So packing procrastination. Is it just me?

[stayathomegardener]

Going on holiday a week today and I know that without fail I will leave packing to the last minute.
I don't know what it is, I want to be organised, it's almost as if I don't start I can't forget anything which defies logic.
I will also literally take on any amount of unnecessary tasks to avoid it.
Which is great for my todo list but counterproductive.

Is it just me?

It's a good thing for me that DH is so positive and careful with packing arousing and 2017. Our almost (we skip a year here and there to do something else) annual vacation involves going from our home in Florida to a rented cottage in western New York that is on a beautiful lake, but where the weather is a bit unpredictable in the summer. So we have to bring warmer clothes as well as summer clothes. (Once it snowed on the 4th of July.)

In addition, the cottage is over a hundred years old, which in the States makes it really old, and was last updated in about 1946, I think. And we have to bring sheets and towels, and some kitchen items that they don't have there. Plus a portable air conditioner if it gets really hot. Obviously we drive, so that also involves separate overnight bags for the one night we spend on the road.

Our last two variations from that were trips to the UK during cooler months there (including the highlands of Scotland, where it snowed in late September.) So we are usually doing the reverse of what many people do for holidays: going from a warm climate and having to pack for cooler, and often colder, climes.

So having a plan is a good thing.

Hearts no, but I am most alarmed (and sort of relieved) to discover that there is at least one other person who is like DH when it comes to Leaving The House at holiday time.

Now there are piles of clothes everywhere and still nothing in the cases. I have organised DS1's clothes and started his hand luggage so feeling more organised about him. Just 3 more people to sort out. And all the toiletries.

DD went on a residential school trip just before they broke up, I nearly had a panic attack as I was borrowing a case from my aunt, who delivered it at 3pm the day before! 😨 Miraculously, I didn't forget anything. 😰

Wow this is like therapy!
@arousingcheer early life was super secure, lived in same house all my childhood. My Dad did die very unexpectedly when I was 17 but don't really think I can pin anything on that.
I think my struggle may be due to dyslexia, when posters talk of visualising outfits I can't actually remember what I have. I often buy duplicate outfits completely unaware.
Structuring the list is also a problem hence jumping onto suggested lists up thread.
I have actually made a packing purchase, sort of fold up toiletries bag on a hanger.
I feel my life will be much improved and organisation may well be just round the corner.

Ah, the dyslexia would explain it. My DF and DB are dyslexic and really struggle with that sort of organisational thing (though my DB has had to conquer it as he has a very international job so lots of packing).

If you want to post a draft list here, we could help you refine it?

That is really kind @rainstnight.
I will do that Saturday if you don't mind. Six for supper tomorrow night, some gluten free, some low carb and some vegan so tiny bit stressed.

Sorry @Rainatnight
Gluten free chocolate chestnut hazelnut meringue cake.

I seem to have spent the whole of this Summer with at least one member of the family (3 adults and an 11yo) at some stage of packing, usually for a week or less. And it's carrying on until October.

We now have it down to:
Underwear = usual daily amount + 1 extra set.
PJs every 3 days.
1 elegant outfit.
1 top for every day, 1 bottom every 2 days.
1 change of shoes.
Swimming costumes and towel optional.

Personal soap bag has its own toothbrush and hairbrush. Small size toiletries and suncream* ready inside or buy family size on the first day.

Your chargers/medicines/eyewear/entertainment are your own responsibility.

• A friend gave me about 100 sample tubes of Factor 50 suncream this year which was very helpful. I just bought a big bottle of F20 and decanted that.

My God, I think you're a hero. I'd give them salad.

Wow great cake!

Is it weird that I am looking forward to seeing your list?

Ok

Passports/ehic cards/insurance docs/password list/note book /pen/ guide book/air bnb's booking confirmation.

Phone/charger/ear phones

Make up- mascara/ touche eclat

Toiletries- moisturiser face and body/deodorant/shampoo/conditioner/body wash???/toothbrush/paste/tweezers/hair bobbles/tampax/nail file/buffer/Clarins face sun oil/body sun oil/
Hair stuff???

Medications-thyroid/vitamin c/acidophilus/asthma puff/antihistamines/fucidin/insect repellent/bite cream

Miscellaneous-travel sick bands/rescue remedy/earrings/ring/bracelet/sunglasses/books lots/day bag

Clothes
Socks/underwear/sun hat/nightie and glamorous dressing gown/bikinis
Heels/sandals/trainers
Nice maxi dress
Glam navy silk dress
2casual dresses
Skinny Jeans
Leggings
Shorts
Mini skirt
T shirts/vest tops
Cardigan
Jumper light

That's a no to just hand luggage!

Am very impressed!!!

Phone/charger/earphones - add plug adapter if you are going outside UK (which I seem to remember you are but too lazy to scroll back )

Pyjamas?
Cover up for over bikini?

You are on your way!

Brilliant! Well done!

Some quick suggestions:

• I'd break 'underwear' down into the different things you'll need. Eg 7 pairs of knickers, 2 bras, etc

• Sunscreen?

• Painkillers?

• Do you definitely need all those clothes? I'm impressed by glamourous dressing gown, but will you need it?

• You might want to consider breaking it into two lists - hand luggage and big bag. So passport, one book, cardi, etc would go in hand luggage

And don't forget, when you've got your final list, to format it in a way that makes it really easy to tick stuff off - mine's in a table.

Yes had missed plug adaptor and painkillers. Thank you both!
Also razor and epi pen. (Ooops)

Glamorous dressing gown plan I'm very pleased with as so pretty will double as a pool cover up.

Will definitely break down underwear and rethink amount of clothes, always guilty of bringing things home unworn yet crumpled.

Still not actually packed though.

Hurrah for you! It's coming on brilliantly. No worries about the stuff you hadn't remembered - that's the point of doing a list.

I remain fascinated by the glamorous dressing gown.

I leave for a week long cruise on Friday. I'm staying near the port the night before so I've got to pack soon.

The stuff is all over the living room, the suitcase is down. I just need to start.