You are so psyched to be getting away for a week to go and relax on the beach or maybe you are traveling to explore a different country. You made all your plans and it is so close you can almost feel the fresh air through your hair. There is just one thing standing in your way. You have to pack. We can all agree it is one of the worst parts of preparing for vacation. No matter who you are, we all go through these phases.
1. Procrastination
I can pack tomorrow. I need to do laundry first. I should go to the store. That's what you say until your flight is less than 24 hours away. It is always stressful and time-consuming, so we all put it off to the last second. We end up regretting it, but hey, it's all part of the experience right?
2. False Confidence
This will be easy. It's only for a week. You tell yourself it will only take a couple minutes and then you can hit the hay. If only it could be that simple. Let's be realistic here. You may be super organized, but choosing what to bring and fitting it into a small suitcase is enough to drive one crazy.
3. Where to start?
Do you start from shoes and work your way up to hats? Maybe you should start closest to the body with underwear and work out to other layers. Do the bigger items go on the bottom? It's all very confusing, let's just give up now.
4. Start using your packing guru tips
You've done this a million times and you just saved a link on Facebook that explains how to use five pieces of clothing last a month abroad. You are rolling and folding and stuffing your way through this. You are determined to fit everything perfectly and without breaking a sweat.
5. The whole need vs. want dilemma
You want to bring clothes that flatter your figure, but it is also going to be hot. So also something that is light. What if you get cold when you go out to eat? Maybe that new cardigan you bought. It is too easy to convince yourself you need to bring your whole wardrobe. It's hard to narrow down your options when any scenario could pop up. If you don't, then that leads us to...
6. Please let it zip!
It will shut. I don't need to take anything out of it. It is like seeing the finish line at the end of the race. So close, but not quite there yet. Once it finally zippers the relief washes over you.
7. Did I forget something???
Just when you can finally rest, there is that awful sinking feeling that you forgot something. It keeps you up and eats away at you. You realize eventually you won't be out in the middle of nowhere and you can just buy a new toothbrush if you forgot on.
