We All Do it But Avoid Over-Packing – It’s a Real Pain

If you have to stand on your luggage to close it, you might have a problem.  Suitcases and backpacks don’t need to be filled to overcapacity or even to full capacity.  There are some things you need to remember before you start to pack.  The first is that dirty laundry always takes up more space than clean.

You will be buying things on your trip and repacking your bag. Hopefully, you won’t need a degree in puzzle-solving to get everything in where it belongs.  On any trip, leave your bag half full and this way you will have space to add anything that you would like.

Unless you are going somewhere untouched by mankind, stay away from the most tempting of all gadgets, the survival tool.  They are there to tempt you and make you doubt yourself. If there are people where you are heading, they already have everything necessary for survival.

Take a small, practical first aid kit for small scrapes and cuts, and if you are hiking around, include an emergency blanket.Other than that you should be able to find what you need at your destination.

Thoroughly research your destination. First of all, it will put your mind at ease and, second, you will find out what specific materials you may need.  You can also find out what amenities there are and the types of shops you will encounter.

Check to see if there is a laundrette of some kind, and if there is, you can pack less clothing.  Find out what the predicted weather will be, so you take the right clothing and footwear.  Don’t pack an umbrella when a raincoat works just as well and takes up less space.

If you’re going somewhere where the temperature plummets at night, look into merino and alpaca clothing – it’s warm but light.  Think layers rather than bulky items.

Now that you have packed less, you have more space for those treasures you’ll see.  Most of the fun in a new place is shopping; looking at new things, finding out how they were made, and helping the local economy.

If you are positive that you need an item and it won’t be available at your destination, pack a few of them rather than a lot in case you find an alternative there after all.

Don’t leave your packing to the last minute.  Pack your bag a couple of times to make sure you have everything you need.  When packing and repacking you may find some items you don’t need and can leave behind.  Once you are happy, zip the bag up and walk away.

You might want to unpack everything you want to take across the bed, just so you’re not grabbing from drawers and sneaking in extra things.  Pack the night before – it makes for a sounder, more restful sleep.