Are you a pack rat and proud?

[packratandproud]

I've just opened my backpack at work to get my notebook out and my colleague has just said " oh have you been staying away from home?"
It was just the usual stuff I carry around every day! I have really tried to be a small crossbody bag person but I just feel miserable never having what I want. I spend long days in cities- often leaving home at 6am and not getting home until 10pm and nothing gives me more joy than being in a coffee shop between events, and having my book, my notebook, my wrap if im a bit cold, my toothbrush, my makeup etc etc
Are you an 'everything but the kitchen sink' carrier? If yes do you love it?
I like it, but my bag is very heavy 😀

I am a no bag person if possible.

Today will have a small cross body bag that fits my phone, travel pass, and keys
Cant bear lugging around bags

I'm a no bag person too.
Pockets and plenty of them

I think it makes sense op to carry a rucksac or back pack or whatever they’re called. I was thinking the other day as I got my handbag, lunch bag and laptop bag out of my boot, why don’t I just use a back pack and fit it all in one??? Im in my 50s and I think it’s just ingrained from the 90s work era. Those who have no bag obviously buy lunches and don’t need to transport a laptop ? I love to have my hairbrush ,small amount of makeup, perfume, pen, pad and not to mention glasses, sunglasses, hair ties etc. ----

I always have a bag.
I do vary between small bag for convenience and backpack, but the difference is usually length of time I'm out and if I have to take computer.

I wear reading glasses. Most of my clothes don't have suitable pockets for glasses and phone. I don't use my phone to pay for stuff, so I also need a purse, and of course keys.

My dh carries all that in his pockets and I hate the way it makes his clothes misshapen!.
I can just do it in my big winter coat which has big pockets. But I prefer a small bag.
Then I can throw in paracetamol, a couple pf plasters, hairbrush, and pocket pack of tissues. That's my bare minimum!

As little as possible here too, small crossbody bag.

Although if I have to take a rucksack anyway for some reason then I do end up bringing way more stuff.

Basically I’ll take whatever the bag will hold.

I only clicked on the thread because I don't know what a pack rat is, or why it's something to be proud about. Still don't know, but no, I don't use a bag anymore.

Do you only get 8 hours at home every day?

Maybe try a little humour in your life?

Yep backpack here as well. Like a tadis with surprise rooms

I also use a big bum bag as well. Couldn't be arsed with handbags.

Cheer up, eh?

Eh? What's funny? Why does my reply make you think my life has no humour?
@BauhausOfEliott What's cheery or uncheery about my post?
No idea why it's been quoted by two people giving me instructions. I've never heard a phrase before, and just asked if OP only gets 8hrs a day at home.

what's your AIBU?

Absolutely no need to hide my post,.I wasn't attacking anyone.

I want to be a small crossbody type bit I just love having everything I might want. Book and magazine, gloves, glasses, drink etc etc etc
Yes I'm out a lot. I'm a city hobo really. I love my house but am out of it a lot!

I’d love to be like you op. Whenever I carry a bag it ends up full of literal rubbish - receipts, half drunk water bottles, and spilled foundation. I can’t find anything useful, or my keys. My notebook ends up dog eared. I stress about security guards demanding to search my bag because I would have to die of shame.

These days I wear jeans so I always have good pockets for my phone, cards and keys.

I think I’m going to look into nice backpacks. Do you have any recommendations op?

Keys and phone look lumpy in my jeans plus a bit uncomfortable to sit in.

I'm all or nothing.

I've either got a tiny cross-body bag with keys, phone, lip balm, lip oil, hand sanitiser and hand cream in. Or a bloody great big tote bag with the kitchen sink stashed away!

Edit: sorry, I've just noticed I've committed the cardinal sin of quoting the OP. Oops.

I usually use a small crossbody bag for non-work days but I cram a lot in it. I’m currently at hospital appointment and my small crossbody contains my phone (which is an iPhone Max so not small!), a bunch of house keys on two key fobs, a Totes compact umbrellla, a purse, a credit card holder, a Kindle, some ibuprofen, a foundation stick, an eyeshadow crayon, a mascara, a brow pen, a compact mirror, two makeup brushes, a notebook and a pen. It usually has my glasses in it as well but I’m wearing them.

The bag only measures 25cm x 17cm.

When I’m going to work in my office I generally need a backpack as I have to carry a laptop, plus an A4 notebook and a pencil case and my glasses as well as the other stuff above.

I used to be but I think years spent lugging the kids stuff round has reformed me. Usually go out with a cross body bag with essentials and that's it.

I did have a stage where I was taking a pointless bottle of water with me everywhere before I remembered I was born in the 80s and none of us drank water until about 2002 when it became trendy so I stopped that nonsense.

I like a small smart backpack 🎒

Not anymore but I was up until ten years ago when I moved to a rural area and began travelling in my car mainly.

I was a lot healthier and fitter in my before life and my backpack contents were a carefully curated affair. My colleagues nicknamed me The Snail.

No, these days I have a small wide but shallow cross body, where I can see everything instantly.

😂 I do use a metal bottle but I leave it at work.

Absolutely not, quite the opposite!
i am in the office today, my bag contained my laptop, water bottle, glasses and my headphones for my lunchtime walk. Keys and phone in my coat pocket.
its now empty apart from my headphones and glasses case.
other than coming to work I never carry a bag anywhere if I can help it, I hate being loaded down with anything and am very low maintenance.
My lunch will also fit in my bag if I’m bringing it but today I’m going out for a lunch meeting.