Whether you are traveling out of town only for the weekend or one whole month somewhere far, packing is always that annoying part of the trip.
It is a stressful task for some people and almost an impossible mission for many others. The thing is none of them know how to pack wisely and end up filling the suitcase with unnecessary extras!
Here are 10 things you should absolutely leave at home to lighten your load and put an end to your struggle.
#1 – Excessive amounts of clothing
We all like to have options, for this reason, we end up packing a new outfit for every day of the trip. It’s really tempting but at the same time this method is the quickest to run out of room in your luggage and the chances are you’re only going to wear half of the clothes you brought.
According to The New York Times, you should resist the temptation and learn to pack effectively. Therefore, it is important to remember the following 5, 4,3,2,1. The first thing you should start with is 5 pairs of socks and underwear.
Then, you should not forget to pack 4 tops, three pairs of pants, shorts, or skirts (it depends on where you are going and what you prefer most) in addition to 2 pairs of shoes, and finally 1 hat.
This is an easy way to help you pack the important things you need to take with you on your vacation. Still, you can always change the things according to your destination and needs.
#2 – Too many pairs of shoes
Let’s face it, how many times in your life have you made the mistake of filling up valuable suitcase space with shoes you have never worn not even once in your vacation? All the times! It’s time to learn to pack wisely and intelligently.
According to Lonely Planet, two pairs of your most comfortable and versatile shoes are more than enough, unless you have a special occasion and you are obliged to bring an extra third pair of shoes with you. If there is no purpose to bring it, leave it at home.
#3 – Hair tools
Leave your flat iron, hair dryer, curling iron, and all other large spray bottles or hair products at home. Today, most hotels and rental properties are well equipped and offer hair dryers.
Paula Froelich, who is a travel pro behind the blog A Broad Abroad, said in an interview that hair dryers and sprays are available at the majority of hotels along with curling irons and hair products such as sprays.
Still, it would be better to contact the hotel or the property you will be staying in to see what you should pack and what you should put back in the drawer!
#4 – Clothing you’re uncomfortable in
The worse feeling you can ever get is suffering through your vacation in clothing you are not comfortable in, so pack more carefully! While packing, remember that you are going on vacation. You are going somewhere to rest and be free from all what stresses you.
So, the last thing you need is to stress over the way you look or get frustrated about how uncomfortable the dress, pants, or jacket is. This way, it is advisable to choose the clothes that you wear in your normal, day-to-day life.
MindyBodyGreen, Jules Hunt, said in an interview that the last thing one wants to worry about is an uncomfortable swimsuit that ruins your day. So, without thinking twice, leave behind any piece of clothing of questionable comfort—and all your related worries at home.
#5 – Umbrellas
To those who are heading to rainy destinations, you don’t need to take your umbrella with you. First, it is difficult to pack and second, it takes up quite a bit of space. The Solution?
You’d better leave your umbrella home, as according to the travel blog Authentic Traveling, many hotels or any other rental property you are staying in will be pleased to lend you an umbrella and for free.
And in case you are stuck, you can always afford one by seeking the nearest touristy part of town and get yourself a cheap one.
#6 – Your entire makeup bag
Ladies, since you don’t regularly use each and every single item you have in your makeup bag, why then take the whole thing?
Travel experts at Smarter Travel recommend that you limit yourself to the products you use on an everyday basis only and why not consider those makeup compacts that contain multiple colors or even better those makeup kits, which come with a variety of cosmetics all in one travel-size palette.
In addition to this, you can take advantage of the free toiletries that the hotel provides.
#7 – Anything you’re bringing “just in case”
Throwing those last few things in your suitcase, that you might and might not need, is something we all do when packing. Therefore we end up taking the whole closet without even realizing it!
In an interesting interview with Condé Nast Traveler, Andy Krantz, the co-founder of luggage company Paravel, the best thing you can do to oblige yourself not to pack the unnecessary items that are normally supposed to stay behind is choosing a smaller bag.
This way, you will find yourself obliged to resist the urge and the temptation of over packing.
#8 – Books
If you are bookish like me, then, it comes as no surprise that you are going through a hard struggle every time you pack for your vacation.
Books are heavy, so, you’d better free up valuable space by leaving all the paperback books and magazines at home. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t enjoy a good read while on vacation.
In the contrary, you can always do so but with smarter options! In an interview with Trip Advisor, Jonathan Sacks said that electronic options are slim and not heavy.
Moreover, using a Kindle or a tablet allows you to download and store tons of books and even more than you could hope to finish on vacation.
#9 – Things you can buy once you arrive there
Once you book that ticket, you start racing time and make sure that you have bought everything you need for your vacation. But sometimes, you end up packing even those little items that you might not need and which you can actually buy at your destination.
According to the travel experts at Smarter Travel, when it comes to preserving space in your suitcase, it is a smart idea to buy the things you need at your destination instead of packing them!
This way you will save the space and potential luggage fees too. In addition to this, make sure these items are of small sizes and disposable.
#10 – While traveling, you need less
than you think
Let’s be honest, packing is not hard and challenging as it might seem. You and I are making a fuss out of nothing. The packing rule is very simple.
If there isn’t a specific reason why you should take it with you, then you should not pack it in your suitcase. Meaning, your suitcase should only contain the things you need and not the things you just feel like taking with you, right!
For example, you don’t need to pack winter coat if you are heading to a warm and sunny destination—at the end of the day, you won’t use them.
To make it easy for you, plan where to go and what activities you’re willing to do in order to be able to pack the right belongings and leave all the unnecessary gear at home.