6 Things You Should Never Pack In Your Suitcase
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It’s dorky to admit, but there’s something really fun about packing a suitcase. That’s because packing builds excitement for the trip in a very tangible way. For example, when you pack that little black dress, you can’t help but think about how many heads you’ll turn when everybody sees you slaying.
Once you arrive at your destination, though, the suitcase can be downright annoying. That’s because you’ve made the classic mistake of packing too much stuff. On paper, the solution is easy: pack fewer things for your next trip. But that leaves you with the eternal question of what is worth packing and what is worth leaving at home.
Those are tough calls to make, but you don’t have to make them on your own. Not on our watch! For your packing pleasure, we’re pleased to present the things you should never pack in your suitcase.
Umbrellas (no, really)
On paper, an umbrella is a very practical thing to pack for a trip. You never know what the weather is going to do, and nobody wants to be caught up in some nasty torrential downpour. But there are multiple reasons to skip the umbrella altogether, starting with the fact that it takes up way too much room in your suitcase.
Umbrellas don’t fit in many suitcases, and when they do fit, they take up space that could go to better things. What should you do if the forecast calls for rain, though? Simple: just grab a cheap umbrella when you need it. While you don’t want to go too cheap (signed, someone whose local umbrella wasn’t ready for Chicago to live up to its “Windy City” nickname), buying a budget umbrella also means that you won’t feel too bad tossing it or donating it when it’s time to head back home.
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Too many shoes
Shoes are like umbrellas, only worse. That’s because we tend to pack way too many shoes for every possible occasion. You might justify those killer heels for a night out on the town, those platform boots for a spontaneous date, those sneakers for some hotel exercise, and so on. Anything could happen on this trip, so you should pack for any occasion….right?
Wrong! In reality, you should only bring two pairs of shoes unless you have very specific plans requiring more. If you’re going to be hiking or maybe doing some cosplay (it’s not just us, right?), then by all means, bring all the footgear you need. If you’re not planning on much more than walking or shopping, though, more than two pairs is just overkill.
Too much clothing
You saw this one coming, right? While some people pack too many shoes, almost everybody packs too many clothes. And they do it for the same reason: namely, the idea that they might need the right fit for any possible activity. But if you pack with that kind of logic, it’s only a matter of time before you try to bring half your wardrobe with you on vacation.
As a general rule, you only need five pairs of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two shoes, and one hat. Veteran travelers call this the “5-4-3-2-1” rule, and it can save some serious space in your suitcase. And as with shoes, feel free to bring extra clothes for special occasions, like bikinis for the beach and suits for formal events. Otherwise, keep that suitcase nice and streamlined!
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All your hair tools
It’s an open secret that hair is just as important to women as clothing. A good hair day can completely transform your face and help you land a date with your dream man. And a bad hair day? Well, that can instantly ruin a first impression. Because of that, women (especially single women) often feel compelled to bring most of their hair care tools on any given trip.
However, you need to have a little faith in the hotel you are staying at. Most of them will have a hair dryer, and many will also provide hair spray and curling irons. Therefore, if you verify what will be there when you arrive, you can minimize the hair gear you bring. Once you know your hotel or host will or won’t provide, you can pack accordingly.
Anything you can buy upon arrival
We saved the simplest tip for last. What should you never bother packing in your suitcase? That’s easy: anything you can just buy once you get there (within reason, that is).
Remember when we suggested just buying an umbrella once you arrive at your destination? You can apply that logic to almost any travel-sized items, including toothbrush, paste, shaving cream, travel razors, etc. If you’re flying, this will reduce luggage weight, possibly saving you money. And even if you’re just driving, this tip reduces luggage space, and you can easily grab all these items when you pick up soda, water, or anything else you might want in the hotel.
And who knows? If you’re really lucky, these items may be even cheaper at your destination than in your hometown!