Top Packing Mistakes to Avoid from a Professional Expert

Lydia Mansel of Just Packed on stress-free trip prep — and how to always arrive prepared.

When Lydia Mansel started Just Packed — a website dedicated to, you guessed it, packing — she wanted to take the stress out of preparing for a trip. Whenever she searched the internet for the perfect packing list for her upcoming trip, she told iBestTravel, she came up empty handed.

“I realized if I was feeling this frustration, there were other travelers out there who felt the same,” she said. “This became more apparent as I’d routinely go on trips, for work or for pleasure, and hear complaints and moans of, ‘I didn’t know what to bring with me,’ and ‘I just didn’t pack the right things.'”

Mansel first started avidly traveling in college, with a summer spent working on a dude ranch out west and the following semester spent in Devon, England. Since then, she has dedicated significant time to exploring the United Kingdom, journeying around Europe, and living in New York City, Charleston, and beyond.

Now, she’s working remotely full-time and planning to spend the rest of the year based in London and Bath to check several new trips off her bucket list. (And yes, she did pack everything she needed in just two suitcases.)

Essential Packing Insights

Here, she shares her best packing secrets.

iBestTravel: Why do you think packing is such a struggle for people?

Lydia Mansel: “The root of the struggle of packing for a trip comes down to not knowing what to bring with you. If you aren’t confident in what you have in your backpack or suitcase — or feel like you didn’t bring the right thing — your trip could suffer. Sure, you’ll survive without a raincoat or basic t-shirt layers, but any kind of discomfort will inevitably detract from the adventure.

This uncertainty can often become overwhelming, leaving travelers paralyzed and confused, leading them to throw in five dresses they won’t wear and seven pairs of shoes (just in case). Those are the overpackers. On the other side of the spectrum, you encounter the underpackers — those who lack clarity on what their destination will demand and end up wishing they brought a nicer dress shirt or warmer layer.”

What can travelers do to stop packing from putting a damper on their trips?

“For any length of trip, you should start considering what you need to pack about a week to two weeks ahead. Personally, I use the notepad on my phone to jot down essential items and add to it as more items come to mind. For clothing, I list all the days I’ll be there and any specific events (such as sit-down dinners, weddings, or hikes) where I need to know what I’m going to wear.

Starting at least a week in advance allows you ample time to order that packable straw hat you need for your cabana in Tulum or dry clean the blazer that’s been sitting in your other suitcase, untouched, for months. For your list, I suggest typing out everything you need to pack, including a toothbrush, extra contact lenses, and a hairbrush. That way, when it’s the night before your early wake-up time, you’ll feel more organized and assured that you’ve remembered everything you’ll need.”

How do you pack differently for travel since COVID?

“I’ve flown several times in 2021, and for me, it’s all about the efficiency of your personal item bag. I ensure that all my essential items — passport, credit card, extra mask, hand sanitizer — are in a secure yet accessible bag. My goal is to travel from Point A to Point B swiftly, avoiding any delays by fumbling through my bag for my ID, which can hold up the line.”

What is a packing hack you swear by?

“I’m a recent packing cube convert. For the longest time, I didn’t believe in the benefits, preferring to roll or pack my belongings haphazardly. However, since investing in a set of packing cubes, my packing process has become organized. Depending on the trip, I pack designated outfits together, use cubes to hold shoes I don’t want to scuff, or group similar pieces (like t-shirts). At the end of my trip, I use one cube for dirty laundry, which makes unpacking a breeze.”

What’s one trick you use to save space?

“In addition to making a packing list beforehand and using packing cubes, I follow the famous Coco Chanel advice: ‘Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.’ This means I’ll lay out everything I plan to pack and decide what one or two items I can leave behind. Do I really need two sweaters? Will one suffice? The same goes for toiletries; I can often survive a five-day trip without both face moisturizers.”

Common Packing Mistakes

What is the worst packing mistake you see people make for a long trip?

“I’m a recovering overpacker, stemming from a wardrobe full of standalone pieces. This type of clothing hampers effective packing, especially for an extended trip. Instead, invest in classic, versatile separates that can be mixed and matched. Doing so allows you to avoid filling your checked bag with an assortment of dresses, tops, and pants. Instead, you’ll create an on-the-go closet that easily combines to form multiple outfits. For these types of clothing, I turn to brands like Everlane, Mango, and Vince to enhance my travel wardrobe.”

What about for a short trip?

“The worst packing mistake for a short trip is undoubtedly packing too many shoes. For a two to three-day trip, you should bring no more than three pairs. The location and season certainly affect your footwear choices, but there ought to be a relatively consistent formula. In summer, a nice pair of leather sandals (that can be dressed up or down) work wonders, just as a pair of stylish boots does in the fall and winter. A reliable travel sneaker is a year-round essential—perfect for exploring your destination—and if there’s room for one more, a block heel or loafer for the smarter occasions will suffice.”

What is the worst packing mistake you yourself have ever made, and what did you learn from it?

“I was 20, going to London for a long weekend in October. Not only did I overpack with a large duffel bag and a full backpack of clothes I was unlikely to wear, but I also neglected to bring a coat. I mistook 60 degrees Fahrenheit for warm… I was wrong. Not only did I lack proper attire, but I also packed a pair of 5-inch heels for evening outings. If you’ve ever walked on cobblestones from the 1800s in high heels, you know this was a poor choice. Ultimately, I learned to approach my packing more thoughtfully, wear sensible footwear, and always double-check the weather.

Another lesson I learned the hard way is to carry a pen in your personal item or carry-on when traveling internationally. Filling out a customs form is standard, and no one wants to be the traveler scrambling around for a pen at the last minute.

What is your go-to carry-on suitcase?

“I’ve tested several brands of carry-on suitcases, but the Away Bigger Carry-On has been my favorite. It is spacious, lightweight, and has proven reliable time and again. Additionally, it holds at least one or two more outfits than my other carry-on bags. I may have learned to be a more efficient packer, but I still have a tendency to overpack if I’m in a hurry.”

Any other packing accessory must-haves?

“For many travelers, achieving the perfect airport look—comfortable yet polished—can be challenging. While jeans often feel restricting, leggings and sweatpants typically lack a professional vibe. I personally recommend an oversized blazer (which is the ideal layer for airports and on planes), paired with a classic tank top or t-shirt, and slacks. This attire allows you to look appropriate for a work event, and if you’re heading to a vacation, simply remove the blazer, don your sunglasses, and you’re set to go.”