Before I saw the light and started preaching the benefits of minimalist packing, I used to be something of an overpacker. I’d pack a huge suitcase with multiple sets of clothing I won’t even wear, extra shoes that I’ll take back home untouched, and items I usually packed ‘just in case’. 

Becoming a light packer takes some getting used to. Start with these items that you probably don't need. 

Note: I know some of these will be controversial. But I’m generalizing here. Depending on your circumstances, some of these are absolute essentials. It’s up to you what to pack and what to leave behind. 

1. More than 1 Pair of Shoes

One pair of shoes (which you’ll have on when traveling) and one pair of indoor sandals — that’s all you need on most trips. Shoes are bulky and take up a lot of space, not to mention adding weight to your luggage. 

We recommend finding a versatile and comfortable pair that you can wear throughout your trip plus  a pair of indoor sandals that can double up as beach or pool sandals if necessary.  

2. Jewelry 

One of the biggest packing mistakes a lot of people make is thinking they’ll have a chance to dress up for dinner or something fancy. So they pack their valuable jewelry and some fancy clothes.  But you get there and find your comfy pair of jeans or top is perfectly fine for any occasion. 

One or two pieces of jewelry is probably enough for your trip. Carrying less jewelry also reduces the risk of it getting stolen. 

3. A Smart/Fancy Outfit

Also leave your tux or that dinner dress at home, unless a formal dinner or event is a major part of your itinerary. But if you are just planning to scout a particular restaurant, just wear your regular clothes. 

Instead of an extra outfit that will take up space, and which you’ll likely not use, pack something like a jacket or sweater that goes well with a pair of jeans and make you appear a bit more formal. 

4. Too Many Toiletries 

Because you are carrying toiletries in small travel-sized bottles, it is easy to overpack and carry way too many of them. You don't need to carry your entire bathroom with you when you travel. 

First, check which toiletries will be provided where you’ll be staying. You typically don't need to pack your own toothpaste, shower gel, hair dryer and shampoo. Most hotels have them. 

Next, leave behind any ‘luxury’ toiletries that you really don't need. You could probably leave some of your makeup at home, you can go a couple of days without nail clippers, and maybe leave the Q tips too. Instead, pack what you often use daily like moisturizer, lotion, hand sanitizer, shaving cream and face wash. 

Aso consider which toiletries you can buy at your destination.

5. Your Laptop 

Unless you are strictly going on a work trip, consider leaving your laptop behind. It adds weight and bulk to your luggage and is a target for thieves. 

If you want to watch movies on a screen larger than your phone’s, pack a tablet. Even if you need to do some work during your trip, you can make do without a laptop. You can use a tablet along with a portable keyboard or get one of those lightweight convertible laptops. 

6. An Outfit for Each Day

A rookie mistake many travelers do when packing is picking an outfit for each day. Even if you are just going away for three days, that’s a lot of clothes. 

Instead, pack items like jeans that you can wear several times and match them with a t-shirt or top for each day. You can then have a single jacket or coat if you need to dress up or when it gets a bit chilly. 

If you want to save even more space, pack our HercShirt 3.0 self-cleaning t-shirt. You only need one since it doesn't easily get stinky even with multiple wears.   

7. Pajamas

Leave the pajamas behind and sleep in a t-shirt and underwear, or in the nude. 

8. Camera 

We’ve read about this one a lot from actual photography enthusiasts. They used to be all excited about packing their camera for every trip, but soon realized it’s not worth it. Smartphones these days take pretty good pictures and they don't add to your luggage at all. 

The exception is if you are going specifically for a photography-themed trip. Otherwise, leave the camera, and probably the drone too. 

9. A Book 

I know there are people who actually read when traveling. But most of us lag around a book only to go back home without having read a single page. Any idle time is spent browsing on the phone. 

If you don't read often, you probably won’t start reading on your trip. Even if you like reading, you may not get time to read. Instead of a physical book, consider reading an eBook on your tablet or Kindle.