Dealing with the "Over-packer" ... and the intervention...

[Darcy03231]

I just did two weeks in Costa Rica and a week in Jamaica in a carry-on bag and backpack. I did one load of laundry.

For those doing a cruise, just make sure your ship has a laundry room. Some ships have eliminated them so the only way to do laundry is to send it out to the ship's laundry.

 

[quandrea]

So my friend is a over-packer... honestly it's crazy the amount of stuff she thinks she needs to bring... So what brings all this up is they are going to Italy for 15 nights... 3 nights in Barcelona, 7 nights on a cruise and the rest of the trip in Italy... Her DH told her to call me and ask me to come over and help her pack for the trip... He could not get over when we went to the Dominican that I only had a 1 checked bag and my carryon... I agreed to help.. reluctantly... I knew that she was not gonna be happy about the intervention...Her husband told her only 1 checked bag, and he is not paying for extra bags,

When I arrive she has 2 oversized luggage piece's on the bed, ( I did not know that they made them that big) yep both for her and roll on carry on and her personal item which is the biggest Vera Bradley bag they make... There are clothes everywhere, and shoes, and boots, purses/bags, jewelry and chaos....

I was like..... Whoa.... put everything back... What... NOOOOOO... yes put everything back...NOOOOOOOO......Yes everything back, we are going start with a clean slate... So she puts everything back in the closet, and drawers, and then I thought it would be a good time to step away from it, so we went to lunch and talked about what they were planning on doing, and everything related to the trip.. I was on a fishing expedition.

Once bag at the house I made her put up one of the big luggage pieced... Only 1 checked bag... But... But... Nope only 1 checked bag... 1 roll on carry on and a personal item like a day bag/purse.. Your so mean...

Pick out the outfit you want to travel in... ummm... really .... no... high heels and skin tight dress are not going to work, then she said I plan on changing clothes for the overnight flight, then sleep pants and a t-shirt on the plane to sleep in... then into another outfit when we land... that would be 3 outfits for just the travel day....Nope... comfortable shoes, leggings or pants that can stretch a bit, and a comfortable shirt/blouse. Finally she decided, okay now something along those lines for the trip home yay 2 outfits down... So when I start talking about mix and match clothing, and doing laundry on the cruise...I'm not doing laundry while we are on vacation...Well now...I think you might have to, So I wrote Tide pods on the list... once she realized that she could do multiple loads at once and use her room key to charge to the room, she was on board with laundry.

After much back and forth, we had a basic wardrobe - multipurpose - throwing in couple of very casual long & short dresses for touring or use in the evening, adding in a few accessories, a few scarves 5 or 6 with 2 of them that could be used a wrap for evenings, a couple of necklaces, simple earrings, a couple of belts black, brown and fashion belt, a sweater, and a lightweight raincoat style. We then added in a couple of evening wear items... going with basic black pants, navy skirt and a basic black dress...Shoes were harder... getting her to understand that comfort was king, and style while important was just queen... Sleepwear and under garments, swim suit and cover up.

Overall it took around 5 hours to get her packed... At the end 1 check bag, 1 roll on carry on and a small day bag... ready to go... She was pretty pleased at the out come...

I'm sure she will throw in a few more items... But I did leave room for that...Will she go back to her old ways for their next trip?... who knows only time will tell.

I won’t travel with anyone who checks luggage. Carry on only. Even when I had twin infants and a five year old—carry on only.

 

[Micca]

No over-packers here! I used to be one, but then I started having back problems. DW & I now go to WDW with only a carry-on each.

 

[msjprincess]

I just did two weeks in Costa Rica and a week in Jamaica in a carry-on bag and backpack. I did one load of laundry.

For those doing a cruise, just make sure your ship has a laundry room. Some ships have eliminated them so the only way to do laundry is to send it out to the ship's laundry.

Yes, I've only sailed on RCCL and none of their ships have self laundry. I didn't realize other lines have laundry rooms.

 

[hereyago]

The heck if I would have gotten involved in a 5 hour packing intervention. I would have just told her to Google some Rick Steve videos on how and what to pack.


I stopped over packing after I had my DD.

 

[mom2rtk]

I kind of think adults should pack what they want as long as they don't expect anyone else to carry it around.

 

[surfgirl]

I won’t travel with anyone who checks luggage. Carry on only. Even when I had twin infants and a five year old—carry on only.

I'm right there with you! I hate... hate... hate checking luggage. Sometimes we have to do it on the way home (because we shopped a little), but on the way to a destination? Never.

I've done 2 weeks in Europe, 2 weeks in Africa, charter in Virgin Island - all separate trips, but all carry on only.

Once we were flying to Disney and got late tickets - could only fly in Jacksonville reasonably. The flight was oversold by 15 seats. I offered them 5 seats if they flew us directly into Orlando. Since we only had carryon, they did it. Helped them, helped us (we quickly change car reservation)... all was good.

Shoes do get to be hard, but think about it and you can do it.

 

[quandrea]

I'm right there with you! I hate... hate... hate checking luggage. Sometimes we have to do it on the way home (because we shopped a little), but on the way to a destination? Never.

I've done 2 weeks in Europe, 2 weeks in Africa, charter in Virgin Island - all separate trips, but all carry on only.

Once we were flying to Disney and got late tickets - could only fly in Jacksonville reasonably. The flight was oversold by 15 seats. I offered them 5 seats if they flew us directly into Orlando. Since we only had carryon, they did it. Helped them, helped us (we quickly change car reservation)... all was good.

Shoes do get to be hard, but think about it and you can do it.

Similar experience with the airlines. We fly frequently. Many times we’ve been able to get on earlier flights, no change fees, because we have no luggage. That is a wonderful perk; minimizing airport waitimes—especially with small children.

 

[kaytieeldr]

but if I was vacationing in Barcelona and Italy and doing a cruise, I would not want to have to do laundry.

Ship's laundry. Even if the ship has no laundry room, it has laundry service. Probably more economical than multiple overweight, oversi st bags.

This is my problem too. I can pack waaaay more weight into a bag than the airlines allow. I’m in a hotel room right now trying to figure out how to distribute everything between the checked bag and the carry-on so we don’t get hit with fees at the airport.

Put everything you need that will fit, in your personal item. Put the rest of your carry on stuff in that, then fill with heavier stuff that you'd normally check. Lift it to make sure you can. Then put everything else in the checked bag.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

I pride myself on traveling light and only take carry-on. Heading to the destination, at least. I pack an empty duffel bag into my luggage and my DH and I will transfer our clothes into that and check it on the flight home so we can transport our souvenirs in our carry-on bags.

You won't catch me doing laundry on vacation either, unless it's something like a quick wash in the bathroom sink for a single item or two.

 

[Meglen]

And here I am only using a carry-on for 7 days at Disney..

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Well, this is one over-packer who would welcome any and all interventions. Seriously - feel free to offer me advice!

We're going to Europe for three weeks this summer and I am determined to pack very, very light. I refuse to make the mistakes I've made in my over-packing past. I don't mind doing laundry while traveling, as we usually build in one or two stays at an AirBnB or VRBO. The other option is to find a local laundry service.

Shoes are the biggest light-packing hurdle, since I have plantar fasciitis. We're going to Scotland where we'll do some light, short hikes, and then to Italy, where I'll want a nicer look.

Here's one way to cut down on the clothing you need to pack. These shirts are double layered and can be flipped and turned inside-out multiple ways to look like different shirts.

https://www.morf-fashion.com

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm an expert packer, but yes, when traveling with family I check a bag these days because of the ridiculous 3-1-1 rules. (Mind you, that's one bag for the entire travel party.) However, I will say that I've found that doing laundry in European hotels can be a bit of a time suck, as hotels seldom seem to have guest laundries, so when traveling abroad I usually try to make it a point to pack lightweight fabrics that are easily hand-washed.

I used to have some issues with over-packing, and what I found worked best was to keep the luggage in the closet while I laid out what I wanted to bring. Then I start paring back and trying the combinations until I've got only what I REALLY need.

 

[mousefan73]

So my friend is a over-packer... honestly it's crazy the amount of stuff she thinks she needs to bring... So what brings all this up is they are going to Italy for 15 nights... 3 nights in Barcelona, 7 nights on a cruise and the rest of the trip in Italy... Her DH told her to call me and ask me to come over and help her pack for the trip... He could not get over when we went to the Dominican that I only had a 1 checked bag and my carryon... I agreed to help.. reluctantly... I knew that she was not gonna be happy about the intervention...Her husband told her only 1 checked bag, and he is not paying for extra bags,

When I arrive she has 2 oversized luggage piece's on the bed, ( I did not know that they made them that big) yep both for her and roll on carry on and her personal item which is the biggest Vera Bradley bag they make... There are clothes everywhere, and shoes, and boots, purses/bags, jewelry and chaos....

I was like..... Whoa.... put everything back... What... NOOOOOO... yes put everything back...NOOOOOOOO......Yes everything back, we are going start with a clean slate... So she puts everything back in the closet, and drawers, and then I thought it would be a good time to step away from it, so we went to lunch and talked about what they were planning on doing, and everything related to the trip.. I was on a fishing expedition.

Once bag at the house I made her put up one of the big luggage pieced... Only 1 checked bag... But... But... Nope only 1 checked bag... 1 roll on carry on and a personal item like a day bag/purse.. Your so mean...

Pick out the outfit you want to travel in... ummm... really .... no... high heels and skin tight dress are not going to work, then she said I plan on changing clothes for the overnight flight, then sleep pants and a t-shirt on the plane to sleep in... then into another outfit when we land... that would be 3 outfits for just the travel day....Nope... comfortable shoes, leggings or pants that can stretch a bit, and a comfortable shirt/blouse. Finally she decided, okay now something along those lines for the trip home yay 2 outfits down... So when I start talking about mix and match clothing, and doing laundry on the cruise...I'm not doing laundry while we are on vacation...Well now...I think you might have to, So I wrote Tide pods on the list... once she realized that she could do multiple loads at once and use her room key to charge to the room, she was on board with laundry.

After much back and forth, we had a basic wardrobe - multipurpose - throwing in couple of very casual long & short dresses for touring or use in the evening, adding in a few accessories, a few scarves 5 or 6 with 2 of them that could be used a wrap for evenings, a couple of necklaces, simple earrings, a couple of belts black, brown and fashion belt, a sweater, and a lightweight raincoat style. We then added in a couple of evening wear items... going with basic black pants, navy skirt and a basic black dress...Shoes were harder... getting her to understand that comfort was king, and style while important was just queen... Sleepwear and under garments, swim suit and cover up.

Overall it took around 5 hours to get her packed... At the end 1 check bag, 1 roll on carry on and a small day bag... ready to go... She was pretty pleased at the out come...

I'm sure she will throw in a few more items... But I did leave room for that...Will she go back to her old ways for their next trip?... who knows only time will tell.

so now the big question.. Is there room for her to buy stuff and take back home????? I ALWAYS go with one half empty... I like to shop while traveling.. Think of all those italien shoes and bags!!!!

 

[mousefan73]

One other thing.. How are you guys traveling after the cruise?? city to city with a train? Can she carry all this? do you have a large enough rental....

 

[mousefan73]

Well, this is one over-packer who would welcome any and all interventions. Seriously - feel free to offer me advice!

We're going to Europe for three weeks this summer and I am determined to pack very, very light. I refuse to make the mistakes I've made in my over-packing past. I don't mind doing laundry while traveling, as we usually build in one or two stays at an AirBnB or VRBO. The other option is to find a local laundry service.

Shoes are the biggest light-packing hurdle, since I have plantar fasciitis. We're going to Scotland where we'll do some light, short hikes, and then to Italy, where I'll want a nicer look.

In your case you have a challenge even non-over packers will have... Scottland can be cold and rainy and Italy can be hot. we are talking possible 90s to 50s.

In your case. I would do the layer looks.. One softshell jacket that is thin, but warm and somewhat rain proof.. Maybe 2 light sweaters, 2 cardigans to wear over camisole tops, sleeveless you can also wear in italy. 3 pants, 2 shorts, and the rest tops and 2 or 3 sundresses.. Not sure what kind of hiking( serious boot hiking, or would merril walkiing shoes do the work?)Merril are great for plantar... I also have "dressier" sandles with support from Ecco.. I can walk all day and looks nice with a summer dress. Definately leave room for shopping.

 

[CarolAnn856]

Here's one way to cut down on the clothing you need to pack. These shirts are double layered and can be flipped and turned inside-out multiple ways to look like different shirts.

https://www.morf-fashion.com

Interesting! Thanks for the link.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm an over packer who is working on stopping that.

OP - I think it's great you helped her out!

 

[design_mom]

I am generally not an overpacker -- I spent 3 weeks in Russia with an infant and only packed 1 bag (max 40 pounds) for both of us. However, we're going on an Alaskan cruise (not Disney) this summer and I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it all in one suitcase. Dressing for dinner? Formal nights? Ugh. I'm a one-outfit-per-day kind of person. And it sounds like the weather could be.. anything! I'm hoping that as it gets closer, I'll have a better idea.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

My husband and I generally do well with packing-lately if we check a bag we'll do just 1 large one with both our clothes--I use packing cubes now and love them. Depending on where I'm going I'm cool with just carry on--it does make it easier at the airport not worrying about collecting luggage.

That being said I'm not opposed to doing laundry but I would def. prefer not to. I always pack a febreze travel size which helps freshen up things that didn't get sweaty and whatnot.

On a cruise I actually don't think I'd be packing a ton. The reason being that if I'm on the ship, aside from dinner time if dressier clothes are needed or an outfit or two for a date night feel, I don't feel the need to dress to the nines. I'd be way more casual. For the 3 nights part if I'm doing more sight-seeing I want comfortable clothing. As a whole I'm a comfort/casual traveler and pack that way but not everyone is that way--I hardly wear any jewelry but my wedding ring. I can understand bringing a nice pair of shoes for the cruise for those dressier nights though.

For travel I wear my heavier shoes which would be my ryka's I can slip them on and off quickly enough at the airport but it also saves from bulking up my suitcase. I can understand long flights and clothing but I wouldn't think I needed 3 outfits for just travel day.

I'm totally ok with travel sized toiletries which helps weight and space. I also think about layering and mixing and matching and what can I fit in my carryon and personal item vs checked luggage keeping in mind room for souvenirs, etc.

My mother-in-law for 8 days took 2 large sized suitcases to Maryland. One contained mostly clothing and the other the medicine cabinet plus shoes..meanwhile I did it with a carryon and personal item. She was affronted at the thought of our suggestion to cut back we let it go but she had to worry about wheeling them around. Granted she had medications she needed but she didn't need 2 large suitcases by any means. She's def. an overpacker.

One thing we love having is a digital luggage scale. It takes up little room and little weight and would be good for them on the way home and there keeping in mind weight limits.