Packing expert who did 8 days in Sri Lanka with hand luggage only shares tips for chronic overpackers

Summer holiday season is officially here, which means airports across the UK are about to be flooded with travellers trying to squeeze their entire wardrobe into a suitcase.

For some people, packing light comes naturally. For others, the idea of going away for a week without multiple outfit changes per day feels impossible.

With airlines continuing to crack down on baggage allowances and charging eye-watering fees for oversized luggage, many holidaymakers are looking for ways to travel lighter without feeling like they’re missing half their belongings.

According to one travel expert, it’s entirely possible to head abroad with nothing more than hand luggage and still have everything you need.

Sorrel Ashton, travel expert and founder of independent travel advisory, Sorrel Travel, recently travelled to Sri Lanka for eight days using only carry-on luggage and says the experience completely changed how she packs.

From planning outfits in advance to using clever compression bags, these are the hand luggage rules every chronic overpacker should know before jetting off on their next holiday.

Plan every outfit before you leave

One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is throwing random clothes into a suitcase ‘just in case’.

The problem is that those backup options quickly add up and before you know it, you’ve packed enough clothes for a three-week trip despite only being away for a few days.

Sorrel says the key is being ruthless and planning every outfit before you even unzip your suitcase.

“Plan your outfits for every day of your trip so that you're not taking a surplus of items you don't and won't use."

It sounds obvious, but mapping out exactly what you'll wear for daytime activities, meals out and travel days for every day you’re away can stop you packing countless unnecessary extras.

Luggage brand, it Luggage, also recommends weighing individual items with a handheld luggage scale before packing them.

“It’s much easier to remove items from heavier packing cubes before they go into a suitcase than realise it is too heavy once it is packed, says Sales & Marketing Director, Nick Gaskin.

Choose versatile clothes that can be worn more than once

When space is limited, every item in your bag needs to earn its place.

Rather than packing separate outfits for every occasion, Sorrel recommends choosing versatile clothing that can be styled in different ways throughout your trip.

“I have two or three versatile options that can be used across multiple outfits," she said.

“My favourites are culottes that are comfortable around the pool but can also be dressed up for a relaxed evening meal."

The fewer single-purpose items you take, the more room you'll have for everything else.

Let’s be honest, nobody is keeping track of how many times you wore the same pair of trousers on holiday apart from you.

Check local laundry options before you travel

One reason many people overpack is the fear of running out of clean clothes halfway through their trip.

Depending on where you're travelling, washing your clothes abroad could be much easier (and cheaper) than you think.

"It's also worth checking what laundry services are available," Sorrel explained.

"South East Asia, for example, has brilliant laundry services. You can either utilise your hotel's laundry service or visit an actual laundrette for a more cost-effective option."

Doing a quick load of washing during your holiday can significantly reduce the amount you need to pack in the first place.

That can make a huge difference when you're trying to stay within strict hand luggage limits.

Invest in compression bags

Anyone who has ever sat on a suitcase to force it shut will appreciate this next tip.

According to Sorrel, one of the most effective packing hacks she's discovered is using vacuum compression bags.

"A real game changer for me though, is when I discovered the Vacbird reusable storage bags with a mini air pump," she said.

"They compress your clothes down in vacuum sealed bags to maximise space. They can be reused too, so no waste."

Compression bags don't magically reduce the weight of your luggage, but they can dramatically reduce the amount of space your clothes take up.

They're particularly useful for bulkier items such as jumpers, trousers and travel outfits that can otherwise take up all the room in a suitcase.

That means more room for holiday essentials without needing to upgrade to a larger case.

It's also worth remembering that saving space isn't just about what you pack, but how you pack it.

According to luggage experts at it Luggage, a mixed packing approach can help maximise room while keeping clothes in good condition.

"Roll soft items like T-shirts to save space but fold structured garments such as blazers to reduce creasing. A mixed approach keeps clothes in better condition," the brand explains.

Whether you're using packing cubes, compression bags or simply organising your suitcase carefully, thinking about how each item is packed can help you squeeze in those last few essentials without tipping over your baggage allowance.

Position shoes strategically

Shoes are often one of the bulkiest items in any suitcase, but where you place them can make a huge difference to how much you can fit in.

Rather than throwing them on top of your clothes, Nick Gaskin from it Luggage recommends using them to your advantage.

"Place shoes heel-to-toe along the suitcase edges and fill them with socks or small items to maximise space and maintain shape," he says.

Not only does this help utilise every inch of available room, but it also prevents your footwear from getting squashed during transit.

Stuffing shoes with smaller essentials such as socks, chargers, belts, or swimwear can free up valuable space elsewhere in your case, while keeping everything organised and easy to find.

Decant toiletries into travel containers

Toiletries are another area where people often waste valuable luggage space.

Full-size shampoo bottles, moisturisers and skincare products can quickly fill an entire wash bag before you've even packed your clothes.

Instead, Sorrel recommends transferring products into smaller reusable containers.

"I also love the little empty, reusable pots for taking my favourite creams without the bulk of their original container," she explained.

Not only does this save space, but it can also help you to save money, too.

"Decanting my essentials into travel pots saves me the hefty expense of buying them in the airport,” says Sorrel.

Many people don't realise just how much room they can save by carrying only the amount of product they'll realistically use during their trip.

After all, you're probably not going to finish an entire bottle of moisturiser during a week away.

With airline baggage fees continuing to rise, travelling with hand luggage only can save holidaymakers a surprising amount of money.

While the thought of packing light might seem impossible for serial overpackers, a few simple changes and smart swaps can make all the difference.