In her 1979 collection of essays, The White Album, Joan Didion shared her essential packing list. It is an exercise in minimalism and restraint (though, not too much restraint as she did include bourbon and cigarettes): two skirts, two jerseys, one pullover sweater, two pairs of shoes, a pair of stockings, one bra, one nightgown, a robe, and slippers, revealing the renowned late author to be a true carry-on-only traveler. (Her downfall would have been the typewriter she insisted on carrying, but we’ll write that off as magical thinking.)
Minimalism isn’t a packing philosophy I have personally ever practiced. I’ve been a chronic overpacker for years—in an attempt to be prepared for any situation, my strategy is generally to bring as much with me as possible. If you, like me, will never pack as lightly as Didion did, there are some smart travel accessories to indulge excessive packing habits and avoid exceeding airline weight limits. After all, no one wants to get hit with overweight baggage fees, or end a long travel day with a sore shoulder.
Jump to:
Choose expandable luggage
First things first, carefully choose a spacious suitcase with an expandable zipper that has a few extra inches to offer. (If it were up to me, it would still be acceptable to lug around trunks from the Titanic era, but for now we will have to settle for unbreakable polycarbonate shells on wheels.) For a shorter trip, the Monos Expandable Carry-On Pro is the way to go. This carry-on is dent-resistant, durable, and chronic overpacker-approved. The handle is sturdy, the wheels quiet, and it fits easily in any overhead compartment. With a capacity of 46 liters, you can easily fit five days worth of clothing in here. Even better, the Pro features an exterior compartment that keeps a 16” laptop secure.
For a longer trip, go for Monos’s Expandable Check-In Medium. The medium-size checked bag offers you a whopping 70 liters of packing space—which is plenty of room for a week-long trip. Plus, because it isn’t an overly large suitcase, you have a better shot of not hitting the checked bag weight limit even when it’s full. If you need to pack a few last-minute items, simply unzip the wraparound zipper to expand the suitcase and unlock a few extra inches of room.
Compression is key
Now that you have the right suitcase, it’s important to organize your items inside. Clothing is often the main hindrance for overpackers like myself—which is where vacuum-sealed compression bags come into play. Pack your clothes into these travel vacuum storage bags and then use the included USB vacuum pump through the valve to remove excess air. This turns your bulky bags of clothing into flat, stackable components. If you still want the space-saving benefits of vacuum-sealed bags without all the fuss, compression packing cubes are a simple alternative.
Cut down on bulky hair tools and toiletries
While compression bags save space, having fewer bulky tools will also help you. For me, hair tools like straighteners, curlers, and brushes are my biggest packing burden. Instead of packing multiple hair appliances, I bring this mini multi-styler hair straightener brush and curling iron that does the job of several styling tools in one.
Beauty products are another challenge: With every year I age, I seem to add at least one new age-defying elixir to my routine and thus, my Dopp kit. To prevent accidental leaks and cut down on single-use plastic, try Cadence capsules (a favorite of Traveler editors for years). The TSA-approved capsules are completely leakproof, easy to clean, and look incredibly chic on any hotel bathroom counter. The fully customizable capsules, which come in sizes small (.56 ounces), medium (1.32 ounces), and large (2.75 ounces), are ideal for everything from pills and vitamins to skincare serums, shampoo and conditioner, lotions, and more. I used them recently on a trip to California and they were a game-changer.
Though razors and toothbrushes don’t seem like major space contenders, I find they always take up more room than I expect. Most full-size toothbrushes are an awkward size for a small toiletry bag, so the strategy here is to go for a mini or foldable option. The same goes for razors: Keep it compact with these mini razors and electric portable shavers. And instead of packing mini perfume bottles, go for easy-to-pack solid perfume or cologne balms.
Weigh your luggage ahead of time
Before you head to the airport, weigh your suitcase with a lightweight luggage scale. Remember: On most airlines, if your suitcase weighs over 50 pounds, it can cost you $100 or more in baggage fees. A luggage scale is a simple, foolproof way to ensure your luggage stays within the required limits.
Organize with the right bags
For your personal item, choose bags that keep your items organized and secure. The Naghedi Jetsetter bag is a great option as it fits a laptop, a change of clothes, and toiletries, while the Naghedi Portofino cosmetic pouch holds smaller essentials like lip balm and makeup remover. And no matter where I’m headed, I always bring a foldable reusable bag that can hold wet bathing suits or snacks on the go.
Downsize your tech
Downsize the tech chaos with the SuperDanny six-port USB charger that allows you to power up multiple devices at once. And when you aren’t near an outlet, a portable charger keeps your phone and smart watch ready to go wherever you are.