Confessions of a Chronic Over-Packer: Why I’m Starting a Suitcase Support Group
The Time I Packed for Every Season… in July
Let’s be honest, packing is a contact sport. It’s a battle of wills between you and that innocent-looking suitcase, a silent war waged with the weapons of “just in case” scenarios and “what if” anxieties. And trust me, I’m a seasoned veteran in this war.
Exhibit A: My trip to sunny Spain. In July.
I swear, I packed for every eventuality. Heatwave? Check. Sudden blizzard? Check. Impromptu Shakespearean play? Double check (hey, a girl’s gotta be prepared). My suitcase resembled a beached whale, groaning under the weight of my entire wardrobe and half my shoe collection. Spoiler alert: I wore approximately 10% of what I packed. The only drama I encountered was trying to wrestle my luggage carousel behemoth into a tiny rental car.
The “Essentials” That Became Suitcase Stowaways
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Convinced that this is the trip we’ll need that sequined ball gown or that inflatable kayak. But somewhere between packing and unpacking, these “essentials” transform into suitcase stowaways, silently judging our questionable life choices.
My personal hall of fame (read: shame):
- A snorkel and mask for a landlocked city break (because, underground rivers?).
- A full-sized ironing board (ironing? On vacation? The audacity!).
- A year’s supply of toiletries (travel-sized? What’s that?).
I’m pretty sure my suitcase has developed its own ecosystem by now, complete with forgotten snacks and a family of dust bunnies.
Embracing Minimalism (Or at Least Trying To)
After years of lugging around the equivalent of a small apartment, I’ve had an epiphany. Packing light is not just a suggestion, it’s a lifestyle choice. A lifestyle choice that I’m actively trying to adopt… emphasis on “trying.”
My current strategy involves:
- Making a list and ruthlessly slashing it in half (okay, maybe a third).
- Embracing the magical invention called “laundry service.”
- Chanting the mantra “You can buy it there” whenever temptation strikes (my bank account may disagree, but hey, at least my back is happy).
It’s a work in progress, but I’m slowly learning to outsmart my inner over-packer. Baby steps, people, baby steps.
So Tell Me, Fellow Travelers… Are You Team Over-Packer or Team Minimalist?
Share your packing triumphs and disasters in the comments below! Let’s commiserate, laugh, and maybe even learn a thing or two from each other’s packing misadventures. Because let’s face it, the struggle is real (and often hilarious).