Hey Reader,

Do you find that you manage to pack carry-on only...

But the bag is still too heavy and uncomfortable to travel with?

You're not alone. I've had hundreds of women tell me this same exact thing. Or something like:

"I pack lighter than everyone I know, but I still struggle with my luggage."

If that's you, it might be helpful to try out the following 10 things.

If you can tick off this list, you'll most likely end up with a lighter - less stressful - bag!

1 - Choose a smaller carry-on.

Yes, it's the simplest option, and it's the one that will get you the results you seek easiest. If you can't downsize your carry-on yet, try ditching your personal item and going one-bag-only.

2 - Get a lighter carry-on bag.

Not all carry-ons are created equally. You definitely want to check the weight of your suitcase or backpack empty. I've seen some carry-on suitcases weigh up to 10 lbs - EMPTY.

That's just insanity. You haven't even added your belongings yet and you still have a 10 lb bowling ball to lug around the world.

3 - Assess everything in your bag.

Decide if each item is truly necessary or if you're packing it out of habit. When was the last time you took the time to do this?

I'm guessing you've been packing a lot of items on autopilot. Stop and get curious again about even those tiny details.

4 - Ditch the what-if items.

Easier said than done, I know. I shared in a recent IG Live interview with the Brunettes with Baggage that these what-if items tend to be the things that go unused when we travel.

Read more about overcoming the what-if mindset.

5 - Ditch the items packed for an imaginary version of yourself.

Stay true to yourself and you'll end up with fewer unused items in your bag when you return home. I'm talking about the hopeful workout gear (when you struggle with hitting the gym at home) or the fancy dress/heels (when you're a casual gal in your normal life).

I talk a bit about this is in Episode I of the ABCs of Packing Light.

6 - Repackage your toiletries.

I will say it until I'm blue in the face: Most travel sized toiletries are too big for your trip. Learn how you can get creative with your minimizing here.

7 - Discover the things you could change in your routine.

Identify the things in your routine you could adjust just for travel life that would make packing easier.

8 - Find less bulky and heavy versions of your packing list items.

Get ruthless. Just because you love an item in your normal life doesn't mean it's the best item to take on your trip!

9 - Pack in layers.

It helps you to create more outfit variations with fewer items. Hello packing lighter with ease.

10 - Think twice about all those extra shoes!

Stick to 2 or 3 pairs for most trips. Comfort is everything.

If you are able to tick off the items on this list - like REALLY tick them off - then you will have some lighter luggage.

That said...

If you want a true overhaul of your packing process and an entirely new packing perspective, consider joining my next 5-day packing masterclass, Baggage Freedom Express.

I've decided to run it again later this month before I take most of October off from work. Yay - mini sabbatical!

I'll be opening registration in about a week, so you don't want to miss out.

Happy packing,

Brooke

P.S. Want to see testimonials from Baggage Freedom Express students? Check out these Instagram posts here, here, here, and here.