Over-packing

We have recently been to Spain for a week taking only hand luggage. So two bags. We still bought one bag of clean unworn clothes back. I think I over pack because I've bought a fair bit of stuff over the years especially for holidays and think I should get my money's worth by trying to wear them. Stupid I know because mostly I only wear sarongs swimming costumes. Light skirts and tee shirts plus flip flops and sandles on holiday.

I sympathise OP. On at least 2 long holidays I have posted a parcel of clothes back to UK! When I look back I have no idea why I didn't just discard them. On my most recent holiday I travelled in oldish clothes and binned them as they were unsuitable for a hot country. The irony is that I travelled a lot for years for work and became adept at packing light. I think the difference is that I knew exactly what I would need in terms of weather and activities, whereas holidays are less predictable.

We are off for a cruise to Norway tomorrow and first words DH said to me this morning were did I need some paracetamol as I always get a headache packing. Clothes are ready on bed/ hanging up in spare room but both of us have decided on an extra pair of trousers for the two cruising days so two refresh washes it is. Despite trying to be organised, with lists etc., I always forget at least one crucial thing. What will it be this time, the toothbrushes, the hairbrush..?

I think us ladies are all the same stressing about packing,but then we've got the husbands to cope with,I always take things out or add to his case,and he likes to wear socks with his sandals ?I won't let him! Only advice I've got is most things will roll up,they don't crease.

Well this has to be the best thresd ever! Needless to say this is me too. It reminds me of my favourite poem 'Just in Case' by Charlotte Mitchell. I'm making lists from all the suggestions as we're off to Dorset in a couple of weeks in self catering which is not too bad as I can just fill the car up. Different story when we go to a hotel in August and the owner always helps carry stuff in and makes comments like 'You don't travel light do you?'
Have a great holiday Pigeon and try not to stress too much.

PS: Poor Derek, I bet he has a red face now!

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)

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

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

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 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.....

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

ooops!! 3 pairs...not £ pairs!

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

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? ?

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

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

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 .....