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The first and best way to avoid packing too much is to limit the size of your luggage. Of course, you would need a bigger bag for a six month backpacking trip than for a weekend city break but you should try to own a few items of luggage to give you a choice. The more room in your bag, the more likely you are to try to fill it.

Then you need to look at what you need, what you want to take and how to cover all eventualities. What you need and what you want to take are completely different questions. Do you NEED to take a hairdryer? Couldn't you do without one? How many pairs of shoes do you need to take?

Partly, this depends on where you are going. Unless you are going to somewhere very remote, you should be able to buy pretty much anything you need so if you are in doubt, leave it out. Should you find out when you get there that you do really need it, then you can pick it up there. If you are really picky about toiletry and cosmetic brands and think you won't find them elsewhere, you will want to take those with you, but be on the lookout for sample sized sachets and bottles.

Look around for multi-purpose products companies like Lush have great products that can be used for a bodywash and shampoo and shampoo bars that take up much less room than a bottle. If you are going somewhere hot then an after-sun product can double up as a facial and body moisturizer, there is no need for two separate products. If you have a traveling companion, you can split these items so you each have less to carry.

With clothes the temptation is to over-pack and try to cover all types of weather. However, the secret to good packing and keeping warm in cold weather is to layer your clothes. It is easier to take a few thinner items and wear layers than it is to pack big bulky woolen sweaters or a fleece.

Here are some general tips:

- Long-sleeved t-shirts - useful because they don't take up much room and they have the dual benefit of being thin enough to wear in summer if you have to cover up either to protect yourself from the sun or if you need to cover up when visiting churches or temples. They're also a godsend if you're in an area where you may get mosquito bites. In colder countries then can double up as a kind of thermal underwear - they'll keep you warm but you can still get your other clothes on top of them.

-Swimwear - useful to take even if you think you'll not need it. Maybe you're on a city-break and your hotel has a pool or jacuzzi or maybe you're skiing and you fancy the hot-tub?

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