I’m currently unpacking a suitcase full of cute tops, dresses and workout wear. It’s all being hung right back up in my closet because it was never worn. I totally overpacked for our holiday cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, but I was prepared for it to be cold, slightly chilly, warm and hot. I was prepared to go swim, go dancing or go workout (I did none of those things.)

What I did do was wear the same two pairs of pants and four shirts the entire cruise, along with a long sleeve top when chilly.

I did wear two dresses for the two formal nights. I probably could have fit everything I actually needed in a carry on, but I packed my large suitcase to the brim, maxing it out at 49 pounds. One more pair of shoes and I would have been over the limit. I did at least wear three out of the four pairs of shoes I brought.

Prepared for Any Weather or Activity

I always overpack because I want to be prepared for any kind of weather or activity. I should know by now I’m not going to work out on the cruise, but I can guarantee if I didn’t pack three days of workout wear, I’d suddenly be in the mood to hit the gym.

I also brought two makeup bags full of products and toiletries, and I only did my hair and makeup on one night. But I was prepared for seven nights of full-on glam!

In the end, I’d rather have too many options than not be prepared, so I’ll most likely continue my cycle of bringing everything and then some. But this time I managed to impress myself with how much I brought that I didn’t wear!

So maybe next time I’ll slim it down to a few less options. I’ll just need to go back and read this post to remind myself of that.

I’m working on posts about the cruise and our destinations! We were headed to Nova Scotia, but Hurricane Lee messed up our trip and we had to head back to New York. It ended up being pretty neat to get an extra day in NYC though. More about that coming soon 🙂

Pack Smarter, Not Heavier: How to Avoid Overpacking for Your Next Trip

Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or a long-haul cruise vacation, packing efficiently is a skill that makes travel smoother. Here’s how to travel light without sacrificing essentials.

Make a Travel Packing List and Stick to It

Creating a list before you start packing keeps you focused. List out essentials like clothing, toiletries, and travel documents first. Then add only what you truly need. This keeps last-minute panic packing (and unnecessary items) out of your bag.

I make myself a list before each trip and check it off as it is packed, so I don’t forget important items like medication or chargers.

Choose Versatile Clothing to Maximize Outfits

This is where I often fail at packing. Ideally, you should go for clothes that can be mixed, matched, and layered. A few staple pieces in neutral tones can create multiple outfits without taking up space. Think quality over quantity—one good jacket is better than three mediocre ones.

Roll, Don’t Fold: Save Space with Smart Packing Techniques

This is a classic packing tip- Rolling your clothes instead of folding them. It not only saves space but helps reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items by category—tops in one cube, underwear in another. You’ll find what you need faster and pack more efficiently.

At least, that’s the idea. I keep trying packing cubes and then abandoning them.

Limit Shoes and Accessories to the Essentials

Shoes are among the bulkiest things in a suitcase. Stick to two or three pairs at most: something casual, something dressy, and maybe one for activities like hiking or running. Keep accessories minimal and versatile.

Avoid the ‘Just in Case’ Trap

If you’re packing something just in case, ask yourself how likely you are to use it. If it’s not a must-have, leave it behind. Hotels and stores exist wherever you’re going—most forgotten items can be replaced or done without.

Use the One-Week Rule for Longer Trips

Even if you’re going away for two weeks or more, only pack for one week and plan to do laundry. This drastically reduces the number of clothes you need to bring and keeps your bag manageable.

Weigh Your Luggage Before You Leave

Use a luggage scale to check the weight before heading to the airport. Airlines have strict limits, and overweight baggage fees are steep. Knowing your weight ahead of time lets you make adjustments if needed.

Then you won’t end up like me on my last trip to New Orleans, where I was frantically pulling my big wedge heels out of my overweight suitcase and stuffing them in my backpack. I was 2 lbs. over the limit!

Final Thoughts on Packing Light

Packing light doesn’t mean going without—it means traveling with intention. A lighter bag means fewer decisions, less stress, and more freedom to enjoy your trip. So next time you’re tempted to bring that extra pair of boots, remember: travel should be about experiences, not excess baggage.