If you suspect you have too much luggage for your upcoming journey, you’re likely right.

How much is too much? Well, domestic airlines raked in $7.1 billion last year just from baggage fees, which marks nearly a 5% rise from the year before. This summer, we’ve also seen some notable incidents involving baggage, like a Texas woman who was removed from a United Airlines flight for having excessive luggage.

To grasp the extent of this issue, take a moment to observe your fellow travelers.

• In Interlaken, Switzerland, I noticed groups of Korean tourists struggling with oversized wheeled bags on cobbled streets.

• In Rio de Janeiro, I spotted tourists from Argentina and Chile unashamedly burdened with shopping bags. All of this baggage eventually has to get on their flights back home, and it does.

• And in Bangkok, I saw Chinese visitors maneuvering massive wheeled bags through shopping centers. Just imagine the fees they’re accruing!

“People are packing more these days,” states Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing Travel, a luxury travel agency. She’s observed that travelers are bringing significantly more and advocates for a minimalist packing approach for her clients, though it’s often a challenge.

What drives this trend of overpacking? And how can you avoid paying extra baggage fees?

Why do we pack too much?

The reasons for the overpacking dilemma range from feelings of insecurity to lack of experience. However, it’s imperative to address this soon. Recently, major airlines have increased their baggage fees, with checked bags costing over $35, and even more if you check late or exceed weight limits.

So, what causes us to overpack?

▶ Fear of the unknown: Central to overpacking is the concern of “What if?” according to Jeremy Murchland, president of the travel insurance firm Seven Corners. Travelers often find themselves wondering: What if there’s a heatwave and I don’t have appropriate clothing? What if my Airbnb lacks shampoo? What if I become bored? This mindset leads them to overpack, even when it’s unnecessary.

▶ Feeling stressed: “Overpacking is often a reaction to the stresses of leaving home,” comments Susan Sherren, who operates Couture Trips, a travel agency. “Traveling can be daunting, especially for beginners. The belief of ‘I might need this’ results in overstuffed suitcases.” However, she suggests that travelers keep in mind that they can usually buy reasonable substitutes for what they might forget at home.

▶ Lack of experience: Let’s face it, many people travel only a few times a year and don’t know how to pack effectively—or even what essentials to include. Limor Decter, a travel consultant for Embark Collective, shared that she once packed her entire life into her checked bag. “The result was a cumbersome experience and a long wait at the baggage claim,” she says. Eventually, she switched to only carrying a smaller bag, which significantly improved her travel experience, particularly on a recent trip to Botswana. “Had I checked luggage, I would have certainly faced delays or lost my bags,” she states.

These might be the justifications we share, but it’s high time we address our packing habits, as this problem can put a dent in our wallets. After all, $7.1 billion is quite a hefty figure when it comes to luggage fees.

Tips for better packing on your next adventure

Aiming to avoid contributing a hefty $35 to the billion-dollar luggage fee industry? Follow these tips.

• Embrace minimalism: Remember the saying, less is more? It’s absolutely true when it comes to packing. You can reduce what you take by packing clothes that can be mixed and matched. Moreover, leave about 20% of your bag empty to accommodate potential purchases at your destination, suggests Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance. Also, omit items easily reachable at your location, like an umbrella. And consider doing laundry while you’re away instead of packing a full outfit for each day. “Hotels often offer laundry services,” Cronin adds.
• Reevaluate your travel goals: If your trip is meant for sightseeing, it may be time to reassess, says Swapna Patel, a professional stylist. She recalls clients who would pack hair dryers in their luggage. “Set realistic expectations for how you want to enjoy your vacation,” says Patel. “Are you focusing on making memories or perfecting your hairstyle?” This shift in perspective can make a big difference.

• Travel light: You’ll be amazed at how little you actually require. With a little planning, you can efficiently pack a reasonable quantity of clothing and beauty products.
• Create a packing list: Renowned traveler and etiquette authority Rachel Wagner embraces minimalism. She utilizes a packing list to ensure she includes only the essentials. “This strategy helps me avoid excess baggage and also allows me to mark off crucial items I don’t want to forget,” she shares. Over time, you’ll recognize what items are essential and which can be omitted, making the list a regular part of your packing process.

If you tend to overpack, there’s still hope

Daily, I hear from individuals who struggle with packing too much. One such person is Sally Greenberg, an executive director of a nonprofit in Washington.

“I struggle with overpacking,” she confessed. “I’m quite anxious about it.” For her, it often relates to a “what if” mindset; she fears being unprepared.

But that’s okay, as I have also experienced the challenges of being an anxious overpacker and managed to find a solution. After testing numerous bags available in the market, I discovered my ideal pairing: the Victorinox Airox carry-on and a Knack Travel Backpack 45L. I travel with four changes of clothes and make use of laundromats during my trips.

Reaching this point was quite a journey. Much like Greenberg, I initially worried about forgetting items. Eventually, I grasped that there are pharmacies and shopping centers at my destinations, allowing me to ease my concerns about my baggage. While my airline might not be thrilled, my wallet appreciates the savings from not checking in a bag.

Christopher Elliott is an author, journalist, and consumer advocate. He established Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit that aids in resolving consumer issues. He also publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a site focused on customer service topics. For assistance with consumer matters, you can connect with him here or email him at chris@elliott.org.