You know what I’ve noticed?
No matter how much God whittles down my needs, I am still an overpacker!
That’s right. You won’t find any judgment here!
When I was younger, I packed for every single situation—what I would wear to dinner, pieces for rainy days, and even cozy clothes in case I had a day when I needed to sleep in at the hotel.
It’s good to be prepared, right? We could even call it good stewardship (at least that’s how I saw it because I was prepared for emergencies).
But here’s the funny thing: the Lord has ingrained Jesus’s sermon, Do Not Worry, into me—not about our lives, not about what we will eat, and not about what we will wear. It truly does take the burden off you. Things become much simpler when you learn to trust that what’s in your closet is more than enough.
And yet, somehow, I still fill every bag to the brim!
How about that?
What kind of packer are you? Find your type and tips below!
Overpacker (Just in Case)
How do I know if I’m an overpacker?
You definitely know if you’re an overpacker! Here are a few signs:
- Your suitcase is always hard to close!
- You never seem to have enough space for the things you need.
- You pay extra luggage fees.
Tips
- Try downloading a staple packing list and don’t stray from it except for a few extras! Add you email above for Amour Abroad’s packing list.
- Purchase organizational accessories to maximize space in your suitcase!
- Try the 3/5/7 rule from Effortless Style Nashville: 3 versatile bottoms, 5 stylish tops, and 7 layering or accent pieces, including outerwear, accessories, and shoes.
Under Packer (Tend to be Forgetful)
How do I know if I’m an under packer?
- Your suitcase always feels a little too light.
- You always seem to be missing something you need!
- You have to buy things to replace what you meant to bring.
Tips
- Like our overpacking friends, under packers also need a list! Get one and be sure to bring each thing. Add your email above to have our packing list sent straight to your inbox!
- Pack in advance! Rushing makes us forgetful. Leave your suitcase open in your room at least two weeks before you board your flight. You won’t be able to help throwing in the things you use every day.
Bare Necessities (Expert Traveler)
How do I know if I’m a bare necessities packer?
Bare necessities packers walk through foreign streets with a badge on their chest! Nothing feels better than unzipping your suitcase and finding everything you need (or so I’ve heard).
- You always hit the perfect bag weight at the airport.
- You’re the person your friends borrow from on the trip!
- You have enough room for shopping, knick-knacks, and more.
Tips
- Food spills and other travel mishaps happen, but the stress of cleaning your clothes is totally avoidable. Pack pieces that dry quickly on a hanger!
- Bring a capsule wardrobe! Stick to the three-color rule for streamlined outfit combinations.
- Don’t forget your tablet/e-reader. Put your books and documents on a tablet or other device to save space.
We’ll Get It When We’re There (Embodying Do Not Worry to the Fullest)
How do I know if I’m a “We’ll Get It When We’re There” packer?
Jesus is clapping for you! These packers are completely unbothered.
- Your packing experience is always stress-free.
- You always come home with cute clothes and other necessities from your travels.
- Your luggage is light and easy to manage!
Tips
- Set a budget aside for the things you know you’re going to buy when you reach your destination.
- Buy items at home if they’ll be significantly cheaper than purchasing them abroad!
- Pack pieces that serve more than one purpose—like a pair of shoes that work rain or shine.
Do you have any extra tips? Share them in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
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