Controlling the Urge to Over Pack

I am the type of gal that will over pack things every single time I pack a bag. I worry that I may need something or maybe go somewhere and need to dress a certain way. What if it rains or I get cold? I could go on and on but you get the idea. Every year when I travel I tell myself I am going to use a smaller bag. I’m not going to have to carry so much. I am going to pack smarter.

I never do but this year I was determined. I wasn’t going to do that for the kids because they always need things that you wouldn’t think about. I pack them most a set of clothes to wear to their dads and a just in case set. He has clothing for them at his house so that just leaves me packing toys they can’t live without at the moment, favorite blankets, medicines, etc. For myself I was going to use one small suitcase and maybe another tote.

I decided that I could get everything I needed into one large suitcase including my office stuff. If I went with this suitcase then I was only carrying one bag. As I was getting ready for bed I kept thinking how crazy I was. I mean I could barely pick up the suitcase. Plus, did I really that much?

So I began to down size to the smaller suitcase. I knew I could get what I needed into this bag. After all I would have access to a washer and dryer. I was still going to end up with a tote for my bathroom stuff and medicines. I was okay with that, at least at the time. I was also going to need to pack my mobile office. That was going to be one of my biggest tasks. Making sure I had all the items I needed so I could work away from home.

Then I decided it was too big and meant I need to put my bathroom stuff in the bag you see above. It also would hold my shoes. Not to mention the small pink and white suitcase was heavy to pick up. I thought, did I really want or need all of that? I mean I would be inside for some of my trip getting some writing done. Did I need three pairs of jeans and other items? Plus with Covid-19 I wouldn’t be going out to eat a bunch. Couldn’t I just take a large tote bag and get it all in there? Maybe, so I paired it down to two pairs of shorts, a sundress, one pair of capri sweats, a regular pair of sweats (in case I get cold), six shirts (including one dressy one, one overly large one to sleep in, and another that could work as a swimsuit cover up), swimsuit, two bras, five pairs of panties, three pairs of socks (including a thick pair), and a sweater in case I get cold.

You will notice there are no jeans at all. Nope, I can wear the sundress with the sweater if I go out somewhere or need to dress up a little more. I kept my shoes down to three pairs. All of them can be worn with any outfit and work well together. For my bathroom items, I got them all paired down and into a handy little felt organizer that I had. I can take this and set it on the counter of the bathroom where I am staying and everything is right where I need it, when I need it.

I got everything into the red bag you see above. For my mobile office I used the black backpack that you see in the background there. You may have seen me talking about it on social media recently. It holds everything I need and since it has handles on the top I can grab it and carry it wherever I need to. I carry from the bedroom to the dining room on the days I am working and then put it away when I am done. That helps me keep a good work schedule while away from home and my office.

You should all know I am one of those people who pack two weeks before I get ready to travel. I change my mind a lot and have a list of every item I pack so I can remember to bring everything home. Since it changes so much I feel like I need the extra time. That is how this post evolved as much as it did. I kept talking myself out of things and then would decide I needed to bring something extra.

HOW DO YOU PACK? DO YOU TAKE IT ALL WITH YOU OR DO YOU JUST PACK A LITTLE? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.