With airlines charging a small fortune for luggage, it’s more important than ever to pack light. That’s easier said than done, of course, but if you pack smart, you can avoid those baggage fees. Here are a few tips on how to lighten your load.

Clothes
Bring clothing that you can mix and match. Avoid loud prints and weird colors that don’t coordinate. By carefully picking the clothes you pack, you can stretch your wardrobe further by putting different pants and tops together to create new outfits. When selecting your clothes, think about the shoes you’ll need to go with these outfits. Shoes can add a lot of weight and take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Packing only one or two pairs of shoes is ideal.

Necessities
Re-think how you define “necessities” and how you pack them. If you’re staying someplace that’s near a drug store or sells necessities in-house, consider buying these items after you arrive. You might drop 10 bucks but that’s a lot less than paying fees for heavy or extra bags because everyone had to bring their own shampoo, soap, and lotion. Ask yourself if you can do without some “necessities” for the week you’re on vacation, items like face cream, a straightening iron for your hair, and the laptop. Instead of packing hair appliances, pack a couple of fun hats. Instead of bringing your laptop, be content with the web browser on your phone or the hotel’s business center. An added bonus includes leaving the laptop charger and extra battery at home too.

Extras
While it’s fun to dress up for an evening out at a nice restaurant, avoid loading your luggage with a ton of jewelry. Bring along a couple of favorite necklaces and earrings.

Having a new or favorite book on vacation is an essential part of traveling for many people. If that’s the case for you, think about investing in an e-reader. You’ll be able to store multiple books on a slim, portable electronic device, eliminating the need to pack and tote heavy books on your next trip.