How to Reduce Luggage Weight?

If you are an experienced traveler, you know how crucial it is to travel light. Airlines have implemented stringent luggage restrictions, and often, you must pay even for one checked bag. If you have excess weight or an extra suitcase, it means incurring hefty charges for your luggage. Lighter bags not only save money but also make it easier to get around, save you a lot of backaches, and leave the contents of your bags more organized.

However, it is not easy to pack light and give up on things you ‘feel’ you might need on your trip. Most of us are prone to over-packing and would over-stuff our bags in an attempt to pack the right outfits for every foreseeable occasion. However, a crammed suitcase can be confusing and extremely frustrating, so it’s essential to be practical when packing. Do not give in to the temptation to fill your bags with unnecessary items, even if it means leaving behind your favorite outfits. Packing is never easy, but let us list down a few packing hacks to reduce your luggage weight and make your bags more manageable in every possible way.

Choose the Right Bag

Before you start your packing, please check the weight of your bags. Sometimes, it is not the content but the bag that is the main culprit. Discard your old, heavy bags and invest in sturdy, durable, and lightweight bags made of durable yet lightweight materials like polycarbonate or nylon. Nowadays, bags often come with features such as compression straps, expandable sides, heavy-duty zippers, extra compartments, and 360-degree wheels, and are still considerably lighter than traditional suitcases. Since every pound counts, a light bag will give you more space to pack your things, besides being easier to wheel around everywhere. Make sure that your carry-on baggage complies with the airline baggage specifications so that you don’t end up paying extra during check-in. Whatever your preference may be – a light duffel bag or a lightweight suitcase – ensure that it does not add unnecessary bulk to your luggage.

Pack only the Necessary Toiletries.

Heavy makeup products and toiletries can significantly add to the weight of your suitcase, so be mindful of their inclusion. You can always use the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer provided by the hotel, or purchase what you need upon arrival at your destination. If you are particular about the products you use, consider finding sample-size mini-versions of your favorite toiletries, sunscreens, and beauty/skin care products. Another option is packing your products into small travel-size plastic bottles that can hold up to 3.4 ounces. Please keep them in a handy pouch in your hand baggage. This way it would be easily accessible, much safer, and leave precious space in your checked-in luggage. Pack the large pouches and boxes with medicines, wipes, cotton swabs, clips, and other essentials into smaller zipped pouches.

Pack around one Neutral Color.

Choose one basic color palette, such as black, grey, navy blue, or khaki, and pack clothes that coordinate with that color. Stick to a color scheme and take outfits that can be mixed, matched, and layered with each other. Tops, bottoms, accessories, and shoes must be versatile and well-coordinated in color. If you like to wear colorful and patterned clothes, make sure that they complement the neutral shade. Packing separate outfits for every occasion will definitely end in over-packing. So, pick clothes that go with at least 2-3 other items in your bag. Use eye-catching scarves, belts, jewelry, and other accessories to add a pop of color and a touch of zing to your attire. If you do it well, you can easily create a different look for every day of your vacation.

Choose Lightweight Clothes

Try to avoid items that are bulky, such as jeans, leather coats, long jackets, and knee-length boots. Opt for khakis, down feather jackets, thermals, light sweaters, and clogs—they are lightweight and will help keep your luggage within weight restrictions. Instead of heavy coats and jackets, carry light clothing that can be layered according to the weather conditions. If you must carry weighty stuff like a coat and boots, the best option is to wear them on the plane. It can be awkward and cramped, especially when traveling between two different climates. However, such items take up lots of space in your suitcases and make them very heavy. So, wearing them is the best option, and if you get uncomfortable, you can always remove the extra layers. The big pockets of coats can come in handy for stuffing portable chargers, food items, heavy jewelry, and even small books.

Pack limited Footwear & Accessories.

Footwear can occupy a significant amount of space in your luggage and add weight to the bag. Pack lightweight and comfortable shoes, and try to limit the number of shoes you carry. If you are traveling to a warm destination, one pair of flip-flops, one pair of dressy footwear, and one pair of comfortable walking shoes should suffice. If the weather demands heavy boots/shoes, the best option is to wear them on flights. You can put socks, chargers, and jewelry inside your boots to keep their shape in the cramped bags. Always place shoes at the bottom of your bag near the wheels, so that the weight is evenly distributed. Minimize other heavy items like belts, jewelry, or handbags.

Pack According to the Itinerary

Finalize your travel plans and pack your clothes accordingly. Check the weather at every place that is on your itinerary. Create a list of all planned activities, including places to visit, events/formal dinners to attend. This will give you a clear picture of the type of clothing required during your trip. Decide if you need Gym clothes, a swimsuit, a formal jacket, a long dress, or running shoes. If you pack your bags keeping your travel itinerary in mind, it will benefit you in two ways – you will not forget essential items, and you will not pack any extras. Don’t keep adding things to your bags “just in case”.

Plan to do Laundry

Pack some laundry soap and wash a few clothes in the hotel sink. Fast-drying clothes and UGs can be easily cleaned and dried in the hotel room. Some hotels and Airbnb listings offer laundry facilities, allowing you to do your laundry on-site. Most cities have laundrettes where you can use machines to wash and dry all your clothes for a nominal charge. They prove to be very useful, especially if you plan to travel for an extended period. If you want to reduce the weight of your luggage, why not wash a few essential items of clothing for shorter trips as well?

Go Digital

Books are man’s best friend, but they can be cumbersome when you are traveling. The best alternative is to download your reading material, travel guides, apps, etc., on a computer or tablet. You may need printed copies of some documents; the rest of the travel documents can be stored on your gadgets. Email yourself all the essential documents, so that you can easily access them from anywhere. Try to restrict yourself to one gadget – either a laptop or tablet. Use a smartphone for multiple purposes (camera, GPS, entertainment). If you are confident in the charging facilities, leave extra power banks behind. Multiple gadgets not only increase the load but are a hassle during long security lines at the airport.

Check with the Hotel

You can call the hotel or check the hotel’s website to find out the amenities provided by the hotel. Most decent hotels offer a hairdryer, an iron, an umbrella, beach towels, and similar stuff. These items are heavy and best avoided.

By carefully preparing and prioritizing what you truly need, you can significantly decrease your suitcase weight and enjoy stress-free travel! If you have a tip that will help reduce luggage weight, I would love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below.