On packing
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| Society6 |
I always underpack (the theory is that if you really need it and forget it, you can most likely buy it where you’re going) and have that dreaded pit-of-my-stomach feeling that I forgot something critical, like underwear or socks (both of which have been forgotten before). At some point, I should film myself packing just to laugh at how I trace and retrace the same steps over and over again. Packing counts as cardio, right?
I pack primarily for the weather. And then extracurricular activities. And then potential black tie events that may be sprung upon me at the last minute. What if I have to meet the Queen? In California. At a regatta. Always be prepared! even though it’s highly unlikely you will need to wear makeup / dress / heels / half chaps this weekend. The worst thing that someone can tell me is “maybe we’ll go do XYZ activity but it’s still undecided.” Although, I’ve long since learned that packing my straightening iron is just adding extra weight to the rack.
One debate I can always count on having with myself is whether or not I bring a laptop and how many books I can stuff into my carry-on. Having fresh reading material on a flight is sacrosanct, and the best airports, in my opinion, are also the ones that have the best bookstores (PDX, you’re winning thus far). In the last few hours before the trip, you’ll find me repacking and throwing in randomness that will 99% not get used / worn but will make me feel more at ease whilst in transit.
Ahh, the anticipation of travel - there’s a certain joy in that even. What anxiety?
I usually travel for work so that's a pretty easy packing situation. But we flew with the kids for the first time in Jan. and you should have seen my lists and how many times I weighed our (to be) checked baggage! We still had to get rid of stuff (shampoo bottle and the hubs' jacket) at the airport, but it wasn't so bad. The worse was expecting warm humid weather in Florida and it was chillllly most of the days. Had to haul everyone to a laundromaut to do wash.
ReplyDeleteHope you have fun wherever you are going!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I could have written this. Packing is, for me...a thing (for lack of a better word). I always end up with way more than I need because I need to be prepared in case we go to a nice restaurant/the weather gets unseasonably cold or hot/it rains all day, in which case I need my umbrella and rain boots, etc. There are waaaaay too many scenarios that almost always never happen.
ReplyDeleteAre you going on a trip for business or pleasure? Safe travels!
I'm lucky, only my outerwear changes with the weather. So packing isn't too much of a challenge. I double check to make sure I have extra shirt (or two) and pair of socks, but that's about it.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!!!
hahaha, this really made me laugh because I can so relate. I am a reformed overpacker, but one thing I no longer had to debate is books. It used to be that I'd bring 3 along and them have to leave some behind because they no longer fit... that's when I decided to get a Kindle, which is great for traveling! No book left behind ;-)
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, have a lovely time!
Not gonna lie...as long as I have enough undies, I'm good to go. I figured...forgetting something means only one thing: shopping when you get to your destination. Booyaa!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, you are traveling and it requires you get on a plane- already you are wining in my book.
ReplyDeleteMy danger zone is when I realize I still have "extra room". That's when the random items get tossed in.
But the one thing I never leave home without is a bathing suit. Whether going to an island or the Arctic Circle, you just never know.
Happy Travels girlie!
Yep. What if it rains, or is cold, or the sun comes out hmmmmm
ReplyDeleteI have to write a list days before I actually pack because I always think of things to add to it. I'd rather forget it on the list then in real life. Once I forgot to pack my contacts AND glasses. Fail.
ReplyDeleteI also tend to under pack. I also always tend to forget something. A toothbrush, shampoo, phone charger...always leave it to me to forget at least one thing!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problems with packing. I hate it and always forget something no matter how many lists I make beforehand. Add a baby into the mix and it's a 100 times more stressful for me. How did I become the default packing parent anyway?
ReplyDeleteNo underwear or socks? Well, as long as you're not going to Siberia. I mean... you know. Breathe in.... breathe out. You can do it, Rooth. No stress.
ReplyDeleteYay to underpacking. :) Packing is my least favorite part but there's a feeling of accomplishment whenever I can fit everything I need in my small (budget airline limit) hand luggage or backpack. A mental victory dance happens when it is barely even close to the weight limit. High five!
ReplyDeleteAh, packing. I tend to fall somewhere in the middle. I doubt I could ever go with just a carry on; but I can go for weeks with a smaller suitcase -- thanks in large part to those fancy packing envelopes, which I love.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, since I'm late the party (as usual), I hope you packed just right and are now frolicking to your heart's content! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures . . .
I want to know how the trip went and how your packing went! I am that person who doesn't like to pack so I throw things in a bag all willy nilly. I've forgotten nice clothes for a New Years trip and am embarrassed over how many times I've slept in jeans because I forgot something to wear to sleep. You'd think I would learn. :( I'm sure you did better and I hope you brought lots of books!
ReplyDeleteI'm a light packer personally, but over pack for little Alexander. My luggage is mostly filled with his things
ReplyDeleteI am so late to the party. I'm a consummate overpacker and have a legit to do list that I print out and check things off of when I am traveling. So what if it's just for a weekend? I need to learn the tricks of the trade.
ReplyDeletePacking lists!
ReplyDelete