves on fitting everything into a carry-on, I am not one of them. My suitcase? A perfectly curated selection of “just in case” essentials, ready to tackle any unexpected scenario—blizzards, surprise weddings, spontaneous hikes, or an apocalypse-level power outage. You may think I’m being dramatic, but have you ever seen someone panic at baggage claim because they didn’t bring an extra pair of socks? Exactly.
Overpacking isn’t a flaw—it’s a lifestyle. And if you, like me, have ever sat on your suitcase while aggressively trying to zip it shut, this guide to the art of overpacking is for you.
Minimalists will tell you that packing light is the way to go. That you don’t need four pairs of shoes for a three-day trip. That you should embrace the concept of a capsule wardrobe. Meanwhile, I’m over here stuffing platform heels into my suitcase because what if I need them? They take up way too much room, I could easily swap them for something else, and yet—every single time, they come with me. And, more often than not, I actually wear them. So who’s the real winner here? (Not my back, but let’s move on.)
They say you should pack what you need, but let’s be honest—what we need and what we might need are two very different things. One moment you’re confident in your packing choices, and the next, you’re panicking at the gate, wondering if you should have packed an extra charger, another pair of pants, or, God forbid, a backup umbrella.
Because here’s the thing: no one ever regrets bringing extra, but plenty of people regret bringing too little. That’s why mastering the art of overpacking is about preparation, not excess.
My mini drone – I bring it every single time, even though I rarely use it. Why? Because in my mind, I’m always this close to getting incredible aerial shots. The reality? It’s old, has technical issues, requires permits in too many places, and I forget how to use it between trips. But will I leave it behind? Absolutely not.
Workout clothes – Because I swear I’ll use the hotel gym this time (I won’t). But what if I do?
Emergency waterproof layer – I refuse to be caught in a drizzle unprepared, despite the fact that it’s been sitting in my bag for the last five trips, completely unused.
An entire first aid kit – Because what if I need gauze, three sizes of bandages, and a full roll of medical tape? What if someone else does? I’ll be the hero of this trip.
That one fancy outfit – You know, just in case I get invited to a gala or a last-minute reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant. (Still waiting.)
Multiple books – As if I’ll have the time to finish one, let alone three. But I like options.
A travel-sized sewing kit – Because I could need to reattach a button mid-trip. I never have, but the potential is there.
For every unnecessary item, there’s one that makes me feel like a genius for bringing it. These are the overpacking essentials that justify my strategy:
Portable charger – Because nothing is scarier than a dead phone in an unfamiliar city. Every overpacker knows the anxiety of seeing that low battery warning at the worst possible time.
Extra snacks – Airport food is expensive, and my future self always thanks me for packing an emergency granola bar. Also, hangry is not a good look on me or anyone else for that matter.
Reusable tote bag – Perfect for carrying souvenirs, groceries, acting as a last-minute beach bag, or stuffing in the extra items I bought but “swore” I wouldn’t.
Mini stain remover – Because I always spill something at the worst possible moment. Butter stains on a white shirt? Not today.
Travel-sized laundry detergent – Hotel sink laundry has saved me from disaster more times than I can count, especially when I’ve packed more impractical outfits than useful ones.
There’s a special kind of chaos that happens the night before a trip. The delicate balance of stuffing everything back into the suitcase after realizing I’ve packed way more than I should have. The physics-defying act of sitting on my bag to get the zipper to close. The frantic debate of whether I should take something out (spoiler: I won’t). One thing is for sure – I’m never overweight.
If my suitcase won’t close before I leave? That’s when the real strategy kicks in. First, I assess the biggest item in my suitcase—can I swap it for something smaller? Do I really need that extra pair of shoes? (Yes, the answer is always yes.) Or do I just need to get creative and find a new way to shove it in? If all else fails, I’ll just look for an extra suitcase to buy on my trip and check an additional bag on the way home. Problem solved.
And yet, despite the struggle, I stand by my choices.
Because when my friend forgets their phone charger? I’ve got a spare. When the temperature drops unexpectedly? I have layers. When everyone else is running around unprepared, who do they turn to? The overpacker.
Sure, overpacking means your suitcase might be bulkier than necessary, but what is “necessary” really? The true over-packer understands that preparedness isn’t just about what you’ll probably need—it’s about what you could need. And the art of overpacking is all about that fine balance.
I have been trying to downsize my packing recently, and I’ve learned some tricks—like packing only a tiny amount of beauty products instead of full-sized travel bottles (those sample packets that look like a one-time use? You can get a few days out of them). It’s reduced my beauty bag to a fraction of what it used to be. You can find so many tiny samples at airshop and a lot of them are free. Also, thin but functional layers, think cashmere cardigan and a softshell jacket.
But one thing I’ll never understand? Packing cubes. People swear they give you more space, but do they really? Sure, they organize things nicely, but unless your suitcase is designed for them, they don’t maximize space the way people claim. Just roll your clothes and shove them in—it works just as well and you can see everything you packed.
So, is overpacking really a problem? Or are we just travel geniuses ahead of our time?
That’s what I tell myself, anyway.
Overpacking gets a bad reputation, but when done right, it’s a strategic way to ensure a stress-free trip. Whether it’s having that extra pair of shoes, a backup phone charger, or emergency layers, being prepared is never a bad thing. The key? Overpacking smart.
So, are you an overpacker too? Or do you somehow manage to survive on just a carry-on? Let’s discuss!
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
This form is just the beginning! The details you provide here will help me get a better understanding of what you’re looking for. Once I receive your submission, I’ll be in touch to discuss your trip in more detail and finalize the perfect plan for you.
