The 23kg Lie: Why You're Packing Double What You Actually Need
Travelling with just hand luggage saves 45-60 minutes per trip. Here's how to pack like you're not moving house.
TRAVELTIME
Time Saved: ★★★☆☆ | Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
Let me guess your packing process. You start with good intentions, then somehow end up sitting on your suitcase trying to zip it shut, having packed "just in case" outfits for weather patterns that don't exist at your destination.
Meanwhile, that person breezing past you at baggage claim with just a backpack? They're already at the hotel bar.
The Time You're Actually Wasting
Every checked bag costs you:
20 minutes at check-in
20-40 minutes at baggage claim
10 minutes of tetris-playing at security
Countless minutes dragging it around
That's nearly an hour per journey. For a week's holiday, you've just lost two hours of actual holiday time to luggage admin.
The Great Overpacking Delusion
Here's what we tell ourselves:
"I might need five pairs of shoes"
"What if there's a formal dinner AND a beach party AND hiking?"
"Better pack my entire bathroom cabinet"
"I'll definitely exercise, better bring workout gear"
Here's what actually happens:
You wear the same three outfits
You buy toiletries there anyway
The hotel has everything
Those running shoes never leave the suitcase
The Hand Luggage Reality Check
A standard carry-on (55x40x20cm) holds:
5-7 days of clothes easily
10 days if you're not precious
2 weeks if you accept doing laundry exists
"But what about liquids?" Get to your destination. Buy shampoo. Revolutionary, I know.
What You Actually Need (Be Honest)
Always pack:
2-3 bottoms (mix and match)
4-5 tops (see above)
Week's worth of underwear
One pair comfortable shoes, one pair nicer shoes
Minimal toiletries (solids are your friend)
Electronics and chargers
Medications
Try not to pack:
"Just in case" outfits
Full-size toiletries
Multiple books
Your entire makeup collection
Beach towels (hotels/beaches rent them)
Hair dryer (many hotels have them)
The Destination Shopping Strategy
Forgot something? Good news - they have shops abroad. Mind-blowing, right?
Need sunscreen in Spain? Their shops sell it.
Forgot a phone charger? Available literally everywhere.
Decide you need a jumper? Buy one there, have a souvenir.
This isn't poor planning. It's smart packing.
When Packing Light Doesn't Work
Let's be realistic. Sometimes you need the big suitcase:
Ski trips (bulky gear)
Weddings (formal wear)
Moving abroad (obviously)
Photography trips (equipment)
Family trips with babies (so much stuff)
But for a week in Barcelona? Stop kidding yourself.
The Business Travel Cheat Code
Frequent business travellers know:
Navy and grey everything (mixes and matches)
One spare shirt per two days
Hotel laundry services exist
Wearing the bulky items (jacket, boots)
Rolling > folding
They do 5-day trips with a backpack. Because they've learned.
The Security Line Bonus
Hand luggage only means:
Straight to security (no check-in queues)
Shoes off, laptop out, done
No anxiety about lost luggage
First off the plane advantage
That person tutting behind you with three trays at security? That used to be you.
The Packing Light Mindset Shift
Stop thinking "what might I need?" Start thinking "what can't I live without?"
Nobody's ever had a terrible holiday because they only brought four t-shirts instead of eight. But plenty have wasted hours dealing with excess baggage.
Common Light Packing Mistakes
Too many shoes: Wear your bulkiest, pack one pair. That's it.
Liquid obsession: Solid shampoo, deodorant, even toothpaste exists.
Book weight: One book or e-reader. Not your entire reading list.
Outfit planning: You'll wear the same comfortable clothes repeatedly. Accept it.
Tech overload: Phone and charger. Maybe tablet. Laptop only if essential.
The Laundry Solution Nobody Talks About
Here's the secret: washing clothes abroad isn't illegal.
Hotel sinks and travel wash work fine
Launderettes exist worldwide
Many accommodations have washing machines
Quick-dry fabrics change everything
Two hours at a launderette vs. two hours at baggage claim. You choose.
The Money Saved (Since We're Counting)
Budget airline checked bag: £20-60 each way
Overweight fees: £40-100
Lost luggage replacement: £££
Time value: Priceless
Annual savings for regular travellers: £200-500 easily
Making the Switch
Start small:
Next overnight trip: hand luggage only
Weekend break: just a backpack
Week-long trip: carry-on challenge
Build confidence with each success
Once you've done one trip with just hand luggage, you'll wonder why you ever checked bags for short trips.
The Psychology Win
There's something liberating about travelling light. No luggage anxiety. No waiting around. No hauling heavy bags up hotel stairs. Just you and exactly what you need.
You move faster, stress less, and spend more time enjoying your destination instead of managing your stuff.
Ready to Ditch the Big Suitcase?
This week, try packing for your next trip in hand luggage only. Lay everything out, then remove half. You still have too much.
Time saved at airports. Money saved on baggage fees. Stress saved from luggage worry. All from packing less stuff you weren't going to use anyway.
Travel light. Travel better. Actually enjoy getting from A to B for once.
Need help getting started? Here are some game-changing travel accessories:
