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Original poster

How to avoid overpacking

71 replies

Overpacking4eva · 18/08/2025 23:11

Evening! I tend to stress myself out with preparing for a holiday and I'm trying to work on that! Going on a two week holiday soon and one of the things I want to work on is overpacking (of clothes). Here are the specifics:

  • Couple, no kids
  • Two weeks (two different places), both with washing machines
  • UK self catering
  • Walking/visiting local sights type holiday

I have tried to do it logically before, one outfit per day. But realistically I will wear the same fleece more than once, but even one every two days is 14 fleeces between us. Or should I just wash stuff (but then there's the worry about if there will be a way to properly dry it!) I've been to a few places that had a washing machine but no clothes horse!?

I find it overwhelming when we get home. We have three or four crates of stuff which just goes straight back into the attic and that's made a massive difference and avoids packing the entire house, but I fall down on clothes!

OP posts:
Ginmonkeyagain · 19/08/2025 08:52

This is where not having a car comes in handy. Knowing you have to lug whatever you take on public transport acts as a natural limit on overpacking.

DeepPanCrispAndEven · 19/08/2025 08:54

I know you didn't ask but I'm so intrigued about the crates

Wtf are you taking?!

heartsinvisiblefury · 19/08/2025 08:54

14 fleeces sounds as if you’re taking a flock of sheep

Ginmonkeyagain · 19/08/2025 09:00

Also why on earth do.you own 14 fleeces? They can be worn a good number of times between washes and when you do they dry very quickly.

Whatareyoutalkingaboutnow · 19/08/2025 09:08

Id agree with packing for 1 week then doing a wash when you get to the second place. Fleeces dry in a few hours anyway.

wwyd2021medicine · 19/08/2025 09:12

heartsinvisiblefury · 19/08/2025 08:54

14 fleeces sounds as if you’re taking a flock of sheep

😂😂

Redcrayons · 19/08/2025 09:19

I am Not a woman who travels lightly, but 7 fleeces for 2 weeks is mad. I’d take 2 fleeces, travel in one and pack the other.

If you’ve got a washing machine then you only need one week of clothes at the most.

maybe if you say where you are going and what type of holiday then someone could suggest a capsule wardrobe for you.

Redcrayons · 19/08/2025 09:21

Ah, I just realised that you said UK holiday, so you have to pack for rain, heatwave or snow.

Ginmonkeyagain · 19/08/2025 09:26

I mean probably not in August though.

clary · 19/08/2025 09:27

Redcrayons · 19/08/2025 09:21

Ah, I just realised that you said UK holiday, so you have to pack for rain, heatwave or snow.

Not really tho. It’s not going to snow in August (I know you were joking).

And tbh if you have a) a light waterproof and b) a hoody or fleece then you are covered for rain or cold. Much better to be in shorts in the rain anyway. So just a regular summer wardrobe for a few days plus those.

I am also intrigued by the crates @Overpacking4eva . Unless you are camping (I assume not since you mention a washing machine) then what is in the crates? If you are camping then totally ignore everything I said.

childofthe607080s · 19/08/2025 09:29

Use separates so one outfit a day becomes three pairs of trousers, some tops and a couple of jumpers / cardies. Take leigtweight tops that dry easy
one frock for posh if needed - hang and rewear because you will only wear it a few hours each time. Hang and rewear tops also works if you use decent antiperspirant
walking shoes, smarts and one other / wear the biggest to travel

niadainud · 19/08/2025 09:31

Utterly bonkers.

By the sounds of it it's a super casual holiday where you don't need to dress to impress at any point. You have a washing machine. Fleeces dry in next to no time and don't need ironing. It's unlikely to be an extreme temperature.

You just need some trousers, t-shirts and underwear. Proper hiking socks can be worn more than once without smelling.

And if you're driving it really doesn't matter if you overpack anyway.

Ginmonkeyagain · 19/08/2025 09:39

A good tip I have from warmer holidays is to take a number of very light weight airsim cami tops from Uniqlo. They are cooling and sweat wicking so wear them under tops and dresses and you can extend the life beyween washes of clothes. Also they are also very easy to rinse out and dry.

BourgeoisBabe · 19/08/2025 09:47

One outfit a day!! I'd bring around 4/5 outfits max, re wear a good few times, do a wash in the middle. I would only bring one fleece. Possibly two of different colours.

TeacheeTeacherson · 19/08/2025 09:52

If you don’t have room for a drying rack, you could take a clothes line and some pegs.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 19/08/2025 10:59

First thing I do before I go on holidays is plan my laundry! For a two week holiday I would pack for about 5 days only. I wash on day 4, 8, 12 or whenever needed. Start with the laundry plan and work back from there.

Edited to add I'd take 2 fleeces, 3 if really stretched. They don't get sweaty if you have a layer under, I don't see why they would be washed that regularly. Outside dirt can be wiped off with a damp cloth, wash after a few days.

Original poster
Overpacking4eva · 19/08/2025 19:52

Sorry everyone, I'm just coming back to this and clearly I'm being massively unreasonable about the fleeces. I really didn't think I was! We don't even eat out so it's only day time stuff. I would only wear a fleece twice or maybe three times normally but on holiday I don't want all my photos in the same outfit. Is that weird? I didn't think it was, but clearly I've started something. That was 14 fleeces in total, 7 each. Let's not get hung up about the fleeces, pretty standard to have a lot of fleeces when you're into hiking.

The crates are only small ones, they have things you often need in self-catering holidays. Basic toiletries, games, camera, charging cables etc. Nothing crazy!

OP posts:
DeepPanCrispAndEven · 19/08/2025 20:04

It really isn't standard to be taking a new fleece for every 1-2 days when you have a washing machine! Or to be taking crates of stuff?!

But anyway, crack on if you're happy!

clary · 19/08/2025 20:06

OP you can take what you like, of course and tbh as others have said, if you are driving then I don't suppose space is at a premium.
When we went on UK holidays with three DC we used every last space (DH is great at car-boot Tetris) with a cricket set under their feet in the back and a box of brownies jammed into a spare space. But that doesn't apply to you for sure.

The fleeces thing was picked up bc I guess lots of people don't even own seven fleeces (I don't have any, but I have three hoodies which serve the same purpose I guess) so we were all boggling a bit at that. Surely you won't wear them that much anyway? I've not worn more than a T shirt or summer dress for about four months. So there will be some photo variation.

I'm still intrigued by the crates – do you leave them all packed up (so with spare camera (not a thing I've taken anywhere for 10 years) toiletries, chargers etc) from year to year? Or do you go on a break every couple of months anyway? I take stuff on SC holidays but it's my kitchen things that I am using all the time anyway. I do like the idea of a crate of all your things you just pick out of ht eloft and put in the car tho.

TheChosenTwo · 19/08/2025 20:11

Sorry, as a fleece hater and non owner I am very hung up that you own so many 😂😂
I’d swap that out with a hoody/sweatshirt and wear one and pack maybe another 2.
But then I’m happy to slum it a bit on holiday and pack lighter rather than to be overwhelmed with choice and options while I’m away, I don’t tend to have photos taken of me by dh so no need to worry about looking the same in photos!
For a 2 week holiday we would be going out to eat most evenings and I’d probably take 4 dresses that could be worn day or night, 2 pairs of jeans, 5 T-shirts, the sweatshirts, 2 pairs of leggings and 2 pairs of shorts.

soupyspoon · 19/08/2025 20:14

No such thing as overpacking

Take what you need
Take what you want
Take what yuou think you might need

If you dont use it, no harm done

I like to have all my nice clothes as holidays are about the only time I get to wear them. I like different shoes with different outfits and the coats or jackets (wont need them at the moment) all have to go with the various outfits too

I like my nice toiletries and make up that again I dont really use day to day

I want enough so that Im not washing or doing too much while away

My OH is the same, he woujld take the kitchen sink if he coujld

Oh and he likes to take a load of food with him too.

DumbbellIdiot · 19/08/2025 20:14

We’re outdoor people but if we had access to washing machines I’d only pack one fleece and wear another for travelling in. I’d just wash them if they got sweaty.

Original poster
Overpacking4eva · 19/08/2025 20:15

clary · 19/08/2025 20:06

OP you can take what you like, of course and tbh as others have said, if you are driving then I don't suppose space is at a premium.
When we went on UK holidays with three DC we used every last space (DH is great at car-boot Tetris) with a cricket set under their feet in the back and a box of brownies jammed into a spare space. But that doesn't apply to you for sure.

The fleeces thing was picked up bc I guess lots of people don't even own seven fleeces (I don't have any, but I have three hoodies which serve the same purpose I guess) so we were all boggling a bit at that. Surely you won't wear them that much anyway? I've not worn more than a T shirt or summer dress for about four months. So there will be some photo variation.

I'm still intrigued by the crates – do you leave them all packed up (so with spare camera (not a thing I've taken anywhere for 10 years) toiletries, chargers etc) from year to year? Or do you go on a break every couple of months anyway? I take stuff on SC holidays but it's my kitchen things that I am using all the time anyway. I do like the idea of a crate of all your things you just pick out of ht eloft and put in the car tho.

I don't own any hoodies and few jumpers to be fair, so fleeces would be the only layer I'll be taking. You're right, I haven't needed them where I am either, but I'm going to places with a much more varied and cooler climate.

We do go on several SC holidays a year, so the crates are generally topped up and just left in the attic. One always has a pack of loo roll, hand soap, kitchen cleaner, dishwasher tablets, big bags, foil, pop up washing basket etc. There's another with entertainment, we have a pack of cards, some puzzle books, travel games. Then it's topped up with new books/magazines. That's the one the camera stuff is in, it takes up a lot of room with all the other stuff (lenses and stuff). The crate stuff always gets used and makes life might easier. These aren't massive crates. We unpack the stuff when there and break them down, unless it's a small place and it's easier to leave them together. The last one has kitchen items that are often forgotten in holiday lets, it's never the same thing and after a while we got fed up so it just exists now. Has baking tray (yes have had no baking tray 3 times so far this year!), some mugs (never enough), bottle opener, oven gloves. Just random stuff that we have found missing more than once before. Hope this helps and you don't think I'm too mad. It's only the clothes that I find stressful as everything else gets used. I'm definitely going to cut down on the clothes.

OP posts:
Beamur · 19/08/2025 20:18

I'd take 5 days of clothes plus a few extra pants.

childofthe607080s · 19/08/2025 20:19

I have a thin fleece , a thick one and a well past its best one and am seriously into walking and outside activities- but I am not into stuff and rarely in a photo