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?

No, I would think that if you really feel like you need two teddies to go on holiday, that you are confronting this anxiety just by going on holiday at all and that you are being outrageously brave, and that you are trying your best.

I bet you could manage with just one teddy though

@Noseynails in RL for what it is worth I would think you are incredibly brave for tackling your anxiety teddies or no teddies.

I think the previous posters suggestion of a photo awaiting you is great though.

Have a good holiday.

Why all the separate bags? Have you checked if it will all fit in the car?

Thanks both!

Floatingthroughspace is very wise 🙂. I like the idea of the photos!

Hi noseynails I hope you have a great trip.
I was wondering if you are going to go away again in the future and what could make things easier for you.
Would get a smaller teddy especially for travelling help? It could go on all your future trips with you!

I'm sorry your GP is useless. DD had crippling anxiety, and she tried all the non drug options, which didn't work. Fortunately we have an excellent GP practice, and one GP who is brilliant with mental health issues. She put DD on Fluoxetine. Two years later DD is ready to stop taking it.

I think the photo idea is a good one and worth considering. Have a lovely break, and when you get back can you try and make another appointment to beat this horrible anxiety?

Thanks all,
I have scaled it down to the cases and the rucksack, no primark bag anymore, I’ve put one handbag in my case, and removed a lot of wool.

Wow, well done you! That is very impressive.

I think while you are on holiday looking out for a special travel teddy would be a brilliant idea!

I always try and leave a corner in my case for things I might buy on my travels as well, can you make a bit of space for new bits and pieces? Sounds like you’re definitely winning now.

I suffer with anxiety too and packing to go away is something I really struggle with so I completely understand what you're going through. When I'm travelling by car and there are no restrictions on the amount I can pack, I always end up taking far too much. As a result, I try to give myself a limit of what I'm allowed to take - one case and one bit of hand luggage akin to going on a flight. This helps streamline my thoughts on what I do actually need and gets rid of the excess. Doesn't always stop the random packing though - I went away for a weeks holiday to the Caribbean a few months ago and realised when I got there that I'd picked 20 pairs of socks! I didn't need 1 pair never mind 20!

I'm glad you've managed to narrow down what you're taking, as long as you've got the basics and enough of your comfort things to keep you at ease, you'll have a wonderful time!

Thanks everybody x

Glad to see you have streamlined your packing. Have fun.

Thanks.

Hope you have a wonderful time. And you should congratulate yourself for making the decision to go and not letting your anxiety get the better of you. This time sounds you are sorted. Most adults have personal items they keep with them to reassure (whether a favourite watch or jacket or make up ). So teddies are just fine For future trips consider current small teddy, and a new additional medium teddy to be travel teddy (briefed beforehand by larger teddy) - whatever works for you but a bit easier to handle. And maybe when you are back try another GP - if your GP couldn’t provide good support if you had a broken ankle you would get a second Opinion / GP; same rules for mental health. Have a great trip

Thanks so much x

Well done, hope you have a lovely time

I'm an over-packer too and worry that I'll forget something.

I always remind myself that I can always buy there what I take out here. With the exception of teddies and blanket, so can you.

I find that a packing list and packing cubes really help me pare down and save space.

Thanks everybody!

Excellent work, well done!

Well done @Noseynails hope you have a lovely time

Thanks both,
I couldn’t resist folding one bag and putting it in the other, just in case. X