Over-packing

Hi Pigeon, just finished (well almost) packing myself and agree wholeheartedly with everything you write. A total nightmare for me too, have tried the list idea which works for me if only a wknd away but never for a longer holiday. Have had stuff laid out on spare bed for a couple of days now and started actually packing this am. with the idea of casting aside a fair amount of it all but ended up with all in the case bar 2 T-shirts - aaargh!!! I know I'll end up wearing the same few things over and over again and will bring back 50% unworn but think it's a security blanket type of thing for me. Still need to decide on shoes.....

Hi Pigeon, just finished (well almost) packing myself and agree wholeheartedly with everything you write. A total nightmare for me too, have tried the list idea which works for me if only a wknd away but never for a longer holiday. Have had stuff laid out on spare bed for a couple of days now and started actually packing this am. with the idea of casting aside a fair amount of it all but ended up with all in the case bar 2 T-shirts - aaargh!!! I know I'll end up wearing the same few things over and over again and will bring back 50% unworn but think it's a security blanket type of thing for me. Still need to decide on shoes.....

Hi Pigeon, just finished (well almost) packing myself and agree wholeheartedly with everything you write. A total nightmare for me too, have tried the list idea which works for me if only a wknd away but never for a longer holiday. Have had stuff laid out on spare bed for a couple of days now and started actually packing this am. with the idea of casting aside a fair amount of it all but ended up with all in the case bar 2 T-shirts - aaargh!!! I know I'll end up wearing the same few things over and over again and will bring back 50% unworn but think it's a security blanket type of thing for me. Still need to decide on shoes.....

Hi Pigeon, just finished (well almost) packing myself and agree wholeheartedly with everything you write. A total nightmare for me too, have tried the list idea which works for me if only a wknd away but never for a longer holiday. Have had stuff laid out on spare bed for a couple of days now and started actually packing this am. with the idea of casting aside a fair amount of it all but ended up with all in the case bar 2 T-shirts - aaargh!!! I know I'll end up wearing the same few things over and over again and will bring back 50% unworn but think it's a security blanket type of thing for me. Still need to decide on shoes.....

Hi Pigeon, just finished (well almost) packing myself and agree wholeheartedly with everything you write. A total nightmare for me too, have tried the list idea which works for me if only a wknd away but never for a longer holiday. Have had stuff laid out on spare bed for a couple of days now and started actually packing this am. with the idea of casting aside a fair amount of it all but ended up with all in the case bar 2 T-shirts - aaargh!!! I know I'll end up wearing the same few things over and over again and will bring back 50% unworn but think it's a security blanket type of thing for me. Still need to decide on shoes.....

Yes we get it !!!

Definitely make list although always take too much too! Have left plenty of things out there! My daughter lives abroad, so have access to washing machine. I end up taking things I haven't worn and some I do, which I bring home. A couple of bikinis/ costumes, a cover up, a couple of day dresses,shorts, light trousers and t shirts/vests, sandals, a maxi dress for evening and if of course it's a cruise take the glam!

Sorry just read it's a beach holiday

If I was Dereks wife and did his packing I would forget to pack his under crackers what a nice person he is !

Derek

That's just not fair. OP has asked the question because she's having trouble with packing. People who post questions do so because they can't work out the best way forward themselves. I worked with someone once who worried herself every day getting ready for a rail trip - different place virtually every day. She was, in all other respects very very organised and actually colour coded all her clothing at home.

I believe Derek is a troll, he hasn't been back - has he posted on any other thread? Don't these people get fed up trying (and failing) to wind up the grans (and grandads!)

We've just returned from three nights (4 days) in Malta. I took four pairs of sandals, 4 skirts, 2 cardigans, 2 pairs of trousers, 5 tops, 3 dresses, a jacket, a swimsuit - ridiculous.

I have really enjoyed reading this thread and, yes, I am just the same and take far too much 'just in case' (literally!)
My tip is to get some luggage scales and weigh your case before you go so no panic at the airport - this gives me peace of mind.

So Pigeon know you are not alone and have a great holiday (and just hope the lovely Derek is NOT staying at the same resort!! Nor where I am going either, of course)

I rarely pack different for dinner-night than day. Waste of space, imo.

I went on a Jules Verne cruise a few years ago - small boat, very relaxed, also very hot.

Shorts or cut-offs were essential day wear, also long sleeve shirts - I wore a vest top under - and big hat and visor. Swimwear of course, and a wrap.

The most stylish woman on board wore black pants and top every night, with a selection of beautiful scarves and exciting jewellery - she told me she was travelling alone on to Ankara and wasn't prepared to carry heavy luggage!

I of course have never been able to emulate her!

www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-4504538/The-packing-hacks-need-know-summer.html

Me too Pigeon. It's difficult to keep it down when you need clothes for hot and cold weather , casual (for walking etc) and posher for evenings, I do try to have a general colour scheme so everything pretty much goes with everything else. I pile everything on the spare bed ( nowhere near as organised as some of you! ) then the day before I try to fit into all in the case and find I cant or its overweight, so I take it out again, remove some item (reluctantly) and try again till its all in. Then just before we go I panic and shove some extra things in (they have on come in handy.)
You can buy easy wash/drip dry overnight items at most walking/outdoor shops - both DH and I have daytime walking shirts and trousers that I can wash and dry overnight (I take metal hangers which I hang over shower rail and hand wash liquid) and which need no ironing. IncidentallyI only have one swimming costume, so only take one! Ditto shorts. We Dont do beach holidays!

Loads of good ideas on here!
I find it easier packing for us if going on holiday here in the UK.If going abroad it always seems harder somehow.The last time we went somewhere hot, I did really well with not taking much at all but when we got there realised I had been too minimal, no sandals at all (!) forgot them, and not enough tops ( had to go and buy them.)

Really enjoying all these zany practices. You are all quite mad but very funny with it. Have to elaborate on my spreadsheets today that HONESTLY I take no longer than 15 mins to pack ever. I am just plain lazy I guess. I always think if I've forgotten an essential I can surely buy it somewhere. Hasn't happened yet but.......hey! Would add that I roll everything in my suitcase as it creases far less. (a tip I learned in the Navy) and I stuff my shoes with odds and sods. Also on my S/h is the reminder stuff like 'check heating and cooker off' 'lock back door'. I'm forgetful as well as lazy. None of these items gets ticked on the document until I've actually done the deed - learned that the hard way! I'm currently on the train on my way back from a week in Worcester and I've only tomorrow to be in and out for a trip to Annecy on Wednesday. Ain't retirement grand! Keep your fun antics coming ladies. I'm loving it. Fastest train journey inages!

This thread has been VERY helpful... thanks to all. We are going to the Algarve soon for just a few days. and were restricted to a cabin bag each, but DH wants a check in... go figure! So I will just try to follow the everything-goes-with-everything rule. Except for bathing suit which is SO unfashionable, but it has a slight skirt in front. No intention of getting a wax.

I'm just the same and it seems there are a lot of us! Have you read the guest blog 'Around the world with hand-luggage'? Has some very useful tips which I hope I can follow when on a big trip 'down under' next year. Am determined not to take clothes which are unworn on our return!

sunseeker - a Gransnet search shows Derek posted quite politely on a thread about safety in Naples last year.

His post even mentions a wife!

So come on Derek - don't be bashful! Please make all your posts polite and helpful in the future.

We know you can do it!!!

I am the same, although I have become better, only came home last time with three unworn t- shirts and a pair of trousers.
BUT I am worse, we have a house in Cumbria, (we live in Sweden) and even when I go there I take so many things with me and dont wear them, I have a wardrobe in the house full of things I dont wear here any more, so why do I insist on taking so many things when I have duplicates there, no sense at all, I am just as ridiculous as Pigeon, so you are NOT alone!

I don't want to do washing on holiday ...
unless I have a washing machine and tumble drier

we normally travel round on holiday so as long as it's not smelly no one will know if I've worn my clothes for one or three days.
I once wore a pair of flip flops 2 t-shirts and a pair of shorts and a pair of cut off trousers for 2 weeks in Aus but thats a long story! I did rinse them out in various motels!
I work on the basis that if I haven't got it and need it I'll buy it there.