Pro Tip: Packing

The executive summary for 95% of us: You overpacked. No, not just a little, we're talking "Why did I bother to bring all this?" overpacked.

Efficient packing for a trip thousands of miles from home is as much art as science. If you think you can manage, follow the advice of the experts and pack a small rucksack for a two week adventure across three countries. I've been traveling for over 40 of my 50 years and can't imagine subjecting others to the degree of funk that would represent. I also don't want to spend an inordinate amount of time doing laundry in the hotel sink every evening. By the same token, you don't need 3 spare sets of everything for that same two week outing. Ultimately you have to find your own balance, but do yourself a favor and tip the balance the other way on occasion to test yourself. You'll survive and so will everyone else, you'll just be a bit wiser the next time. I achieved my most efficient packing to-date on my recent trip to London. The schedule was shredded and my luggage arrived a couple of days after I did, so I came home with clean clothes, but not by much.

Here's my approach. I don't claim that it's perfect, but it's much closer to perfect than no plan at all (which will only result in an over-stuffed, and likely overweight, suitcase.)

• Undergarments and shirt to wear home. It seems odd to address this first, but having fresh clothes to put on the morning of departure can do wonders for your disposition at the end of a trip. Set them aside and don't touch them unless you encounter a complete disaster. If you know you'll have access to laundry facilities you can be more flexible, but even then I tend to stick by this rule "just in case."
• Socks: I have a strange formula, but it can be reduced to this: Six pair for the first week, five for the second week, four for the third week. Socks can be a pain to wash and dry in a hotel but easy to recycle if you have access to a washer/dryer. The type of sock/stocking you wear can have a significant impact on your needs. I tend to wear more cotton/polyester blends, so washing isn't a viable option in many cases. If you have malodorous feet you may need a more pairs, if your feet emit lavender and sandalwood aromas you can get away with fewer pairs. Time of year (temperature) is also a contributing factor. If you're traveling more than three weeks without access to laundry you're probably backpacking, and none of this makes any sense.
• Trousers: This is where the time of year becomes a significant factor. During cooler months I assume I'll be able to get three days of wear without concern. In warmer months two days may be a stretch, depending upon the particulars. These are the times you can do a lot with a small bottle of Febreeze and a fan. Staying with neutral color selections is a tremendous help. If it's a "one time only" pair then it probably needs to stay home.
• Shirts: More dependencies on weather. In cooler months I always plan to layer shirts and sweaters. I select neutral sweaters that can be combined with whichever shirts I've packed to give multiple different looks. If it's warm I lean towards synthetic/technical fabrics that tend to be more odor resistant and quick drying, in case I need to do a sink wash. Even when the temperatures are moderate places like subways and trains can be stifling in some places.
• Shoes: Unless I have a compelling reason to go light I always take two pair for any trip longer than a week. After a few days of walking in one pair my feet do better with a change of pace.
• Outerwear: If it's cold enough to be a concern I pack a light beanie and gloves, then wear or carry a coat and scarf. It's a bit more to keep track of en route, but you save room in your suitcase.
• Toiletries: In these days of luggage fees and ever changing weight limits I suggest either travel-sized items (purchased or pack-at-home) or, in some cases, purchasing upon arrival. A little research can be of tremendous benefit here. In any event, take only what you're likely to need and leave the warehouse-store-sized product at home.

If you have something new to wear every day then you have too much, that I can assure you. Take your time and don't get in a hurry to maximize your odds of packing effectively. Do all you can to avoid putting ANYTHING in your suitcase because your reason is either:

1. "I might need it, so I'll take it just in case."
2. "I can't decide, so I'll just take it anyway."

The odds are exceptionally high that you WILL NOT need it, and you're perfectly capable of making the decision now.