Have I packed too many bags?

[Noseynails]

Hi all,
I’m going away with my parents and brother for 4 days, then parting ways with them and going to visit some very dear relatives for a further 3 days.
I have packed:
A cabin suitcase full of clothes, pyjamas and a makeup bag full of coffee sachets.
A cabin suitcase with a large teddy (I have anxiety and the teddy calms me when I’m stressed) and a throw because I get cold.
A rucksack with my sewing kit and another teddy, ( this also calms me when I’m anxious, I’ve had it since I was 3)
One of those huge material primark bags that you get if you buy lots containing a carrier bag full of wool and crochet hooks, with more wool in Wool Warehouse organza bags inside the carrier, a pair of scissors to cut the wool, the large bag also contains two large shopper handbags full of stuff too. The smaller handbag contains:. A cardigan and my housecoat. The larger handbag contains: sunglasses, a hot water bottle and a crossword book. I also have a red reusable shopping carrier containing makeup bags, makeup brushes, nail products, skincare and eyeshadow palettes, and a contour kit. I’ve also got to put in another nightie and more pyjama trousers.
Have I packed too much?

That is a huge amount for 7 days. One reasonable size case . should be ample. You don't need 2 teddies, a throw and house coat, a hot water bottle and loads of wool. That is ridiculous. I assume you are not flying?

You've got some random stuff there OP. Ditch the throw, I'm sure there'll be blankets where you're going. Same for the dressing gown - you've got a cardi and there'll be blankets. All your knitting, a sewing kit and a puzzle book is quite a lot for a week you're supposed to be spending with other people. How many sets of pyjamas do you need for a week..?

Why on earth are you taking so much stuff away with you for a week? I think you need to take everything out again and have a long, hard think about what you're really going to need. Why a housecoat, for heaven's sake? All that wool? Be realistic. The huge amounts of make up too sounds completely OTT. You are going to be away from home for just 7 days. How much knitting and crocheting would you normally do in that time?

I would think one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on should be plenty.

If you're driving yourself then pack what you like!

I am travelling by car, my parents are sharing the large suitcase and my brother has a holdall, I need to take the coffee as I only drink lattes and mochas. It’s my uncle’s car, he’s driving me. My parents and brother are going by train, as my uncle can’t take them and all of their bags and mine, this was agreed before I packed all of this. I am a very nervous person, so I am taking all of this to take my mind off of it as I am very anxious about going. I have more than enough clothes to do me.

I meant that the only hot drink I drink is lattes and mochas. I drink various cold drinks too.

How are you getting to your second place?

I have friends who I go shopping with on the day that I leave the first place and go to see relatives, who are coming to get me and we are going shopping near where my relatives stay, so they are dropping me off there.

8 pairs knickers
2 bras plus the one you’re wearing
3 bottoms/trews/shorts
6 tops
Maybe a dress or 2
Teddy and blanky
Nightie
1 knitting 🧶 item
1 small selection of make up
1 comb
1 small bag of coffee

This is an excellent list it just sorts it all out for you

How are you getting back home?
Are you getting any help for your anxiety?

No, I’m not having help for my anxiety, I’ve tried it before and it doesn’t work.

If it makes you feel better take it all however i thinking taking random bags and stuff will just add chaos onto your trip.

Has your GP suggested any medication?

If you mean how am I getting back from my relatives, they live in the same town as me, so I’ll get a taxi or a lift off my uncle (the same uncle, he stays in the same town too)... I am staying with my relatives as I can’t live alone due to my anxiety, and I don’t have good health.

No, my GP hasn’t, he’s useless.

Can you ask somebody in real life to help you with packing ?

I’ve already packed it all, and I didn’t want someone to do it because I wouldn’t get to take everything that I want, so it would make my anxiety worse.

I moved continents for two years with one large suitcase and a large hand held bag, I'm unused to this sort of thing.

Op guess it's fine if it's just for a week...? Even if a bit excessive!

Is there something you are looking forward to doing while you’re away Nosey?

@Herocomplex I am looking forward to going shopping while I’m away, and I’m looking forward to visiting my relatives.

If there's space then it ok, but think about taking one teddy perhaps. Remember there's shops where you are going that sells coffee sachets too. Please on your return ask for help, there's lots of options but you need to give it time and explore what helps. DD's anxiety can be crippling, I get it but 4 years of therapy & drugs is paying off.

That sounds like fun,I hope you have a nice time.

Aww thanks @Herocomplex, that’s made me feel a little bit better! I think you are a very kind person, and wish you well.

Well, Nosey, I think in terms of showing your anxiety who is boss, going on holiday when you are nervous is half of the battle. To score a real victory, I think you should pare down on one of the things your anxiety thinks you need, but which objectively, you don't. For example, the big teddy is using up a lot of space on its own. If you took him out, and took a picture of him sat happliy on your bed waiting for you, then you could use that case for your wool and have the small teddy and a picture of big teddy. Or, put some of the wool back and just take half the amount; there's no way you will use two bags full of wool in a busy 7 day holiday. That way you can still take both teddies.
See what I mean; set yourself the challenge of removing one comfort item. The chances are you'll be so busy and have such a good time you won't miss the "missing" item and you'll have proved that you are in control of this anxiety monster 😁

Thanks @FloatingthroughSpace, that’s a good idea. I feel like I’m so ridiculous that I can’t go on holiday without two teddies, if I knew you IRL, would you think I’m pathetic?