Over-packing

What a lovely thread - apart from Derek - is he transitioning do you think but hasn't yet changed his name
Since I buy my clothes on eBay and in charity shops I buy what attracts me consequently nothing ever goes with anything no matter how much I try
'so I've bought (in a real shop) every conceivable plain colour of those loose cotton t-shirts and I pack the lot - then when I shove all my floaty skirts in there's usually a colour somewhere that sort of matches
Given up on styling hair things - can't do my hair in UK do know chance in the heat - 16 pairs of knickers sounds about right
Husband made me buy a Kindle after having to buy an extra suitcase in new York because I spent so much time and money in their second book shops
Shoes - used to take loads now just take couple of pairs of espridrilles
Haven't yet managed a cruise tho

transitioning - did Derek say so? I must have missed that.

Gransnet is not just for grandmothers, grandfathers can post too - and not everyone on here has children or grandchildren.

I am off to buy a 'capsule wardrobe' tomorrow!!

Derek your rather unkind life is to short for nasty remarks

If you aren't sure about the weather pack layers. So 3 vest tops, 2 short sleeve t-shirts, 2 long sleeve t-shirts, 2 or 3 long sleeve cotton shirts, 2 pairs linen trousers (if you can find ones that have roll up bottoms they're great for the beach), 1 long cotton skirt. 1 pair shorts Undies and swim suits as you want. To travel in wear cotton trousers, a short sleeve-shirt, long sleeved shirt and cardigan. Pack or wear a large long scarf you can use as a wrap/scarf/cushion/to lay on on the beach. If it's cold you can layer up and keep warm, if it's hot you can strip off. Trainers to travel in, sandals and flip flops.

The layered look if you're not sure of what the weather will be like.

Plus a light rainproof jacket!

short sleeve-shirt, long sleeved shirt
try saying that very fast over and over again .....

Have had a busy day so only just picked up all your messages . Thank you all so much! I can't believe how many great ideas and suggestions you gave and how lovely people are being.

There a a few things I'll take from all this:

* No one cares what I look like on holiday
* There are loads of people in the same boat as me
* There are some very organised people out there (spreadsheets - really? I'm so impressed!
* Some of you are a bit bonkers (hurrah!)
* Derek is unpopular ( and unkind)

I'm going with the hanging rail, a list and renewed determination.

Thanks again
Xxx

Derekis getting lots of mentions! Maybe that was the idea??

I always overpack and always say that next time I'll plan better. Off on a cruise in a couple of weeks and I'm sure I'll do the same again and bring half back unworn. But so what? ?

Stick to just three or four colours, then you'll have several items that'go' together, a pashmina or lightweight scarf or two double up as a wrap in place of a jacket for cooler evenings...& add interest to plainer outfits.....reversible swimwear..a kaftan or two...all useful to double up as tops for the evening....M&S have some brilliant trousers..chino style..very light in several colours all for under 20 quid!! I've bought £ pairs..that go with anything for summer..& i'm not even going away!....good luck...& have a lovely holiday!xxx

ooops!! 3 pairs...not £ pairs!

You're not alone! I regularly go on naturist holidays and I STILL pack far too many clothes. My biggest problem is always shoes.
This usually works for me: put out what you think you want to take a week early, then reduce by 1/4 every day and pack the day before you go. DO NOT put anything extra in. Surprisingly enough most places do have shops if you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need something else.

joannewton46 That could be interesting, everyone looking down to see what shoes people are wearing!

Put everything on a spare bed that you "think" you might take...leave for a few hours then go back, review and remove items..put outfits that will mix & max with other things...I go away for a week with just hand luggage nowadays!

Just had a last look at GN, and if Derek was attention seeking he certainly acheived that,I wonder what his name is now!

Oh yes, been there done it. As time has gone on however, I have learned that I do not need all that I pack and have got it all down to a fine art which has made travelling much easier. As all our holidays are cruises these days, I take advantage of the laundry services available on board. If my holiday is 14 days, I pack enough for 7 days and mix and match.

I decide on navy, taupe and lots of white. Put all possibilities on the bed and put together the best as possible outfits..... everything goes with everything. Then put the rest away.

Include palazzo pants, linen trousers, cut offs with tops plus an extra top in case of food or wine dribbles. 2 maxi dresses.which cover a multitude. My 2 pairs comfy Clark's sandals and dark silver Fitflops that can look dressy if needs be.

Big white massive lightweight scarf wrap which is multi purpose, it covers arms if wanted in the evening, it dresses up something plain to become glamorous, it's a beach cover up. And if cool it winds around neck and shoulders as a scarf.

Wearing my Asda pearls and (charity shop) big white wrap makes everything glamorous. Cheap jewellery so you're not afraid of losing it, my diamonds stay at home I stick with pearls and silver coloured jewellery so it all goes together.

Big Sun hat that rolls up in the case, and sunglasses, Underwear, one pair cushioned socks in case feet get weary, they can make a big difference.

Minimum toiletries. Smallest perfume bottle. I usually take the cheapest that I have.

Like you pigeon, I've always had a compulsion to pack much more than I need and to pack things that take up too much space. What I found helpful was to place two empty laundry baskets on the floor. One for clothes and the other one for shoes, purses, umbrellas, hats etc. I begin by placing all the 'must take' items on my bed and tossing the 'maybe don't really need' items into the laundry baskets. If there's still room I'll pull a few items from the L. basket, and if suitcase is too full, I put things back until suitcase can close. I place things like jewelry, scarf, makeup, toothbrush, brush/comb, a sweater and a kindle in a large carry on bag.

Space savers: Take advantage of double duty items such as a beach cover up that can double up as a nightie. Sandals, boots that dress down or up. I travel with a small 'crossbody' purse with passport, personal ID, boarding pass etc. that fits inside the carry on. When I'm not travelling I'm always on the lookout for small (travel size) samples of toothpaste, shampoo, lotion etc. A lightweight, packable jacket is perfect for cold climates and takes up about as much room as a sweater.

Incidentally if like me you love perfume dont take your big bottle or even decant it just buy little samples from eBay - you can then try any perfume you fancy - if you don't like it leave it for the chamber maid
I also don't take good jewellery but just pretty sparkly stuff and a good lightweight cashmere wrap - great for on the plane in the evening and anywhere else
Also dont bother with taking too much makeup apart from skincare and lots of mascara
Make sure u pack medication in hand luggage though and a bit extra
Best of all dont fret don't stress enjoy

I have a list which is non specific e.g. 4 dresses, 5 pairs of shorts. I thought about it before putting it on the computer. I run a copy off each holiday and stick to it. I hate coming home with lots of washing - I used to end up washing stuff I hadn't worn. I also like to leave room in the case for the odd purchase. Happy hols.

I hate packing and I ALWAYS pack too much. I find I 'need' my stuff around me, and I never know what mood I'm going to be in clothes-wise. So many factors affect what to wear: location, weather, mood, occasion...and I have to have decorative scarves to match plus necklaces.It drives my OH mad. It's easier when we take the car (in the UK) as I can take more. It we're training it, in Italy or somewhere, I'm limited to one suitcase and I find that extremely difficult.
I know I'm a bit of a sad case (sorry) but I love putting colours together and I need to know things go together.Then there's medication: my regulars, plus 'just in case of emergency' items for infections, food poisoning, etc. It hasn't eased as I've aged either. I know I'll end up wearing less than half but I never know WHICH half so you see I actually need it all.....

A bit different from other replies - for various reasons our holidays now are only to stay with relatives. I leave night things and a few clothes at daughter's house, so usually manage with a small bag. And sometimes borrow her clothes. This plan has only come recently - used to take too much like others.
I agree footwear is the main problem.

I know I'll end up wearing less than half but I never know WHICH half so you see I actually need it all.....
Rowantree

I wish I could go on holiday with just one pair of comfy shoes and a lovely pair of jewelled sandals for evening

Usually I send laundry out, during a holiday, action to cut the amount we tote around.

I don't take loads of knickers and bras because a) I wear a bikini for most of the day and rinse it out in sink when taking evening shower. I have more than one so not concerned about it being dry by morning b) I don't mind doing a little bit of washing of underwear if necessary. It doesn't seem like a chore when on holiday - (8 weeks today and off to Majorca - Happy Days)