Are you an over packer?

March 6th, 2010 - I am an over packer. It doesn't matter where I am going, how long I will be there, vacation or business, I will bring at least 2, ok 5, sometimes 7, outfits more than I really need. And don't even talk to me about how many pairs of shoes and purses I bring.

My dilima is centered around a simple item. That is not knowing exactly how I might be feeling on any given day. By feeling I mean, how does my body feel in terms of size on any given day. If I am having what I refer to as a 'fat' day, then I have certain outfits that fit that bill. However, if I am having a 'skinny' day, then the 'fat' clothes will never work. And if the weather is a little warmer than I planned than I need an outfit that will keep me feeling cool and ofcourse I need two like that, because I need one for a 'fat' day and one for a 'skinny' day. I know most men cannot relate at all to 'fat' and 'skinny' days but believe me if you are married, or have a girlfriend, ask her, she will know exactly what I am talking about. In addition to 'fat' and 'skinny' clothes, I also need daytime clothes and night time clothes, but If I go out mid-afternoon, than my day clothes won't work, nor will my night clothes, I need tweener clothes (in between day and night). And ofcourse, now that I DO work out, I need work out clothes, and let's not forget dress up clothes, swim clothes, spa clothes and lounging in the room clothes. As you can see, there is quite a bit to pack, and for every outfit, shoes, jewelry, purses, and sweater or other wrap is needed. Sometimes a weeks vacation takes 2 large suitcases and a carry on. The bellhops always run when they see me coming. But what I kick I get when the bellhop loads up my luggage, all three pieces, and says, "how long are you staying" and I say, "just overnight". You can bet he will be nowhere to be found the next day for fear he will have to pick up my luggage.

I used to think I would get better at packing. After all, most of the time, I come back with several outfits that have not been worn, but are wrinkled so need washing. You would think after this happens so many times, I would learn to pack reasonably and just take what I need, maybe an extra outfit, just in case. But that is not the case. I still overpack, I still bring back clothes that weren't worn, and I still try on every outfit I might wear while I am away. That's right you heard me...I try on everything to make sure it will look okay in a day or two when I really wear it.