I Overspend and Overpack Before Trips—This Hack Saved Me From Myself

I know from experience that not every airline employee cares about .8 pounds. But the one checking my bag on most recent flight home? She cared a lot. So much so that she held up a two-days-before-Christmas-long airport line just to watch me attempt a high-stakes game of packing Tetris with my carry-on. I’m pretty sure I lost .8 pounds in sweat alone.

That was the day I realized I had a problem.

Embarrassed by my airport antics and gearing up for our upcoming long weekend in San Diego, my best friend suggested the Wantable Spring Break Edit—a curated, try-before-you-buy clothing box designed to take the stress out of packing (and prevent last-minute shopping sprees). Less overpacking? Fewer impulse buys? Consider me influenced.

The struggle of vacation packing

As a chronic overpacker with commitment issues, my thought process normally goes something like this: What if there’s a cold front? Better bring three jackets. What if I get invited to a surprise rooftop party? Gotta pack heels. What if I suddenly become someone who wears a big hat? You get the idea. The result? A 50.8-pound suitcase and the inevitable public display of my packing failures at the check-in counter.

My overspending is just as bad. No pre-trip week is complete without 15 last-minute errands to Sephora, Target, and the nail salon, where I eventually end up wondering if the trip is even worth it. Impulse overcomes logic and every accessory, sandal, and bag I can even remotely envision looking cute in my vacation destination is an automatic *add to cart*. Whoever said to spend money on experiences rather than things was probably a man and obviously didn’t have a Canva slide for each vacation outfit planned. By the time I get on the plane, I’ve already burned through my vacation budget—and I haven’t even ordered my first airport mimosa.

How Wantable works

I’ve used rental clothing services for past trips, but what intrigued me about Wantable was the quality of items and the fact that you actually get to keep them (which is a way better ROI, if you ask me). Here’s how it works:

1. Take a Style Quiz: Wantable asks about your body type, preferred fit, and comfort zones (like whether you prefer to show or cover certain areas). The quiz was the perfect length and detailed enough to capture my style without feeling like a personality test. It took me about 10 minutes and gave me plenty of space to voice my wants and needs.
2. Receive a Curated Box: Then, a real personal stylist reviews your quiz responses and hand picks seven vacation-ready pieces tailored to your style, fit, and destination, then ships them straight to your door.
3. Try Before You Buy: There’s a $20 styling fee, which gets credited toward any item you keep. If you keep five or more pieces, you get 20% off the total cost. Spoiler alert: I would’ve kept my entire box even without the discount.

My Wantable unboxing

I was packing for a long weekend in San Diego with the gals, so I wanted coastal, laid-back, everyday pieces that would work for coffee walks, shopping, and girl dinners. When my Wantable box arrived, it was like opening a perfectly curated vacation capsule wardrobe. Every item matched my vibe exactly, and the quality was amazing.

The standout pieces

• Denim Jacket: A cool, updated take on a classic. I plan on wearing it both as a jacket and as a top for a Canadian Tuxedo moment.
• Versatile Dresses: In my opinion, having someone else pick dresses for you is risky business, but both of the dresses that came in my box are super easy to wear and fit like a glove.

How Wantable saved my packing process

I cannot stress enough how much time, stress, and money this box saved me. Having a curated selection of vacation clothes eliminated my usual pre-trip mall chaos (and the inevitable impulse buys that come with it), which meant immediate $$$ saved.

Packing was also a breeze. With a ready-to-go capsule wardrobe, I didn’t have to deal with decision fatigue or my usual What if I need this? panic packing. Every piece mixed and matched effortlessly, meaning less overpacking and more suitcase space for souvenirs.

How I actually saved money with Wantable

Had I shopped for my trip the way I usually do, I’d have spent way more than I did with Wantable. Here’s why:

• No unnecessary purchases = a wardrobe that actually gets worn
• $20 styling fee = credited toward purchases (AKA no wasted money)
• You get 20% off when you keep five or more items (making it much more affordable than traditional shopping)

Is Wantable worth it?

Absolutely. If you’re a serial overpacker, overspender, or just want to simplify your vacation wardrobe, Wantable’s Spring Break Edit is a game-changer. The styling quiz made sure every item fit my body type and personal style, and the ability to try before buying meant I wasn’t wasting money on clothes I wouldn’t actually wear.

So, if you’re prepping for a spring getaway, save yourself the stress, the pre-trip spending spree, and the dreaded luggage shuffle at the airport. Try Wantable’s Spring Break Edit and thank me later.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maddi Goodwin, Account Manager

As an Account Manager for both The Everygirl and The Everymom, Maddi serves as the primary point of contact for clients while collaborating with internal teams to ensure all brand partnerships are running smoothly.

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This post is sponsored by Wantable but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.