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PSA: I wasted years overpacking my carry-on

Last month I flew to Denver for a weekend trip and stuffed my backpack full of 4 pairs of shoes and 3 jackets. By the time I got to my hotel my back was killing me and I had to pay $15 at the airport for a bag check because it was too heavy. Then I saw this guy next to me with just a small duffel and a few basics. It hit me that I've been dragging around extra stuff I never use just because I think I might need it. Anybody else finally figure out they pack way too much?

3 comments

3 Comments

finley_wells661mo ago

Man, I feel this so hard. Packing light is a skill I had to learn the painful way too. My turning point was a three week trip to Europe where I brought seven pairs of jeans and two big books. I ended up wearing the same two shirts on repeat and carrying those books around without ever opening them. Now I swear by one pair of versatile shoes and a tiny toiletry bag with just the basics. It's wild how much stuff we think we need when really we're just making life harder for ourselves.

casey8432d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, that stat about only using 20 percent of what you pack is brutal but so true. I think most of us pack out of fear more than actual need. Like we're scared we'll miss out on some perfect outfit or emergency gadget, but really we're just carrying around dead weight. Once you get used to the idea that you can wash clothes or buy a cheap toothbrush anywhere, it frees you up so much. My biggest win was ditching the "just in case" mindset and realizing that being uncomfortable for one night in a wrinkled shirt is way better than hauling a suitcase full of regrets. How did you handle the laundry situation on that Japan trip, did you sink wash everything or find coin laundries?

shane7511mo ago

I read somewhere that the average person only uses about 20 percent of what they pack on a trip. That stat really stuck with me because it matches what you said, @finley_wells66. I used to be a heavy packer until I started a one bag challenge for a two week trip to Japan. Now I stick to three shirts, one pair of pants, and a pair of sneakers that doubles for walking and nicer dinners. It took me a few bad trips to learn that carrying less stuff just makes everything easier. No more waiting at luggage claim or hauling a heavy bag up stairs.