The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, so here it goes.
Hi, my name is Debbie and I am an over packer. I feel the need to take everything but the kitchen sink and it doesn’t create a stress-free vacation for me.
This has led me to reflect on why I feel the need to overpack and it boils down to one question I ask when I pack – “What if?”
-What if the weather changes?
-What if I need a nicer outfit?
-What if I spill something?
-What if I decide to work out? – Okay, this one is not likely going to happen.
So, how should I approach packing to avoid this problem? What is a more sensible way to attack packing?
With several trips on the agenda, I need to work on my packing skills and here is my new plan to end my overpacking problem.
Check My Itinerary
I do keep my itinerary in mind while packing, but I realized that I need to tweak the way I think about it.
1. How many travel days will I have?
For a cruise, I always travel in the day before and this means at least one travel day prior so I will need to pack for one-night in a hotel.
If I am driving to the cruise port I will likely have one night on the road and one night near the cruise port. Now I’ll need something for two hotel nights as well as something to wear on day two of the road trip.
What if I’m going on a land vacation or a combo cruise and land trip? Where am I going and how long will it take me to get there? Am I flying or driving? These are all questions to ask as I plan my packing.
2. How many days will I be sightseeing?
Chances are that I will need to have one outfit per sightseeing day.
3. Am I going to the beach?
Obviously, beach wear will be needed – swimsuit, cover up and appropriate shoes as well as sunscreen and possibly a hat, beach towels and a beach bag.
4. Will there be any dinners or events that require I wear something nicer?
Packing based on activities instead of days should help eliminate taking extra clothing.
Choosing a Color Scheme
Sadly, I never really considered this before, but it makes perfect sense.
For example: blue, white and khaki or maybe black, gray and blue
Instead of packing very specific outfits, if I pack by color scheme, I can mix and match throughout my trip. This means packing fewer pieces and having multiple outfits to choose from.
The Rule of Three
This is going to be a hard one for me because - SHOES!!!! My need to pack a variety of shoes is another problem I have. I like to have shoe choices. However, shoes take up a lot of luggage space and very much contribute to my over-packing dilemma.
Instead, I need to take a pair of shoes for walking, which are very important when sightseeing.
A pair of sandals or casual shoes, depending on where I am going.
A pair of dressier shoes if I’m dressing up for dinner or another fancier event during my trip.
If the beach is on the itinerary, a pair of beach shoes will also need to be packed, even though that goes against the rule of three.
One other tip is to make sure I wear my bulkiest pair of shoes during travel, so I don’t have to worry about packing them.
I can also use this rule with clothing.
3 pair of pants
3 shirts
3 pairs of p.j’s
Etc.
Laying Everything Out When Packing
Once everything is laid out, remove at least 25% of my “what if” items.
This tip is pretty simple and will most certainly help me avoid overpacking.
Remember – Laundry Exists
In my attempts to avoid laundry during travel, I overpack. I’ve taken the position that it doesn’t make sense to pay for laundry when I can just wait and get my laundry done at home after my trip. I don’t know what it makes sense and there are situations that require that laundry be done while on vacation. Here is a great example of that.
We flew for our cruise and while waiting on the hotel shuttle to arrive, we got caught in a torrential downpour. Some of our luggage got soaked and one piece ended up with mud inside. When loading it onto the shuttle or unloading it at the hotel, it got drug through some mud. The mud apparently found its way into the luggage via the wheels. I didn’t consider this would ever happen, but it did. While unpacking, I had to hang wet clothing to get them dry and I filled a laundry bag with muddy clothes for our stateroom attendant to get washed and dried. It wasn’t a great way to start our trip, but I was glad it was an option and I had everything back by the next day.
If I am every going to get a handle on my overpacking problem, I need to remember that laundry exists and I need to use it.
Most Destinations Have Stores
Forgotten items can be purchased. Items that you didn’t expect to need can be purchased.
On one of my trips, one of the kids started running a fever. I ran out of fever medication and was able to purchase a bottle in port. Even on a cruise ship, this medication can typically be purchased. This particular child ended up going to see the ship doctor and was diagnosed with an ear infection. I was happy to have travel insurance.
Also, it’s important to remember that overpacking doesn’t allow room for souvenirs. Instead of packing extra shirts that I may or may not need, I can purchase a souvenir shirt and wear it if needed. More importantly, I will have something to remind me of that particular trip.
Overpacking Costs Money
I have purchased additional pieces of luggage to make sure I can pack everything. How does this even make sense?!!!!
Airlines will charge for checked bags and this can get costly, especially for my family of six.
In a few weeks I will once again have the opportunity to use my new packing tips. To hear how it went, stay tuned.
