Why Packing Too Much Almost Ruined My European Trip (And How I Fixed It Midway)

July 07, 2025

I should’ve known better. Seriously. Every blog I read before my trip screamed the same thing: "Pack light!" And what did I do? Oh, I packed like I was moving to Europe forever. Three pairs of boots (why?!), five jackets (again, why?), and enough socks to clothe an entire soccer team.

At first, it didn’t seem too bad. I managed to shove everything into this enormous suitcase that looked like it belonged to a Hollywood celebrity on a world tour. I even zipped it shut without sitting on it — a small victory, or so I thought.

The Struggles Begin (Fast and Painful)

Fast forward to my arrival in Paris. The moment I landed, I realized I’d made a grave mistake. Cobblestone streets and heavy luggage? Absolute nightmare. I dragged that thing over every uneven surface, sweating like I just finished a marathon — and that was just the first 10 minutes.

My arms were sore, my back was screaming, and every step felt like a workout. The worst part? I didn’t even wear half the stuff I packed. I kept reaching for the same pair of jeans and the same comfy sneakers. Everything else? Dead weight.

My Mid-Trip Meltdown (And Solution)

By the time I reached Amsterdam, I’d had enough. One evening, sitting in my tiny hostel room surrounded by piles of untouched clothes, I did something drastic. I grabbed a laundry bag, stuffed half of my things inside it, and walked to the nearest charity bin.

Yes, I literally donated half my wardrobe in the middle of my trip. And guess what? It felt amazing. Suddenly, my bag was light. I could actually carry it up stairs without gasping for air. And walking? Oh, it became enjoyable again.

The Freedom of Traveling Light

After that moment, everything shifted. I had fewer choices, but somehow that made getting dressed in the mornings way easier. Less stress. More freedom. I could hop on trains, explore random neighborhoods, and move around like a real traveler — not some poor soul dragging their life around in a suitcase.

Takeaways From My Packing Disaster

One pair of shoes is usually enough: Trust me, you won’t wear all those fancy ones.
Layer up instead of overpacking: One good jacket and layers work wonders.
Embrace minimalism: You’ll gain more than just physical space — mental clarity too.
Donate as you go: Giving away what you don’t need can actually feel liberating.