five tips to overpack like a boss
how to pack all your sh-t
Over-packing is my super power and I full-stop embrace it. I know there are times that traveling with just a carryon makes sense, but this summer I’m going to BRING IT (all or a lot of it).
I love bringing 49.9 pounds of my stuff on trips. So literally when the husbo says to me, “don’t overpack.” I literally want to punch him in the neck. First of all, his wardrobe, which I would assume is similar to most of his sis gender male married counterparts, consists of 3 looks. Golfer, Baseball Dad, and Casual Husbo on Date Night. And dude, don’t for one second ask me if “I have room for ________” after you just told me to not over-pack. He would also rather do laundry on vacation if available than over-pack, it’s weird.
On a recent girl’s trip to Mexico*, I was asked by the husbo if I was traveling with “just a carryon” since I would be “just taking bathing suits.” The look on my face was are you freaking kidding me with that idiotic question. But he didn’t notice and continued with, “You don’t want to be the only one holding everyone up at baggage claim.” I was like, KB has a bag JUST FOR HER HATS. So yeah, I won’t be the only one checking bags. I’m looking at you KB with your fancy hat bag (of which I am envious). I also know my friends and there is no way I’d be the “only one” checking bags. Look no further than my Instagram and tell me if my pictures from Mexico look like any of us traveled with “just a carryon.”
There are times that traveling with “just a carryon” makes complete sense. I can see the beauty in a capsule wardrobe and traveling light but there are just those times that I want and need to bring all. the. things. I mean not all the things…but let’s just say most of the options. I guess the question to ask yourself is do I want to have all my things or can I get away with just a few things and be able to buzz right past baggage claim? If one person in your party is checking, then you may as well bring the big bag. For me, traveling light only really happens on weekend trips and when I go home to see my super casual family.
As I begin to pack for our upcoming summer trip to Park City, Utah (<— Read about my faves), I have some packing tips for your inner bougie maximalist. If you’re more of a minimalist traveler, then I raise my glass and tip my checked hat to you but know that these tips will help you too! And as a chronic over-packer will admit, you never want to go over the weight limit as the fees can be outrageous!
DO Pack Multiples but not Duplicates.
Think many tops, fewer bottoms but not duplicate outfits.
The exception is workout wear. Plan on doing fun activities that count as workouts while traveling, whether it’s on an app or outside. You will feel better and your body will adjust to time zone changes faster. Having a “Healthy Attitude” on vaca is a must. Don’t have room for your sneakers, wear them to the airport. It’s completely on-trend ;) Very model off duty. Plus if Gigi Hadid can do it so can you. Google search Gigi Hadid Airport Style to see what I mean.
Ask yourself the question, do I really need two sweatshirts or two pink sweaters when one would do the job?
DO stick to one Color Story
Color stories is a direct throwback to my years spent in the fashion industry. For short trips, pick one so that you know that everything you are taking will coordinate to make multiple outfits or “lewks.” For example, pick one color pop like Pink and then surround it with coordinating neutrals.
For example, that white tee shirt can be worn with cutoffs during the day, jeans at night, and paired under a jacket for a more put-together evening look.
DO pack lots of accessories - think scarves and jewelry that don’t take much room, which will give new life to neutrals
DO pack an extra lightweight packable bag so that if for some reason you do go over the weight limit you can quickly repack some of the bulkier items and either carry the smaller bag on or check a second bag. Checking a second bag is usually cheaper than checking one overweight bag on most airlines. I sometimes sneak some heavier items into my kid’s suitcases.
DON’T bring full-size beauty products (they are very weighty, especially if glass). Did you see that Beautycounter launched a TSA Approved Countertime Travel Set & Pouch? First, the pouch is adorable. Second, you now can take your clean routine and leave the retinol behind (for good) in a lightweight refillable travel set. Check and check. No pun intended.
Bonus tip: Unless you are like me and like to play the game of how close can you can get to 50 pounds without going over, I also recommend weighing your bags before you leave on a bathroom scale. No one needs that extra stress.
A “real” blogger would have done some flat lays to illustrate the Multiples but Not Duplicates & Color Story concepts but let’s face it, the over-packer in me is too busy packing, repacking, and unpacking to get that done…so let me know if that’s something you’d like to see and I will add it! Do you have any tips to share? The over-packing club needs all the help we can get!
No matter where you are headed, no matter what you pack, give yourself the opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the trip!
Safe Travels, friendies!
Allyson
*Note: We are admittedly a little out of practice with international travel. You will be holding NO one up with checked bags in Punta Mita (and most likely any international destination) as the lines to get through customs are bah-nanas. My bags were waiting for me.