Packing Problems

My husband always gives me a hard time about my packing methods for trips. When it comes to packing, I start making a list of what I want to take long before we leave… sometimes a month before! I know myself and I know what will happen if I wait.

I get stressed out just looking at that picture!! When I wait until the last minute I panic and start throwing random articles of clothing into my bag!

One of my biggest problems is over packing… I like to have options!! Sometimes I pick out enough so I can have three outfit choices a day when realistically I only need one! This is a habit I am trying to work on. Making my list helps. It gives me time to narrow down the options to just one outfit per day and one per night we will be out!! I like to remind myself that the less I pack, the more room I will have for purchases!!

A tip for over packers – roll your clothes!! It saves so much room in the suitcase!

Another tip I have read many times is to pack travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This will keep your toiletry bag from becoming too bulky and taking up too much room in your suitcase. I personally have a hard time doing this. I always worry I will run out of something before the trip is over!!

Speaking of travel sized toiletries, never throw them away before you get home! I threw away my travel toothbrush and toothpaste once before leaving the hotel, as luck would have it our flight was canceled and we had to spend the night at LeGuadia airport. I don’t mean at a hotel near the airport, I mean on the floor of baggage claim! Sadly it was not the first time I had to spend the night in an airport, but it was the worst!!