There’s a skill to packing a suitcase efficiently, effectively and with a nod to practicality. I haven’t yet perfected that skill. Oh, I try. I spend days mentally curating my wardrobe. I make packing lists. Chargers, sunglasses, hats, toiletries, pajamas, etc. Things that are easy to forget but absolutely essential. 

The stress of packing typically hits women harder than men. I start mentally packing well in advance before departing. I select my suitcase a few days before, haul it up from the basement storage area and leave it open on the floor of the closet or bathroom as I start assembling piles.

Wondering if others also find travel packing anxiety inducing, I invited friends and readers to share their anecdotes on the topic. One strategy that consistently popped up was the use of packing cubes. 

For those not familiar with the concept, they are small nylon zippered pouches that make packing more in smaller spaces possible. They are also useful for organizing clothing by categories.

Underwear, pajamas, loungewear and workout attire can go in one cube. Jeans, dress pants, and other “bottoms” go in another cube and dressy tops and sweaters also have their own. Casual tops and other apparel can go amongst the pre-assigned cubes.

“I used packing cubes on my last trip,” said Toni Lemmon “Before that I used Ziploc bags. It makes my suitcase organized but I still have an issue with overpacking.” You and me both, Toni.

Shoes are a dilemma in and of itself. Men (or at least my man) can pack a pair of athletic shoes, a casual loafer and maybe a pair of flip-flops and call it a day. We girls find limiting shoes more challenging. My friend Ann shared a recent packing anecdote: “I just took 5 pairs of shoes for a long weekend and wore every pair but one!”

Other readers weighed in on their clothing and footwear selection process.

“I’ve recently started laying things out on the bed in the spare room four to five days prior to traveling. It gets me excited for the trip and allows time for laundering and to see what works together. I lay out all shoes to go with various outfits and wear the heaviest bulky (tennis) shoes on the plane.” -Nancy Dankle

“I try to create outfits but still end up with more than I need. Now shoes that’s another story. I really try to stay with six pair. A black, a nude in both flats and a heel and gym shoes for walking.  I am no expert by any means, but I’m working on less is more.” – Maria Palmer

Women typically have to pack several types of apparel for specific occasions. Morning walk or workout, casual lunch or shopping, beach or pool time, dinners out. And I haven’t even touched on accessories or toiletries. “Most of the weight in my bag is skin care and hair products. It’s ridiculous. They weigh a lot.” laments Laura Finke.

When we took a family trip to Italy last Fall, I spent months preparing a wardrobe. I scoured websites for travel clothing that packed well. I made sure I had appropriate walking sandals (these were a lifesaver when I broke my toe on a boat to Capri – but that’s another story.) I coordinated outfits in advance. I packed, unpacked, rearranged, then repacked.

I had every device charger needed grouped together in a handy case. Packed extra pairs of readers and sunglasses – just in case. A scarf to wear to cover my shoulders at the Vatican. I limited myself to one medium sized suitcase as advised by the experienced travelers on the “Italy Travel Planning” Facebook page. 

While I was proud of my “mid-sized” suitcase, many travelers make do with a carry on – even for longer trips.

“I am an economical packer,” says my friend Amy. “I pack a pair of pants for every 2-3 days, maybe a top for each day and a dress or two depending on the weather. Packing cubes are so helpful. I usually use a carry-on and backpack.”

“Most of the time I use a carry-on for up to two weeks,” says her sister Carolyn, another seasoned traveler. So often, when you’re traveling abroad, the number of stairs you go up and down is so much harder with luggage, so I really try to only have a carry-on.” 

Then there are the “over-packers.” I feel most at home in this group.

“I am the worst about over-packing!! I always end up needing space in my husband’s suitcase.  My theory behind taking extra things is that if I don’t bring it, I’m going to want to buy it when I get there.  Hauling around a heavy suitcase is the price I pay for not needing to shop at my destination.  Of course, I usually end up shopping anyway!” – Lynette Dodds

“I always overpack yet still seem to NOT have something I want/need.” – Beverly Baker

“I plan ahead and then at the last minute I add a bunch of stuff that I don’t end up wearing.” -Sandy Pistole

“They weigh luggage, not your person. Layer on what you can! Not only does that work for clothing, but also jewelry. If you’re a person who is always on the brink of going over, please weigh as you pack. How many times have we seen people pulling things out in line?” – Nelena Neff. 

“I’m “Last-Minute Larry” – every single time, never fails. I pack like an insightful camper would pack…as if the world is ending and I’ll be stranded for at least a week. – Trevor May

Packing a wardrobe using color or other themes is another popular and efficient strategy.

“I try to stick with a theme of either black, white and gray and then throw in colorful T-shirts or scarves,” says Carolyn Ragsdale.

“I pick a blue or black theme; I also wear all the jewelry I’m wearing for the trip. Only need 3 pairs of shoes and a couple extra layers to mix it up. All need to fit in a carry on.” – Christine Bare-Kemper

“I match up my outfits for each day then throw in a few extra favorites just in case. I have to fold or roll for a perfect fit in my suitcase! Now to get my husband to not overpack and keep his suitcase under 50 pounds when we fly!” – Cindy Magsamen

“It’s easier to pack for vacation when you don’t know anyone. Two to three “night” outfits will do for a week. I used to remind my girls that it’s not a fashion show – no one knows you or cares. For a beach vacation you always think you need daytime clothes, but in reality, you live in your swimsuit and t-shirt.” – Dena Horberg

Jane Hays shares the perfect solution for travel day apparel. “I have a plane travel uniform that I wear every time: black lightweight Columbia pants with zipper pockets, black upscale T, city stylish denim jacket with silver buttons, black nylon crossbody bag. Shoes can vary depending on destination, from bright sneakers to boots to clogs or platforms. Same for jewelry. This outfit can go anywhere, doesn’t show dirt, is comfortable and always in style.”