There are two types of people in the world – the ones who pack two weeks in advance with a packing checklist, and the ones who shove a random pair of shoes into a bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. I’ve been both.
But after years of red eyes, lost luggage, and trying to survive long layovers in jeans, I’ve learned what actually works. These are the travel tips for packing I swear by – the things that save space, stress, and yes, your sanity.
1. Lay everything out. Then put a third of it back.
Did you know that 4 in 10 Americans intentionally overpack?
This might sound dramatic, but trust me: you do not need all that. I used to pack for every possible weather scenario, social occasion, and mood swing. Now I lay everything out on my bed, look at it with judgmental eyes, and put at least 30% back.
If you’re not going to wear it twice, it doesn’t come.
2. Pick a color palette and stick to it
When packing, celebrity stylist Kim Appelt recommends sticking primarily to neutrals and adding a few pops of color.
So, when packing for a trip, I always pick 2–3 colors and build around them. This makes everything mix-and-matchable, and you’ll never find yourself with one rogue shirt that doesn’t go with anything.
3. Pack by outfit, not item
Packing five nice shirts means nothing if none of them go with your one pair of pants. Build actual outfits when you pack, including shoes and accessories. Think: What am I wearing to dinner on night two? If you can’t answer, it doesn’t belong in the bag.
4. Roll, don’t fold (but only for the right stuff)
Rolling clothes really does save space, especially for soft items like T-shirts, leggings, and dresses. But jeans and stiff fabrics? Fold those. They’ll take up less room and wrinkle less.
5. Keep your essentials in your personal item
Airlines lose bags. Weather delays happen. If your carry-on gets gate-checked, you need to be ready.
I always keep these in my personal bag:
- Passport/ID
- Toothbrush and face wipes
- Chargers and headphones
- Lip balm and gum
- One “plane outfit” layer (a hoodie, scarf, or socks)
It’s basically your survival kit for anything the airport throws at you.
6. Choose shoes wisely
Shoes take up so much space. I stick to three pairs max – one casual, one for walking, and one dressier option (which can usually double as dinner shoes). And I always wear the bulkiest pair on the plane, even if it feels ridiculous.
7. Always leave room for what you’ll bring home
Souvenirs. Duty-free wine. That shirt you swore you wouldn’t buy. Leave a little extra space.
Or better yet, pack a foldable tote or expandable bag in your suitcase. It’s a lifesaver on the way back, and your future self will thank you.
In summary? Pack light, pack smart, and pack like a person who knows what they’re doing
Because once you figure out how to travel with less, you realize you never needed all that stuff in the first place. These travel tips for packing have saved me from overpacking meltdowns more times than I can count. Now it’s your turn.
