Packing Differently This Year

Here’s a post I never thought I’d write. I mean, how hard can it be to pack for a weekend away? It would appear to be super hard. I’ve been a notorious over-packer for as long as I can remember. It doesn’t matter if I’m going away for three weeks or three days.

I can’t help it. I like to be prepared for whatever may happen or what the weather may do. I could plan to not go anywhere nice, but then end up going and not having what I needed. I can thank my OCD for this little habit. This year, though, I decided I wouldn’t be doing that anymore. No more buying a bunch of items only to not wear them or never use them. I needed to make do with what I owned and only purchase things I needed.

That also meant going through what I had and making do when it came to packing. I needed to change what I was doing to something that worked better for me. There was so much more that I needed to bring due to my new health issues that I can’t afford to not pay close attention to everything. 

Two things that are essential in learning to pack light and still bring everything are: 1) making a list of all the items I want and need to bring and 2) never putting off packing until the very last minute.

What are the Plans?

The best way I could think of to know what to pack for any trip is to create a list of all the activities I’m planning to do. Things such as a wedding I will be attending, a fancy dinner, or maybe going to the museum. How much will I be walking around? Writing out a rough itinerary helps me visualize everything I will need to pack.

Another thing that I think helps is pulling out the suitcase and/or bag that I will be using. This will help me see what I am working with and how much room I have. Ease and comfort should always be the keys. Recently, I had to travel and had my shoulder bag packed to the brim with items. My thought was that I could carry it all on the plane with me and save myself a few dollars. 

By the time I got on the plane, my neck, shoulder, and back hurt so much that I had to dig through the bag to find something to take for the pain. This time I decided to be smarter even though this is a car trip rather than a plane trip. The first thing was a handbag that I enjoyed.

I got this wallet from my local pharmacy and it is perfect. It comes with both a crossbody and a clutch strap. That means I can pull it out and just carry it when I need to. 

I’ve been using this luggage for a while, and it seems to work just fine for me. I am looking at some new pieces, but for now, the smallest piece will work for my larger pieces. It is roomy and will allow me to bring plenty of extra items. I love that it is lightweight since I will be traveling alone to begin with and need to be able to lift it by myself. 

I also plan on taking this camo tote that I got on Etsy a year or so ago. This is great for my laptop and my scale that I now have to bring with me. Because of my heart failure, I have to weigh myself every day, and my scale has to go with me anytime I am away from home. I could buy one or use one that is provided, if it is, but mine is what I use every day. The room in this bag also allows for any extras, such as gifts I pick up or snacks if needed. 

Essentials

The best way to ensure I don’t overpack is by starting with my essentials. Laying out the items that I can’t leave behind helps me see how much room I have for everything else. This includes extra chargers, medications, scales, laptops, books, work paperwork, gifts, anything that needs to go. Even if it is something that I pack at the last minute, such as my laptop, I still need to see the space I have and don’t have. All of which go into the camo bag.

When it comes to makeup and skincare, I use travel-sized versions of my essentials, such as cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and body wash, or use little reusable containers. As far as makeup goes, I use just what I need for day to-day or an event. I tend to not wear much makeup day to-day, so this is easy. 

Be Realistic

Before I decide to pack or bring something, I take a minute to think about whether or not I really need it. Can I do without it for three to four days? A great example is that, for a short trip, I don’t really need my laptop. There is nothing I would need to do for a couple of days that I couldn’t manage on my phone or tablet. Both of which I always carry with me. Since this is a longer trip the laptop comes with me. Shoes are another great example. I don’t need five or six pairs when one or two will get the job done nicely. Okay, there will be like four pairs because I have to bring my walking shoes and a couple of others.

The Basics

As far as clothing goes, I am taking a look and deciding what I will be doing each day with what I need to wear. Most of the trip will be spent either at the house or sightseeing. Those days don’t require anything special. I can get away with cut-off sweats and capris, along with some basic tees or tanks. I do need a dress for one day, and I picked a lightweight one that will travel well but still look great. Since I am bringing the dress and it is a Sunday dress, it can double for any special night out I have. I don’t really go out to clubs or anything, so clothing for that is not needed. I might need to add a pair of shorts or two in case we go jeeping and riding around, but those fold up small and fit easily into the bag.

After thinking about what I would be doing and what I would need, I made this list of clothing:

• 1 dress for the wedding or a night out.
• 2 casual dresses that can be worn while sightseeing, at a museum, or even just around town.
• 1 pair of sweatpants in case I get cold.
• 2 nightgowns
• 1 skort (for when I need to get in and out of the Jeep but want to look nice)
• 3 pairs of capri leggings (one for workouts)
• 4 tanks and 4 t-shirts.
• swimsuit and coverup
• 2 pairs of cut off sweats for around the house

Any of these can be mixed and matched easily. I do have access to a washer and dryer as well. Since I will be gone for several weeks, this seems like more than enough. Shoes: I will be taking my workout shoes, a pair of plain flip flops, a pair of slip-on casual flats, a pair of beach shoes that I got years ago and love, and a pair of dressy sandals. The beach shoes wash easily in the sink with water and can double as house shoes or shoes to slip on and run outside in. They are the shoes I will use most on this trip. 

As I mentioned, making a list of all my essentials is the most important thing to help me narrow down what I pack for any trip. Having been a life-long over-packer, this helps ensure I don’t forget the essentials but that I also don’t bring way more than I need. I use clothes and items that are versatile whenever possible. 

The things I like to focus on:

• Bags and Luggage: What type and size bag will you use for your weekend trip? How much room are you working with? Do you need a handbag, a clutch, or an additional bag? 
• Your essentials: Which electronics will you absolutely need? Not to mention chargers, medications, and toiletries.
• Be realistic. Are four pairs of shoes for a three-day trip really needed? Will you even turn on your laptop?
• Internary: What’s your itinerary? Knowing what you will be doing makes planing your outfits a breeze. 

• The basics: light, neutral pieces that can be layered easily help make stylizing outfits easier. Not taking your entire makeup bag (unless you need it) is also a good way to go. Bring only what you need.

Do you tend to overpack, even for those short trips? Any other tips on how to pack for a trip that you’d add to the list?