Over-packing

I used to be like this but as we go to the same general location every year I have mellowed.

Now I lay out on my bed everything I think I'll take . Then I marry it up into outfits . I know there will be a washer dryer so even when I go for a month I don't take more than 1 weeks worth of things like underwear. I take 2 shorts( one on one in the wash) 2 pairs of 3/4 length ( same principle). I pair of nice trousers for evenings.

No more than 5 tops but they must be able to match ALL the bottoms and then some cheap jewellery to dress up something if we're going somewhere nice in the evening.

The only thing I always splurge on is swimsuits. I always take 3 if not 4 BUT one is always on its way out so I abandon it on the last day of my holiday. That way I never have to get into a wet swimsuit, which I hate. 1 cover-up.

I wear a pair of sandals, take a pair of flats and one pair of flip-flops.

I light cardigan or jacket.

Job done !!

Hope you have a wonderful time.

I think the mantra is put everything out on the bed and then pack half. I'm going on a cruise on a very small ship this week and I'm dreading dh starting to pack. He never takes less than 3 jackets- just in case and always insists I take a goretex which I hate- if the weather is bad enough to need it I'm not going out cos I'm on holiday.

Could you start with pen and paper and write down list of what you need eg 2 swimsuits,4 PRS of shorts ,etc. Run it past a friend and check it is reasonable. Then pack exactly what is on list. You can always wash out an odd item in a hot country. I use diluted shampoo if I need to. You will feel so much less encumbered. Good luck!

YES, yes and yes. Same problem here. Panic starts earlier and earlier. Pack case/cases, close and go away. next day, open cases, unpack everything. Panic again, calm down, sort clothes, discard some, not many, re-pack case, close and lock, tie on luggage labels, go to bed. Go on holiday, bring back unworn items, launder all, relax. Next time, groundhog day. Sorry, not much help to you, but I suspect we are not alone.