The Dread of Packing: How I Try Not to Forget Anything
As you are reading this, I am in Hawaii!
I love traveling, and I really have nothing to complain about because Krissy is amazing and plans the whole trip. Plane rides, hotels, car rentals, cruises, reservations, and everything else are not my job.
I know, I know. I am the luckiest person alive!
My job in this travel dream world is packing.
And I dread packing.
I don't know why, but I have the toughest time getting motivated to do it. I think part of the problem is that I get nervous I am going to forget something. So instead of just throwing some clothes in a suitcase like a normal person, packing becomes a whole process.
How I Pack Without Forgetting Everything
First, I make a packing list of everything we need and how many of each item we need.
Next, I lay out everything that needs to be packed. I used to do all of this myself, but now Krissy joins me so she can pick out the clothes she wants to bring.
Then I pack everything into the bags and circle the last few things on my packing list that can't go into the suitcase until the end. You know the stuff—the things you're still using right up until you leave.
Finally, I add those last items and do a triple check to make sure everything is accounted for.
This should be a foolproof system, right?
Nope.
Even with this entire process, I still have about a fifty percent chance of forgetting something.
The Best Part Is Finally Leaving
But, as I said, I made it through the packing process.
And more importantly, I made it to Hawaii!
Once we're actually traveling, all that packing dread disappears. I love the adventure. It's just getting everything into those damn bags that I could do without.
Every time I pack for another trip, though, I think about our future adventures in the RV.
I cannot wait for the day when going on an adventure doesn't mean packing suitcases, checking lists, and wondering what I forgot.
We will just drive.
Our clothes will already be there. Our stuff will already be there. Our home will already be there.
That might be one of the parts of full-time RV life I am looking forward to the most!
How do you feel about packing? Do you love it, hate it, or wait until the absolute last minute?
And what is your role when you travel? Are you the planner, the packer, or somehow lucky enough to be neither?
Here's to Hawaii!
Anne
