The Habit of Overpacking Bags (And Why It Happens)

There are two kinds of people when it comes to traveling. There are those that can pack a small suitcase within ten minutes without much hassle, while others end up sitting atop their overly stuffed luggage bags around two in the morning, wondering why they have to bring four different pairs of shoes to a holiday lasting only three days. Whatever it is we decide to vow to bring, only what we really need, we always seem to drag along half of our wardrobe with us due to the overwhelming act of overpacking being more of a tradition on most trips.

It is ironic that over-packing always stems from good intentions. It is not like people pack more clothes to make themselves suffer carrying their big suitcases through crowded airports. No, people pack out of necessity so that they will be prepared. How will they prepare themselves for unexpected weather changes? What about formal dinners? Or what will happen in case they get wet feet? One just-in-case situation turns into ten, and then all of a sudden your luggage looks like it contains everything for six months' worth of living.

This plays an important role in it. Bringing additional stuff gives the feeling of control of the chaos that occurs during travels—delayed flights, weather, loss of chargers, unexpected plans, and so on. Security is created by having enough in the suitcase. Although most of these events probably will not happen, it is always comforting to know that we are ready for any eventuality. We end up bringing a winter coat to a tropical destination or bringing five dresses "just in case" we don't like the first four. This "maybe I will need it" mindset has a strong effect.

The same applies to social media. People are convinced by online travel information that it is necessary to wear a new dress for each and every activity that takes place during their trip—an airport look, a beach outfit, a good look for dinner, a hiking look, or even a swimming pool look. The result? More often than not, half the luggage space is filled with suitcases of clothing that is rarely or never worn.

Next is the emotional side of packing. People tend to pack things that symbolize them instead of the necessities. You not only pack for a holiday but also for an ideal holiday that would come true. Maybe this is the holiday where you will exercise yourself every day, so you pack your sports attire. Maybe you become one of those tourists who keep a pen in the café. At times, overpacking tends to revolve around what may happen rather than what needs to happen.

It is ironic that people who tend to pack too many things often end up doing what they wanted to escape from in the first place. The luggage is heavy to pack, tiresome to carry, and irritating to unpack while moving. You get lost searching for that one thing that is lost among so many clothes that you have never even worn. Apart from the struggle of finding things, it becomes necessary to wear the heaviest attire during the check-in process at airports to save on luggage charges.

The travel industry has also, without question, responded to this trend in a subtle way. Bags for packing have so many pockets, extended zippered compartments, and compartments that encourage packing every last bit of space. People will likely add to their luggage if they do. It's simply human nature.

Nevertheless, veteran travelers quickly realize that traveling becomes easier with fewer belongings. Stress is reduced, speed is increased, moving around airports becomes smoother, and packing unnecessary items takes less time. Most travelers will utilize a small amount of what people bring with them.

In reality, overpacking isn't so much about clothing as it is about comfort, safety, and fear of not having enough. But most travel stories aren't made up of the things inside the luggage; they happen outside it. And, to be perfectly honest, one of those stories shouldn't involve lugging around a bulky, overloaded baggage bag.