Calling all Over-packers
Consider this your de-brief on all things packing. Whether you tend to over-pack or under-pack, you're not going to want to miss out on my packing formula and ultimate packing checklist.
Here’s the thing about packing.
Being a good packer doesn’t only help when it’s time to take that two-week European adventure and limited to a suitcase. Or when you and some besties are taking a road trip around the states for a month in a tiny sedan.
It helps when you get invited somewhere for the weekend at the last minute and only have twenty minutes to pack. Or when you’re a mom of three and have to get the family (+ husband) ready to go visit the family for the holidays.
Point is… being a good packer can be incredibly beneficial whether it’s because you’re packing in a pinch or have limited space. It means you know what you need to pack, how much, and best practices; this all helps alleviate panic and can make packing go from stressful to successful (real fast).
Most people’s issue when it comes to packing is that they bring too much. (I’ll admit, I have under-packed in my minimalista era lol)
We go into this fight or flight mode when packing where they think of every worst-case scenario possible and then pack everything to accommodate each situation.
If this is you, take this as your sign to STOP doing it.
What you need is a plan; not to pack enough to dress an army. (Odds are, that’s not what you’ll be doing this vacation anyways!)
Why pack all that stuff, just to unpack it when you get home?
Seems silly to me!!
So, let’s come up with a silly solution instead.
Below you’ll find an attachment to the Ultimate Packing Formula and Checklist; since implementing this into my routine, I’ve seen drastic improvement in my packing habits. Of course, there are times where I still overpack or underpack, but it’s typically because I didn’t follow the formula.
The following formula and checklist are simple if you let them be simple. The key to packing is to not overthink it, seriously.
There are times where I packed perfectly, hell I drove across the country and flew back with a backpack; I’ve even gone to L.A. for a long weekend in a backpack only 14in. long. If I can do it, you can too.
They key is to plan, I don’t even care if it’s ideas on a page; come up with an itinerary for each day and pack accordingly. Odds are, your intuitive self knows what you’ll most likely be doing each day, so lean into that! Write it down sis.
Whenever I go away, I always write down my itinerary; even if it’s just a weekend home. Visualizing what I’m doing helps me pack more strategically and avoid packing for wild nights out that never happen.
If you’re going to be lounging by the pool/beach every day, pack more bathing suits than jacket/sneakers. If you’re the type to work out every day, bring a set or two of workout clothes to rotate; but if you’re not a regular gym-goer, odds are you don’t need to pack a gym outfit for each day. An extra t-shirt that you don’t mind sweating in will do should you decide to hit the gym.
Don’t be afraid to be realistic with yourself. It saves you time, stress, and hassle; not to mention the aftermath of more laundry and unpacking.
Questions, concerns, feeling overwhelmed? Message me directly and we can create a packing solution that fits your needs for every trip!