One of the biggest challenges that a traveler can have is mastering the art of packing their luggage. It can seem like an inconsequential thing but it can be hard to find the balance between packing everything you need and want without overpacking.

Given the luggage weight limits of airlines, it’s difficult to balance everything out. You don’t want to go overboard with your luggage because can incur additional costs. Not to mention that it can be difficult to travel with heavy luggage.

Therefore, you should learn to master the art of packing light before you get used to bringing a lot of items with you during travel.

With that said, there are actually quite a few things that you can do that can help you avoid overpacking altogether. If you’re bound for a trip, then consider applying these seven easy steps that will help you avoid overpacking:

1. Start with a smaller bag

If you really want to be strict with how much you want to carry with you, then you need to limit yourself by bringing only a smaller bag than you usually would.

The luggage sets come with various sizes. It’s bound to come with a bag that can fit all of your essentials, adequately leaving no room for you to panic-pack anything.

Starting with a smaller bag when you’re packing is going to set a physical limit on how many items you get to bring with you. If you feel like you’re the type of person that doesn’t know how to limit one’s self, then getting a smaller bag for your luggage is the way to go.

2. Create a packing checklist

Instead of eyeballing whatever it is that you think you need for your travel, you should create a packing checklist beforehand that is filled with all of your essentials.

Not only will a checklist help you be stricter with the items you bring, but you will also help keep a track of the items that you already packed into your luggage.

The great thing about a packing checklist is you can set it as a digital template. That way, you can always consult it every time you have to travel and pack your things for the trip.

The key here, though, is that you should create a checklist way before you pack so that you don’t forget to write down any essentials.

3. Forget about “just in case” stuff

The reason why some people tend to overpack is that they are overthinking what they need to bring.

A lot of people find themselves bringing just-in-case items that ended up unused during the entire trip. These just-in-case items will only be a waste of luggage space.

One way to ensure that you have the peace of mind NOT to pack any just-in-case items is by doing your research. For example, if the weather shows that rain is unlikely, then you don’t need to pack an umbrella with you.

If push comes to shove, you can always buy an umbrella at your destination. You don’t have to bring anything with you.

4. Use travel-sized containers

Your toiletries can take up a lot of space in your luggage if you bring the bottles that you use at home.

Therefore, when packing your toiletries, make sure that you have travel-sized containers to repackage them into for the trip. Not only are these containers easier to pack but they also are reusable.

5. Mix and match your outfit

If you’re a fashion-conscious person, then overpacking is likely a sin that you are most acquainted with.

To help you reduce the number of luggage that you bring with you, you should instead try to mix and match your outfit pieces.

Stick to fashion staples in simple colors that you can play around with and will look good on you no matter what.

6. Avoid packing to full capacity

People think that they should fill their luggage to capacity because they could use the extra space to pack just-in-case items.

However, this isn’t the case at all. If you’ve packed all of your essentials, then you don’t need to keep going until your luggage is full.

Plus, that extra space is something that you can use for the souvenirs you might want to bring back home with you.

7. Avoid last-minute packing

Packing at the last minute is going to make you feel like you need more than you do for the trip. Plus, this panic will cause you to pack unnecessary items.

To avoid this, simply make sure that you’re packed and ready to go days before the trip.

Overpacking can be hard to avoid, even for people who have been traveling for a long time. If you want to ensure that you have portable luggage and that you don’t get anxious that it’ll be overweight, apply the tips listed above. That way, you reduce the chances of you overpacking for your next trip.