Avoiding overpacking

10 June 2010

I’m leaving for a weekend trip to attend a family wedding. As I think about packing, I thought I’d share my method for ensuring I don’t overpack.

I’ve been doing this for years — decades, really. I think I invented this system. And I’m happy to share it.

Here’s what I do:

I think about the clothes I’d like to take on the trip and make a list. It usually includes the clothes I’m particularly fond of wearing these days, or ones I feel really good in.

I number each item in the list

I did this last night for my trip. And I took a picture. (The backs of envelopes are good for this.)

I make a list of the days I’ll be there. Since there’s usually a change of clothes, I’ll have columns for AM and PM. (If there were going to more than one change of clothes in a day, I’d increase the number of columns.)

I put together outfits for each day, using the numbers next to each item on the packing list.

I go through the numbers (looking for each number, in order) and make sure that each number is represented. If there’s no number 5, for instance, on the outfit list, I scratch item number five off my packing list.

Here’s my outfit list for this trip:

There was no item number five!

A nice bonus is that if I want, I can bring along the lists and then I don’t have to think about what I’m going to wear each day.

I don’t list undergarments (unless there’s something special) or jewelry. I certainly could list jewelry, but I don’t have that much and I just sort of eyeball it.

I hope you find it helpful. I’ve made my packing list but haven’t packed for my trip yet — we’re leaving after I get home from a client this afternoon. It’s so nice to have the list; packing will be a snap!

Tagged with: packing, travel

Comments

What a great idea Janine. I don’t over pack usually, but I do spend more time than I should trying to figure out if I have enough clothes. This should take care of that problem.

Patti June 15, 2010 06:38 AM

Thanks, Patti! I’m surprised that in all the years I’ve known you (and all the trips I’ve taken to see you) that I haven’t ever shared my packing method with you! I hope you find it helpful next time you’re going on a trip.

Janine Adams June 15, 2010 07:25 AM

One thing I do, esp because I do not check my luggage, is keep the packing list, look at it at the end of the trip, make adjustments/comments for items that did not work or I didn’t need, and leave the list in my bag for the next trip. Comes in handy for visiting family or any repeat trips. I no longer have to think about what I “might” need.

Lynn June 15, 2010 02:41 PM

Lynn, that’s a brilliant idea! Thanks so much for sharing it.

Janine Adams June 15, 2010 02:45 PM

Hey Janine, great article. I’m very interested to hear your suggestions re my upcoming 8 week trip to the UK! I have plenty of winter clothes – I’d just like to not overpack for once in my life. Tracy (from Victoria, Australia)

Tracy O'Connor November 20, 2025 02:01 AM

Tracy, my advice to you is to let go of the idea that you have to vary what you wear. Select clothes that can go into various outfits and repeat those outfits. One thought is to choose one or two base outfits and then add a few layers that change it up. The wildcard is your ability to do laundry on your trip (which is one reason I love merino wool that doesn’t have to be laundered much). Eight weeks is a long time but that doesn’t mean you have to take a lot of clothes. I hope you have a great trip!

Janine Adams November 20, 2025 08:39 AM

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