Or are you able to keep it to a minimum? I am going away for a week and I find my suitcase filling up fast....since the weather has been cooler here someday..then on the verge of hot I need to pack for both types of weather. So are you good at keeping it to a minimum? Or do you find yourself overpacking?
[question posted by jillhill]
responses and comments:
when travelling i dont want to do have a lagguage thats going to bother me when carrying it..i prefer to carry a few shirts, trousers, and a sweater plus jacket..a flashlight and a pair of shorts for sleeping..so keep it at minimal at any cost. [deewinc]
Raises hand!Yup, I do overpack. Although it has been a long time since we had an overnight anywhere when I do go overnight I have more bags than necessary and they have more things inside than one could possibly use in a weekend. However, I do try to pack less and less each time we go away. The last time I went away for a weekend at the beach I packed 1 pair of pants and a long sleeved shirt or sweater (in case it gets cold),1 pair of socks, undies (2-3 so you can wash and wear), nightgown (if you wear one), 2 sets of shorts, 2 summer tops, My swim suit and a towel. Make sure that all of the items you are bringing are color coordinated so you can mix and match. Small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a small bar of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brush, sunblock, moisturizer, ibuprofen, pack of tissue, lip balm, deodorant, my hair dryer (in case the hotel didn't supply one), perfume. Geez, did I forget anything? [ElusiveButterfly]
Are you trying to tell me that I need to unpack half my stuff? LOL [jillhill]
Normally when i travel i think i will plan good my bsuitcase or package so iused not to be overpacked as well eheh!! It happened i guess that when you come in different travels sometimes you need a bi more things and so if you was not able to plan as good your case in some cases you can tend to overpack it for all kind of purposes..so it depends but normally i will stay in normal parameters!! [tonyllenium]
You are right! [jillhill]
I was a girl scout and what I really learned was how to pack. what I do is write down what I am going to wear each day from head to toe. I take the underwear and bra and socks and roll it with the shirt and shorts or jeans.Then I have the total outfit all together. Then you can add a sweater or whatever you need to keep warm. Or the bathing suit. by writing it down, my touch I don't remember that at girl scouts,I can check everything off so I don't miss anything. so I don't over pack. [sarahruthbeth22]
Thanks for the best response. [sarahruthbeth22]
i tend to overpack... and i hate myself for it... the last time we traveled, i had three luggage, which i think to me is really a stupid thing to do... lol... i dont know, but i just tend to do it, even though i just bring out a few things, those that are important, when im done packing what i see are not few things packed... i have so many what ifs i my mind when i pack lol... maybe that's why i always overpack... [jayrene]
next time that i'll go on travel, i will surely try to pack lightly, there's some offer here about no charge in less baggage... i think whatever i need that i havent put in my baggage, i'll just buy it wherever i am going... and my clothes i will just have to bring it to the laundry all the time...lol because im planning of bringing less of it. [jayrene]
I overpack but I am going to vist my dad in september and I am going to try to packlight. [spikelives]
Hmmmm over packing in my case lol I hope you have a lovely time away [gabs8513]
I will....take care of yourself and gissi! [jillhill]
Oh my goodness, did this bring up another memory. Quite a few years ago my daughter and I decided to go camping for a week. We both love it, and I was recently divorced so it was a great way to get some r&r. Welllll, now, can you imagine 2 women going in one car, all the camping equipment, tents, screenhouse, food, clothes, Colman stove, wood, blankets, pillows,..you name it, we took it. After all, we were going for a week, right? Haha, I have to laugh, the car was sooooo packed I had to drive bent over my steering wheel, and it was about 20-30 miles away. As soon as we got there it started drizzling, go figure. What a fun time we had though, it was excellent! We took all kinds of pictures because it was so hard to believe what that car looked like, lol! I wish I had some on my computer but I don't. It was one of the best times I ever had. Oh yeh, and I want to mention that the first night we ended up sleeping in the car, HAHAHA! We were both walking towards the screenhouse late at night, all is quiet, and what do we hear?...a very low growl. Just like in the movies we both did a Batman turn and walked straight to the car and got in. Once inside we laughed our heads off because of how we must have looked, and how we both did exactly the same thing at the same time. It was hysterical and I'm cracking up right now just thinking about it. Needless to say, we stayed there all night in the car just being totally and completely silly. What fun......Thanks for the memory, and all because you asked if we overpack, lol! [Kashmeresmycat]
Oh camping can be sooo much fun! I can really picture all those little rascal raccoons just having a ball with all those toys!, haha! That's more than likely what growled at us, probably a Mama raccoon with her baby and we got way toooo close. We got the picture real quick too, haha! She probably went home and told all her little raccoon friends how silly we looked sleeping in the car that night when there was a big old tent right next to it..hahhaaahaa!!! [Kashmeresmycat]
I just went on a week long trip in a weekend bag, but it is summer. But I actually underpacked as a family member ended up in the hospital and I did not have muchin the way of nice slacks to wear to the hospital. The trip I went on before that I was going to be gone more than a month and going to be in 4 different climates, from the mountains of Colorado to the high desert in Utah to southern Arizona and then to the southern Texas coast. It seems I overpacked for that trip, but looking back I used almost everything I packed. I had three bags and the only thing I could have done better is devide the climates into seperate bags so I did not have to take as many out at one time. Live and learn. Better to much than to little. Sometimes there is simply not a washer handy. [lawana_f]
That is a good idea.....sarahruthbeth above had another good idea for packing..next time I am going to do it her way! [jillhill]
Hey jill! The more we "talk" the more I realize how very much alike we really are!lol I am the "queen of overpackers"! I don't travel much, but when I do I want to take the whole closet with me! I just can never decide what to take since I can't figure out what I want to wear in advance! And then, as you said there is the weather problem! When I go to visit my mother in Florida you would think I was packing for a month! And then I still don't have what I want to wear anyway! [Opal26]
Oh My! We are very much alike! LOL [jillhill]
I always always always overpack..Just went on an 8 day cruise and could of survived with 3 outfits and mixed and matched them but instead I have to take almost all my summer clothes in an extra large suitcase..I totally overstuffed the luggage to get all my stuff in there and then on the ship hardly wear any of the clothes that are in the bag. I do it everytime. I really need to utilize my space and learn to mix and match outfits so I can travel lighter. If you figure out how to do this let me know ok [PEETRE]
Well so far I have about half my summer clothes in my suitcase.....I'll let you know if I figure it out! LOL [jillhill]
I DON'T GO ANYWHERE much anymore but when i use to i always overpacked. Of course even doing that i usually forgot something important.U HAVE A GOOD TIME. [ANTIQUELADY]
I've been adding to my suitcase all day! LOL..everytime I think of something! [jillhill]
I never over pack for a trip. I'm what most people would call a minimalist. Not to mention, I hate lugging around what feels like boulders in a bag. My motto in life is to keep things simple. If you want 4 things you most probably would be satisfied with only two of those items. [ahmeertahmad]
I know you are right! [jillhill]
im not good at keeping it minimum at all. i always pack more than i need. but as my son always says "better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it"lol [bunnybon7]
I like your sons way of thinking! LOL [jillhill]
I hate to be burdened by heavy luggage, and try to pack just the basics. However I often find that I'd end up with extra clothes (I always fear that I would catch cold or get wet)and undies. Even when I was backpacking, I still ended up with some clothes I hadn't worn during the trip. lol [lazeebee]
I did pretty good when I went to Europe...then they lost my luggage and I had to buy two outfits so I had clothes to wear until they found my bag! LOL [jillhill]
I overpack. If it's warmer weather, I make sure we have pants and jackets just in case it's cold. I also like to pack a few extra outfits just in case, especially for the kids. You just never know! [katsmeow1213]
That's for sure...with kids you need to pack extra. [jillhill]
I only pack those things that i really need. But since im a girl..There's a lot of stuff need to bring with myself. But still i put limit on it. So, it wont be hard for me to carry it..^_^ [ayis12]
On a five-day trip, I brought one backpack. The trick is to plan your trip- what clothes to wear on what day. Pick light materials and those that do not need ironing and not easily soiled. If it is gonna be a cold weather, try layering clothes and mix and match layers so you don't look like you are wearing the same set twice. The nearest laundromat can be very helpful, too so won;t have to bring lots of clothes. [sikat101]
VEry good advice! [jillhill]
As a woman overpacking is almost like a Religious act. I really try to keep it minimal as I hate having to deal with so many luggages especilly if they are heavy. Sometimes I succeed but most times I dont. [tjades]
There's always those thing you have to include you can't live without! LOL [jillhill]
my personnel view iam using 2 set of uniform only for short period going out side home if going for at least one or more weak iam using then need more uniform or big bag for travel , [anandjee]
I never overpack when traveling. One reason is that the luggage will be too heavy. I usually just bring clothes for half the time I am staying in that country. Then I just go shopping and wear the new clothes I bought. My friends are always amazed at how light my luggage or backpack is when we are traveling or going on an outing. [zzyw87]
Sounds like you are good at keeping it down! [jillhill]
I think there is no need of overpacking becauase one has to carrry only that thing which we really requires instead of filling up the two or three bags and we do not use it.so try to avoid filling of bags while travelling and take that thing which one really requires. [nitu1952]
That's good advice. [jillhill]
I would rather underpack my bags if I could…coz I know I'll have to carry them myself. In that way, summer travel is always better…I can carry a bare minimum set of clothings and some sachet of washing powder…with the blazing Indian sun, they are bound to dry up if I just hang them on the hotel balcony while I go sightseeing. I have always done that! However, winter travel is a big setback on my suitcase…I do have to carry proper woolen clothings for the entire family and that really overburdens by luggage. [sudiptacallingu]
That's the problem here....it's hot one day...cold the next. [jillhill]
i think i do overpack sometimes.. not with clothes but with other things like bringing a woolen blanket instead of a jacket or a small pillow.. i try to place these things plus my clothes and toiletries inside my suitcase.. for an overnight at a friend's house, i still pack a lot of clothes, i keep reminding myself that it's just for emergencies :) [orevro]
Yes...its the unknown that makes us pack more! [jillhill]
I usually tend to under pack. Especially when I'm going to visit my parents or my sister. Lucky for me I don't have to take 2 sets of clothes because I can always borrow stuff from my mom or my sister and they don't mind at all. Maybe because I'm the only family member who is living 2000 km away. When flying I want to take only hand luggage. [nosferatu07]
Same here if I am flying....I do much better. [jillhill]
A suitcase can weigh a few kilos before anything is packed in it. I find a backpack a lighter and more convenient type of luggage. They do say " halve the baggage and double the money". There is much truth in that saying. When I took my toddler son to Latvia our baggage allowance was 15 kg. That taught me about only taking essentials. It was a joy carrying that luggage. For our trip to South Africa I took few clothes that made great sense. I have learned how to keep my luggage to a minimum but it took years to master. In my backpack I put clothes in the lower compartment and side pockets. In the top compartment I pack my toiletries, my towel and my clothes washing equipment. I take a camping plate, cup and cultery. I take one book, a note book and pen. I put an empty day pack at the top pocket. I put my camera, memory cards and batteries in my hand bag. I keep all valuables in my money belt. [maximax8]
You have it down to a science! [jillhill]
One big traveling bag is all I need. I don't like to travel with lot's of bags. I might forget some of them If I'm on a hurry.happy [reckon21]
That is also true! [jillhill]
Even if i wanted too, but if it tends to be heavy and hubby is going to complain about how heavy he is going to carry since he knew me that when we go back, I would add more because I would buy a lot of things and stuffs w00t So i tend to carry less clothes and then buy things i need to the place we would stay and visit and that is what I do practice now. I pack less but when we go home, I would buy more so that the bag will be full and both of us would carry, lolz although I do carry the weight less part of the packagelol [strawberrychocodahi]
Good thing your hubby carries things for you! [jillhill]
I don't like overpacking.So I usually pack some small things.Like books.mobile.and MP3 player.Others like shirts and trousers.I will buy them in the place where I travel.it is traveling.not a burden. [yinqing]
Good thinking! [jillhill]
Before I tend to overpack, even tried going to the beach once with a really really big luggage. LOL. Now though, I tend to Underpack ( if there is such a term. hehe.). I hate bringing a big luggage or bags to vacations, so I only pack those that I really need, and clothes that I would really wear. One good tip though is to pack clothes that you could wear a lot of times, and that you can wear anytime of the day and anywhere. =) [Ingkingderders]
That's a very good tip. [jillhill]
when i go for a long trip,i usually prefer to take very few dresses.i dont want to carry heavy luggages...i want to be free for myself...so i do always carry a small bag with only most necessary things...it will definitely make my trip easier as well as happier...so i think having less weight luggages makes our trip jolly....happy mylotting... [anonymousagent]
I find myself overpacking all the time. I come home with so many clean clothes that I didn't wear but have to wash them because they are wrinkled. Am going to visit our daughter next month and will try to fit all my things in a carry on. Checking a suitcase would be ok too. Takes too long to get the luggage in the St. Louis airport when coming back home. [carolbee]
Something else I thought about doing was to send a few clothes ahead and have less to carry on. Wouldn't cost that much to send things in advance. Thinking more in terms of tops and shorts, not jeans. This trip I have some souvenirs to take to our grandkids so my suitcase will be crowded and heavy. [carolbee]
I actually used to pack so I could take a carry on, but the older I have gotten I tend to take more things than I actually need. I have gotten to the point that I want to have choices on what to wear not just a predetermined number of outfits. What if I change my mind, what if it is cold, what if it is hot, etc. All those questions go through my mind. I used to also just take makeup, skin lotion and face lotion. Now it is all of those and the eye cream, foot cream, hair gels, hairspray, etc and more. Definitely have turned into a overpacker!!!!!! shocked [ryzach]
The truthy is, everytime i travel, i always have a checklist. However, the biggest bulk would always be the food, as it is of so much fun to be traveling while eating all the junk food with the members of the family. Well, that is the only time that i let them eat junk food. Also, in case that the car runs into trouble, at least we would still have enough food supply before somebody comes to fix the car. Therefore, the biggest overpack that i have would always be food and beverages, and of course, water. I also do that when we go out of the country. Overpacking food is just fine, as they are consumables. For the food, well, they are calculated as to how many days they will have clothes to wear everyday. [safejunk]
i always take too much with me no matter how hard i try not to. i like to make sure that i have something different to wear each day. something for the beach, something for general wear and something to wear when i go out at night. i usually find myself taking anough for a month and i return with a suitcase half full of clothes that i didn't even unpack. however, it's better to take too much than to not take enough. [robert67]
That's what I did.....half the clothes I didn't even wear! [jillhill]
When I travel with my kids, I sure do. Better to have and not need. I pack light for myself though.I can usually put everything for me into a medium duffle. [ersmommy1]
good for you! it's an art packing for children! [jillhill]
Yes when im travelling i always bring al0t of things thats why it to0k me al0t of time packing my lagguage / my things..My friends always t0ld me that it l0oks like i bring my house on road.Lol,the reas0n why i bring alot f0r example extra shirts,f0ods,etc.So that i d0nt have to buy on the road on the things that i didnt im just being practical in the sence that earning m0ney n0wadays is so hard. [brokenwings24]
If I am going for a travel I don't overpack too much in my bag. I want to keep it in a minimum where I can easily manage or carry my pack wherever I go. Especially if you are in a bus, it is very hard to carry to much baggage with you so it is important to keep it to the minimum. [kaguvkov]
LOL...I am definitely an over packer....when I go away, I pack for every season and every scenario possible and I end up lugging 5 suitcases behind me. I am getting better but I have a long way to go! [angemac23]
I always over pack. Its a habit really. I tend to think I may need more then I think. I did that alot even with my diaper bag. I would put double of everything when half of it end up unused. But the way I see it its better then being underprepared. [jessi0887]
no i only bring necessary stuff..just one bag..too many luggage will bring more problem and keep me slow while travelling.. [unicorn4154]
Hi, i do. I always over pack my luggage when going to travel. It is because i will feel more safe if i bring extra clothes to travel. So i always over pack it. Everything i bring extra. That's me. Happy Myloting!!! [lchiat]
whenI first started travelling I always over packed but now I am much more sensible I take clothes that I can mix and match and I roll everything up but take a cardigan and some jackets mgraham126 [mgraham126]
Sometimes I find myself over packing my favorite suits in preparing my travel. But trying to have it lightly. I have to choose which the better to bring and make final decision for it. Girls are more cautious of everything than boys I think. [geniustiger]
hello there jillhill..... this topic makes me laugh.... i often pack too much when i go somewhere..... when i am living for let's say 3 days.... i will be packing clothes that is good for 4 or 5 days.... i always bring extra clothes if in case the dress gets wet or something like that happen, at least i have an extra clothe that i can wear.that is why my friends always say that "aren't you going back home?" or "did you bring with you the whole house?" hahahaha.... this is me! i always over pack. have a nice day... [bhabytart]
When I go out for traveling, I never overpack. I don't like to take too much things with me when I go for travelling. In my opinion, Going for traveling is to relax and buy something new. So I would take a big empty pack to store the things I buy when I am travelling. I would take a pack with the cellphone ,purse with small changes and credit card with me. It's very simple and I can enjoy my travel without carrying a big pack. But when I return, I usually carry a heavy pack with lots of goods I buy when I am traveling. [zepoiou]
I'm dreadful at packing but am working on getting better. Did quite well when I wnet to my daughter last February. I always pack without much planning and seem to pack the wierdest things. I am dreading packing for my cruise but my daughter will be around to help me. 2 changes of clothes per day for 7 days and then clothes for the day before and after before I return to JA. I just don't have that many clothes so we wil have to be creative with some overnioght wash and wear! [cynthiann]
Sounds like fun! [jillhill]
I am not a overpacker but a underpacker...Everytime I go any where I never pack enough clothes,ect..I always need something I forgot to pack...So I am a underpacker and it drives me crazy...Its better to have more of something that you need then to have not enough of what you need... [PoetryPose]
I always overpack. Without fail, I overpack. You never know what you'll need is my theory, but I usually end up regretting it. My husband on the other hand, hardly packs a thing, but he remembers the vitamin pills, sinus allergy pills, etc. [westernangel]
When traveling,I will bsuitcase or parcels planned to use it when necessary,if you have no plans to package,and in prepare,depending on,I content at the tine of the trip to set! [anni198]
Hey happy I always pack to much on each trip . I even back way too much when it is just over night somewhere LOL and always have . But here is the thing I always pack what I dont need and forget what I do need . I usually make it to New York City the end of September and get in the fall mode, and will pack jeans , and hoodies ... For some freak reasons there is always a huge warm up and I see on the weather and its not so bad I think and then there is a few degree more LOL . This year capris and tees and why not a hoodie . Hey with my luck there will be snow . [metschica25]
hi jillhill, when i travel i wish to travel with less luggage, but i have to carry so many things for winter only that is swatter that covers the upper body from cold, but i am travel ling very very less [yugasini]
Yes I do tend to overpack. I recently went on an overnight trip and pacled more clothes than I needed. I do this in case I want to change clothes several times a day or just to have more choices. And of course you nevew know when you might have an accident...like spilling a drink on your clothes or maybe it rains and you get soaked. I am known as the one who is always prepared - be it clotheds, medicine, maps, batteries, first aid, etc. I would rather have what I need and more than not enough. [lulu1220]
I'm a minimum person. In order to do that, I always brings clothes that can be mix and match with each other, have neutral colors and the fabric is not heavy (one jeans only allowed). I always do this for every occasion beat it holidays or business trip. Plus, I hate traveling with more than one suitcase. [ingridrepi]
I am good in keeping it minimum because I hate bringing heavy luggage, it can be exhausted. I bring what I need the most and what is practical. I always packing enough for 1 luggage or smaller backpacks is better. happyhappyhappy [shikaymaru]
Hi jillhill, it's rather difficult to carry big and heavy luggage while travelling. Baggage elevator is not available in all the places we visit. I always try my best not to over pack the travelling load. I would like to take one or two extra clothes for standby. I find it's much relaxed and convenient just to carry only stuffs which are essential. If travelling by plane I usually would like to carry my big luggage as registered check one for the sake of convenience. I carry with me only a light backpack We could enjoy do some purchasing during our travelling if the luggage still has vacancy to dump some souvenirs in it happy Happy posting happy [lkbooi]
I always try to keep it minimal but always got over sized and every time i get back at home i make promise to myself that next time i will never do this again [rockydam83]
I want to remain free of loads and cares while travelling.Travelling becomes an unforgottable experince if you don't have a lot of bags and suitcases with you.You remain carefree and your travel becomes a pleasent entertainment.It is advisable to keep your load to a minimum while travelling. [saumitrakumar]
I usually travel light. As much as possible I only carry what I need. In fact for those things that I can secure to where I am going, I just buy them along there. The thing is, I find it easy to move when I only carry little things and light things. It also makes me feel great. I really hate it when I am carrying heavy loads which makes you very uncomfortable. [ladyjinggay]
In the past I sometimes overpacked, but I have learned to travel light. I never bring more than one suitcase and one handbag. I like to travel on my own, and I don't always make reservations from home. I like to be spontanious and to find a place to stay when I get to my destination, but sometimes I have can't find a place straight away, so I have to walk from place to place. In those situations it is not nice to have a lot of luggage and that is one of reasons why I have learned to travel light. It often makes things a lot easier. [Porcospino]
yes i do. as in always. it serves me well because i hate the feeling that i left something important. i also make it a point to bring extra clothes for emergency. if i have a small suitcase and it's only a short trip, i make sure i bring all the essentials. traveling means a lot of packing and packing means a lot of planning what to bring. i guess it's all a matter of thinking in advance. [edelweiza]
I think you are right! [jillhill]
hi jill! ^^ it's been a long time. i hope you're doing good. i tend to overpack. i'm just really a girl. lol i have a lot of things i want to bring when i'm going for a travel especially accessories and clothes. for example, i will be on a travel for three days, i won't just bring three sets of outdoor clothes, i would bring 4-5 so i will have some choices. ^^;; i also like wearing different accessories each day. with shoes and slippers i'm fine with just one. thank God for that. like during my last travel, i really overpacked. i had three blouses that i wasn't able to use and some accessories i didn't even use. it crowded my things and it made my bag heavy. ^^;; [secretbear]
It has been a long time! HOw are you? [jillhill]
I learned the hard way about over-packing on my first voyage overseas. However, if I'm just traveling around the state, I tend to over-pack just a little bit. Never too much. It's hard being practical about taking everything you need and still trying to not stuff your suitcase at the same time. =/ [baldypriest]
I ended up taking half my clothes out and just putting them away when I got home...never even used them! [jillhill]
Hello jillhill. Each time when I take a short trip, I will just bring with me some small things that I need to use, but if I take a long trip back home, I will pack more things. Because I prepare some Gifts for my family, big or small. Sometimes the things I pack are over-packed and super-heavy that I get very tired after getting home though I try not to make myself so tired. happy [williamjisir]
I know what you mean! [jillhill]
Goodness I ALWAYS overpack. I never even end up touching half of what I bring with me when I travel, but I still always feel the need to bring it. Who cares if I wont wear 5 pairs of shoes on a weekend trip... What if I do? Ugh. I need to get better at that. [allisonbrk]
I know! I guess we just have too many choices! LOL [jillhill]
while packing for any outing its important to take care that you pack only those things that are most used by you and are necessary to be caried for a short duration trip. the most essential things to tbe packed would be your self Cleaning pack and the rest could be around 3 pairs of out door clothes and 2 pairs of night clothes and your foot wear . i think with this the packing for a week would be good enough. If you are a good reader then 1- 2 books would also be essential. [midgefaria]
Very good advice! [jillhill]
I tend to overpack and this trip it turned out to be a good thing because we intended to be away 4 days and ended up being gone 6 months. In fact, we may not be going back ever. In a case like that it is good to have more instead of less. [drannhh]