I am a self-admitted over-packer. I grew into this identity for many reasons including but not limited to my penchant for over-planning and over-preparing. Also, I have a tendency to be a hermit when I travel, so once I’m in my room, I want to make sure I have all my favorite things and I am prepared for any manner of stay.

If I fly somewhere and stay for more than a weekend, I typically check a bag. I just don’t want to worry about it. I want my full-sized cosmetics, an outfit for any possible occasion, and my full-sized hair products at my disposal.

Is it possible for someone like me to break the checked baggage habit?

I am trying to learn to be a carry-on only business traveler. I REFUSE to carry a bag to the gate that should have been checked. I do, however, desire to learn to carry on an actual, carry-on sized piece of luggage (which I already own) and a personal item and be set. My professional goals will eventually have me traveling regularly, so I want to learn how to do this sooner rather than later.

I have been googling and paying attention to others who do this type of traveling, but I know there are tricks of the trade I need to learn. So far, I have ordered packing cubes as part of my Spring FabFitFun box that I hope makes it before I take my a 2.5 day trip to Texas next month.

I think I can fit my diffuser for my hair in the bag as well as travel-sized bottles from the dollar section to fill with all manner of products–curl cream, Jamaican black castor oil water, flax seed gel, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, cleansing balm, etc. I’ll need to break out my label maker so I don’t confuse my curl cream for under eye cream!

But…aside from those things and buying a travel size of my foundation, I’m at a loss on the rest!

I mean, sure, I have some mix and match outfit ideas, but I am still scared I will chicken out, pack the biggest bag I own, and give up on my dreams to be a carry-on only convert.

Any advice is much appreciated and I promise to post pics of how I do! I will have my plan in place by the end of February so any comments you can post will be taken under advisement.