You know that feeling when you’re about to head off on a big adventure? Excitement bubbling, plans falling into place—but then comes the packing. Suddenly, what should be a simple task turns into a battle of "what ifs" and "just in case" items. Before you know it, you're staring at a suitcase that barely closes, or a backpack that’s bulging at the seams, wondering how on earth you'll manage.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The biggest mistake travellers make when trying to pack light is overpacking.
Picking what you leave at home, becomes just as big an issue as what you are packing!
But don’t worry—I’ve been there, and I’m here to help. Let’s talk about how to break free from the overpacking trap and travel with ease.
Just keeping it real...when I don't follow my own advice!!
Actually, here's a disclaimer... packing light has to work for you. The story behind this photo, is that I had been nursing for a month on the Mercy Ship in Sierra Leone. I had taken this bag with 18kg of New Zealand treats for the Kiwis on board. My arrival was much anticipated because of the goodies I arrived with. I then used the opportunity to fill the bag with fabric and souvenirs for my return trip home.
So, I don't always do as I say!!
Why Do We Overpack When Travelling Light?
Overpacking is something almost every traveller experiences at one point. It stems from a mix of anxiety and the desire to be prepared for every possible situation. We picture ourselves needing extra outfits, shoes for every occasion, and gadgets that will surely come in handy. But more often than not, these items remain unused, just adding weight and stress to your journey.
So, why do we do it? It’s that “what if I need this?” mentality. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is better. But trust me, packing light can actually enhance your travel experience and free you from the burden of excess baggage.
And when I do follow my tips!
The Freedom of Travelling Light.
Travelling light isn’t just about saving space in your bag—it’s about the freedom it gives you on the road. The less you pack, the less you need to worry about. You can move easily from place to place, skip the luggage queues, and focus on what really matters: the adventure itself. It simplifies your dressing choices, meaning you have way less decision fatigue.
When you embrace packing light, you’ll discover that you don’t need as much as you think. And the best part? You’ll feel lighter, both physically and mentally. Imagine stepping off a plane with just a small carry-on and a feeling of freedom that’s hard to beat. There’s nothing I love more than getting off a plane and breezing (most of the time) through customs and immigration, while I know I’ve left behind many who are still waiting for their bags to be off-loaded.
When I first travelled solo, carrying a small lightweight bag meant I could manage it on my own. I needed to be able to keep myself and my belongings safe. Within days of setting off I knew there was so much more to travelling light than safety.
Hanging a winter travel wardrobe.
Tips to Avoid Overpacking When Travelling Light
1. Plan Your Outfits Carefully
Mix and Match: Select clothing items that can be easily combined to create multiple outfits. Stick to a neutral colour palette to make it even easier. And don’t forget the shoes match too.
Layer Up: Instead of packing bulky jackets or sweaters, bring items you can layer. A lightweight merino jersey or sweater over a shirt can keep you warm without taking up much space.
Try the Rule of Three: Three tops (2 tees and one long-sleeved top), three bottoms (choose from pants, shorts, a skirt) , three outer layers (puffer jacket, raincoat, cardigan), 3 accessories (two scarves and a necklace)
Quick-Drying and Odour-Resistant clothing (aka Merino): Yes, handwashing will be a thing when packing light. So you need things that will dry overnight, or with odour-resistant clothing, can be worn for several days before needing washing. I do recommend hanging these clothes up overnight to air them.
2. Limit Your Shoes
The Rule of Three: Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes, a casual option, and maybe something a little dressier for evenings. Shoes are heavy and take up valuable space, so keep it simple. For my style of travel I tend to pack white sneakers that cover most occasions, hiking shoes, and jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops).
My three shoes - perfect for me!
3. Smart Accessories
Scarves and Jewellery: These can change the look of an outfit without taking up much room. A scarf can double as a blanket or beach cover-up, making it both stylish and practical.
4. Keep Toiletries Simple
Travel Sizes: Most toiletries can be bought along the way, so bring only what you truly need in small, travel-sized containers. Many accommodations also provide the basics, so check ahead.
Solid over liquid: If travelling with carry-on you need to keep to the TSA rule of 3-1-1 – all your liquids must be under 100ml (3.4oz) that fit in one quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag. This is easier to achieve when your toiletries are solid. Think solid deodorant, toothpaste tablets, bars of moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen (although I’m yet to find a solid version I like that doesn’t smell and works – please, I’m open to suggestions!)
Opt for a moisturiser that also serves as sunscreen, or a shampoo that doubles as body wash. I’m a fan of Dr Bonner’s bar – it’s a shampoo, body bar, laundry soap and detergent all in one bar. I usually take half a bar for a month of travel.
5. Gadgets and Electronics
Essentials Only: Do you really need a laptop, tablet, camera, and e-reader? Choose a device that can serve multiple functions—like a phone with a good camera or a tablet with ebook capabilities. Pack international plugs that have all the different plug types if you’re travelling through multiple countries. If you’re staying in hotels, check if they have hairdryers. Or of travelling in a group, maybe one of you packs the hairdryer, and someone else the straighteners.
6. Pack, Then Edit
The 50% Rule: After packing your items, lay everything out and cut it in half. It might sound drastic, but it’s a great way to force yourself to prioritise the essentials and leave unnecessary items behind.
Look for double-ups: Have you got items that are kind of similar and won’t give you much variety?
My liquids bag - although I now carry toothpaste tablets.
The Power of Carry-on
When I went on my first month-long solo trip with only a 5.5 kg (around 12 lbs) carry-on—no checked bags, no excess baggage, just the essentials - it was liberating! Not only did I avoid luggage fees, but I could travel with ease, hop on trains without the worry of lugging heavy bags, and never once stressed about lost luggage. If you’re keen to hear more about this trip – I wrote a travel memoir – check it out here!
Travelling light means embracing the idea that less is more. And trust me, when you pack only what you truly need, you’ll find that you can do more, experience more, and feel more at ease.
A souvenir scarf in Central Park, NYC.
Mindset Shift: Trust Yourself
The biggest barrier to packing light isn’t actually the physical act of packing—it’s the mindset. Trust that you’ll manage with less. You don’t need to pack “just in case” items for every possible scenario. Most places have shops, and you can always buy what you need along the way.
And something I am constantly saying – because I worried about it myself – no one is looking at whether you’ve worn an outfit previously, Seriously, they’re buzzing too much over the tiny Mediterranean village they’ve just driven into, or totally lost in the menu, or loving the feel of sand between their toes to even give someone else’s wardrobe another thought.
The real magic comes from the freedom of travelling with less weight—both in your bag and on your mind.
When your layers work...AKA wearing everything!! Southern Icefield, Chile.
Some Final Thoughts on Travelling Light
Travelling light is a powerful way to simplify your life and make the most of your adventures. By packing only what you need—and nothing more—you open up the door to stress-free, flexible travel. And the best part? The more you practise packing light, the easier it becomes.
So, next time you're preparing for a trip, try embracing the freedom of packing light. Keep it simple, focus on the essentials, and you’ll find that your travels will feel more freeing, exciting, and full of possibility.
Happy, light travels,
Katherine
P.S. For more in-depth blogs on packing light here's a few quick links... packing toiletries, packing shoes, & packing stylishly.
