To ask for tips on packing and getting sorted for a holiday?

[toffeeandcream]

I love going on holiday but cannot stand all the packing beforehand. I can’t seem to organise myself properly with it and it’s always last-minute and stressful. I always over-pack or underpack, forget something, have loads of bags of random things all over the place.

Does anybody have any tips on ways to make it manageable even what type of suitcases are best, how to organise things, arrange things, not forget things etc

Special packing bags from Amazon. Keep things tidy and easy to remember where everything is.

I write lists for everything. So if I’m going away for 10 days I will write out a list of 10 daytime and 10 evening outfits even down to the jewellery, shoes and bag I will wear with each outfit.
Then do the same for the necessary toiletries and extra bits. I think of it like, on Tuesday we are going on a boat trip so we will need snorkels, masks, beach shoes, sun cream etc.
Then when I pack I tick everything off the list as it goes into the suitcase so I know I have absolutely everything I will need.
I also take the list with me so I don’t have to think about putting together outfits while I’m away, they’re already all planned out.

Lists are great, but to make sure I haven't forgotten anything I run through the stages of a holiday/day/activity in my head. I imagine the day as watching a film in a super-fast forward. Items needed kind of 'ping', and if I haven't already packed it I get and pack it there and then before resuming the 'film'. I'm self-employed and work in different places each day needing different equipment, so do this for work too.
Probably seems utterly bonkers to others, but it works well for me!

I start by checking the weather forecast and making an itinerary of general things you'll be doing whilst away and make lists of necessary items from that. Eg if going to the beach list all beach equipment and clothing needed. If it'll be wet, pack raincoats etc.

Then a week before, start putting aside required clothes straight after washing so they don't get worn again.

Consider what bags you have available and decide what will fit in where.

Most of all lists, lists, lists!