I can't pack.

[Silent1CB]

I have this problem all the time trying to pack to go away. I have lists. I have small piles of stuff. But I tend to pack too much stuff. Not clothes but other stuff.

I start with stuff and clothes go in last. Stuff seems to me more important to me than what clothes I take.

Its a mental block I know. DH & the clock are usually forcing me to make decisions at the last minute.

I don't want to be this way. And DH isn't here this time to help me get it done.

How do YOU pack? Maybe I should be doing clothes first because its easier for me? But I don't want to be packing clothes days ahead so they get wrinkled.

HELP. I hate this feeling. It drives me nuts.

 

[LunaLovegood]

You can't wear just your jewelry, just your toiletries, or just your umbrellas. I would definitely suggest packing the clothes first!

 

[Kath2003]

I pack sparingly.
I'm realistic about what I need and how many times it can be used.
I don't take "home comforts".
They have stores in other cities.

 

[Silent1CB]

Problem arises because we don't take normal vacations. We fly into an area, do a 2 week road trip moving around a lot covering 1 or more states, doing lots of different things from hiking to some sightseeing.

And we incorporate another hobby we have along with it, and that hobby demands a certain amount of stuff too - especially electronics. So we've got GPS, batteries, chargers, laptop & car adaptor, cameras, backpacks & hiking gear to some degree. No fancy clothes or jewelry. We do laundry so clothes aren't 2 wks worth.

Its because of the hobby & all that gear, that I think I focus on stuff first. Yes, clothes & toiletries easy to buy if you forget. Certain electronics & hiking gear not as easy to obtain if you forget. And you don't want to be out on the trail when you realize you don't have something.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

Problem arises because we don't take normal vacations. We fly into an area, do a 2 week road trip moving around a lot covering 1 or more states, doing lots of different things from hiking to some sightseeing.

And we incorporate another hobby we have along with it, and that hobby demands a certain amount of stuff too - especially electronics. So we've got GPS, batteries, chargers, laptop & car adaptor, cameras, backpacks & hiking gear to some degree. No fancy clothes or jewelry. We do laundry so clothes aren't 2 wks worth.

Its because of the hobby & all that gear, that I think I focus on stuff first. Yes, clothes & toiletries easy to buy if you forget. Certain electronics & hiking gear not as easy to obtain if you forget. And you don't want to be out on the trail when you realize you don't have something.

I think that's our problem as well, so we pack stuff first too. Last year, we went hiking for 5 days and forgot a compass and tent stakes so that was a nightmare. I also forgot a t-shirt so I only had tank tops or my light jacket... no big deal. I think stuff on trips like that, is more important than clothes.

And I agree. If I forget my paddle for my kayak, I can't just go to any store and pick one up. But if I forget socks, usually I can find those anywhere.

 

[Silent1CB]

I think that's our problem as well, so we pack stuff first too. Last year, we went hiking for 5 days and forgot a compass and tent stakes so that was a nightmare. I also forgot a t-shirt so I only had tank tops or my light jacket... no big deal. I think stuff on trips like that, is more important than clothes.

And I agree. If I forget my paddle for my kayak, I can't just go to any store and pick one up. But if I forget socks, usually I can find those anywhere.

well glad I'm not crazy then.

I'm setting my mind to it & I'm going to work on it. I just wish DH was here to help. Ugh. I called a friend who is going with us, but he can't come help for a few days. I think by then I'll have it under control. I better.

 

[laurie31]

I understand about the stuff, too!

We had our camera bag stolen one year on vacation. We had the cameras with us, but lost the chargers. Once the batteries went dead, we had no way to recharge them, and they were useless. Since the chargers are different for nearly every camera, we couldn't just go out and buy new ones. In fact, one of the cameras was older and they no longer made the charger. We even looked on eBay. We just had to buy a new camera. (I wanted a new camera anyway, but it was still frustrating).

So make a list of all the stuff you NEED, and then all the stuff you think you MIGHT need, and pare it down from there. That way you can see if you're taking too much, and you won't forget anything really important.

I once packed at the last minute and started just throwing stuff in "just in case" and ended up with way too much stuff!

 

[Imzadi]

And we incorporate another hobby we have along with it, and that hobby demands a certain amount of stuff too - especially electronics. So we've got GPS, batteries, chargers, laptop & car adaptor, cameras, backpacks & hiking gear to some degree. No fancy clothes or jewelry. We do laundry so clothes aren't 2 wks worth.

When are you leaving? I'd ship this stuff to my hotel by UPS with tracking, if there is time. It may even cost's less than to pay for checked in baggage. That is expensive and necessary stuff to lose in checked in bags, or to get stolen, if they rummage through luggage.


I love the pictures I saw of some of your previous trips. I've been to Yosemite. <sigh!> Great place. You two look happy in your photos.

 

[Silent1CB]

When are you leaving? I'd ship this stuff to my hotel by UPS with tracking, if there is time. It may even cost's less than to pay for checked in baggage. That is expensive and necessary stuff to lose in checked in bags, or to get stolen, if they rummage through luggage.


I love the pictures I saw of some of your previous trips. I've been to Yosemite. <sigh!> Great place. You two look happy in your photos.

Our airfare includes 1 suitcase & 1 carryon each - no extra charge. I sincerely hope to make that limit & not exceed it. Last time, we had 3 suitcases, but I've reduced a lot since that trip & some of it we didn't need. So I have a better idea this time of what I can get away with not bringing. I'm thinking 2 suitcases & 1 carryon, plus DH's laptop bag is going to have to be it. Also, no heavy layers of clothes as there really better not be any unexpected snow & hail storms this time.

We leave Wed.

Glad you liked the pictures. I think that trip has been my all time favorite. I don't expect this one to be as beautiful but still happy to be going.

 

[Imzadi]

The, if need be, ship the clothes if they don't fit. They are much lighter. Do bring rain gear. I've heard it's always rainy in that part of the country.

I'll talk to you before Wed. But, have a great trip. I know you both want to get this in before he deploys.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

You're going to the Pacific NW right? I didn't see it mentioned here but I think I remember reading about it before.

You definitely won't have to worry about snow or hail. Once summer officially starts (according to the weather, not the calendar) it doesn't rain at all until at least September. You're coming during a good part of the summer... everything is GORGEOUS right now. In the end of summer, a good handful of plantlife dies off without the rain.

And luckily, as it is a very outdoorsy area, finding outdoor activity equipment isn't too hard, just in case you did leave something behind .

 

[Silent1CB]

Yup, WA, OR & BC. I've been watching your weather. I'm very happy with the 60s & 70s temps you are having. There might still me some snow on a trail or 2 at higher elevations, but that's ok.