3 Packing Mistakes You're Probably Making

From how you fold your clothes to what you tuck into your carry-on, small packing choices can make or break your trip. A few simple adjustments can save you time, space, and unnecessary stress at the airport.

The prospect of a trip somewhere out of town, whether it's to visit family or go on vacation, is always exciting. But it can quickly turn frustrating when it's time to pack, especially for a longer trip.

A man sitting in his bedroom, preparing for a trip | Source: Getty Images

It's usually within this frustration that a lot of travelers make the most common packing mistakes — but it doesn't have to be that way. It comes down to knowing what security agents are looking for, how to stay comfortable on long flights, and which types of luggage to rely on.

If you want to sidestep packing pitfalls at the airport this holiday season, here are a few packing don'ts and dos to keep in mind.

A woman writing a list of accessories and travel stuff before going on summer holiday | Source: Getty Images

1. Overpacking

In most cases, people overpack because they're planning for every possible scenario instead of what they'll realistically wear or use. That extra weight might go unnoticed at home, but it becomes obvious fast once you're weaving through crowded airports or climbing flights of stairs.

To avoid overpacking, this is what EF Tours recommends:

• Choose pieces you can wear more than once
• Pack clothes that mix and match easily
• If you can, skip the separate outfit for every occasion
• Limit yourself to two or three pairs of shoes: one comfortable pair for walking, one nicer option, and possibly sandals depending on the weather

A woman packing for a trip | Source: Getty Images

2. Folding your clothes

Experienced travelers often steer away from folding clothes altogether — though that doesn't mean stuffing your suitcase carelessly, either. A better approach is the rolling method.

"Properly rolling your clothing is essential to getting the most out of your luggage space," Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer, told HuffPost. "Do this when initially packing your suitcase as well as when you put dirty clothes in your laundry bag.

"I find that rolling my clothes also means fewer wrinkles than when folding them. Finally, I recommend using rubber bands to keep your rolled clothes tight and secure."

A woman organizing rolled clothes into an orange suitcase | Source: Getty Images

3. Not expecting the unexpected

Travel rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Bags go missing, flights get rearranged, and travelers sometimes land without the things they were counting on.

That's precisely why a few key items belong in your carry-on: a spare shirt, extra socks and underwear, any necessary medication, and basic toiletries like a toothbrush and toothpaste.

A man walks down a hotel corridor with luggage | Source: Getty Images

Packing doesn't have to be a source of stress before every trip.

By packing light, choosing smart methods like rolling instead of folding, and preparing for a few curveballs along the way, travelers can spend less time worrying about their luggage and more time enjoying the journey ahead.