I’d better pack a dozen more socks and 5 more T-shirts. Oh, and let’s not forget about the 10 books that I’ll totally have time to read on the plane. Odds are, we’ve all overpacked for a trip at one point or another. It’s hilarious how many things we bring ‘just in case’ we need them, even though we’d be perfectly fine without them.
Bored Panda has collected the wittiest tweets that capture the essence of what our minds are like when they’re full of the desire to overpack (a bit like when a hamster wants to stuff its cheeks with every bit of food it finds). So scroll down, enjoy, and upvote the tweets that you relate to the most. Be sure to share the weirdest things you packed on your trip, too.
Bored Panda wanted to learn more about overpacking, so we reached out to professional organizer Janine Adams who is the creator of Peace of Mind Organizing. Scroll down for our interview with her.
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But what if you pack dressy things and everyone there is in sweats? What if you pack sweats and everyone else looks fab? Who cares if your going to Alaska? Bring a bathing suit.... I brought three suitcases on my last trip. Help me.
"I think a lot of people overpack out of fear. They’re afraid they’re going to need an article of clothing and regret not having brought it. Fear of regret is a big motivator that affects a lot of people. I think some people overpack just because they’re indecisive. It’s easier to throw items into a suitcase than it is to make choices about what to bring," Janine told us about why some people might overpack.
She added that she isn't sure that everyone is naturally inclined to overpack. "I don’t overpack, for example, because I learned early on that having a heavy suitcase makes traveling much less enjoyable. So I think it depends on people’s priorities. I’m motivated by ease. But someone who is motivated by fear of regret might naturally overpack," she pointed out.
Or you put it on and realize the reason you never wore it was something annoying like the neckline tended to shift around too low (meaning you were constantly adjusting it all day), or the armpit area was just a little too tight, or the shorts were just a little too short for your liking
We also wanted to find out the best way to control our urge to overpack. Janine, who is a great advocate of packing light, encourages people to control this urge by doing a bit of planning beforehand.
"I think one way to do that is take a little time to plan what you’re going to wear. Think about creating outfits that reuse articles of clothing (and shoes). I even make a list of what I plan to wear every day so I don’t have to make a decision every morning of my trip. If you know that you’ll have enough to wear, then it’s easier to resist the urge to overpack," Janine explained.
"It takes more planning to pack light. But the extra time spent figuring out what you’ll wear results in saved time and energy when you don’t have to lug a heavy suitcase around."
I understand the 3 books for the plane. Everyone knows, the faster you go the faster you read.
It's the one time you don't bring it, that the hotel won't have one. Lol
Professional organizer Janine points out that there are plenty of benefits to packing light. The first obvious pro is that, well, your suitcase is lighter. So it’ll be easier to lug about. (Unless you want your case to be heavy so that carrying it doubles as exercise. In that case—don’t let us stop you.)
Secondly, the fewer clothes you pack, the easier it’ll be to dress. Choosing from just two outfits is far easier than if you drag your entire wardrobe to the seaside. Third of all, the less you pack, the less you’ll have to unpack. And we all know how much unpacking is bogus. So much so that some of us (not pointing any fingers) might avoid doing it for a week after we get back from a trip. You can check out some more of Janine's tips for packing light right here.
We took our (at the time)9 month old from Auckland to Munich. I packed 1 nappy per flight hour, 1 change of clothes per 2 flight hours, and enough baby food for 3 days (flights + 1 day in case if delay), he was breastfed but also had formula... everyone thought I was crazy. Until we turned up in Germany with no extra food (plane "forgot" to fulfill our request for baby friendly meals) and a huge bag of laundry (because, you know, babies!)
This is me depending on the guy I'm with or my goals of the vacation at random. Lol
Meanwhile, HuffPost stresses that the reason some of us might be packing too many things in our luggage is that we’re preparing for a whole bunch of worst-case scenarios. We want to be prepared for every single eventuality so much, we end up over-stressing.
But here’s the magical tip that will make you relax: if you find out that you absolutely need something on your trip and you haven’t packed it, you can always buy it at your destination. Whether it’s a jacket or a toothbrush.
He also might need an additional suitcase to bring that stuff back home.
Something that I’m personally guilty of is bringing way too many books whenever I go out of town. So this little hint from Elite Daily is all for me but might work for you, too, if you’re as much a Ravenclaw as I am—use technology to your advantage.
Instead of bringing a stack of books, get the e-book versions and maybe bring just one light book for the pleasant feeling of flipping real pages. So the next time I’m on holiday, I’ll do my best not to overpack. No promises, though! Airport bookshops are always hard to resist.
This gives me severe paranoia. I am not thankful for that but thanks.
The SHOES are my problem. Men don't understand why you can't take just two pairs of shoes on vacation.
once i overpacked my suitcase for a 2 week trip on a freight ship. I wasn't even able to lift it from the floor. Oh boy.
When I was around 7 years old my family went on a week long camping trip. Mom packed my suitcase, but I needed more room for all my books so I took all my clothes out and replaced them with books. My mom and dad couldn't do anything but laugh.
Once when I was like 5 I packed my own suitcase for the first time. I decided I needed a toy in case i got bored. Instead bringing one of my doll or books or action figures, I brought a hammer. A plastic fake hammer, but still hammer. I packed it like as we were leaving so my mom had already gone through my bag. It didn't come out of my suitcase once during the trip. But on the way home, airport security got suspicious so we were held up until they realized it was a plastic toy.
Ok but the swimsuits just in case is actually important though. You never know the sadness of not bringing a swimsuit because it's going to be an average of 5°F and then the hotel has an indoor pool. Especially when your family can swim because they're boys and can just wear their quick-dry shorts...
Note: this post originally had 62 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
I am the complete opposite of all these folks! I pack a 20" luggage and a backpack for up to a two weeks trip and have traveled the world. I even bring souvenirs home. I bring the absolute minimum so I can shop!
I've reported HND like 20 times... What wrong with @boredpanda ? Why don't you get rid of them????
Load More Replies...
Oh I've done me some ridiculous packing too sometimes.. well I MIGHT need this, and I MIGHT need this.. and what if that happens, I'll have to have this!.. and this, and this, and this.. so dumb
I still remember a birthday trip my then-husband and I took for a 4-day trip on a riverboat. All the clothes I packed (most were new) turned out to be perfect for the weather conditions, I felt comfortable and chic in them, I had the perfect shoes for each outfit, and I wore ALL of what I brought ONCE. In one small suitcase. The planets were aligned then; never before or since. Sigh
We must all pack enough underwear as though we, as adults are going to p**s and s**t ourselves and least 3 times a day.
on the hairdryer. Ever get cold in your hotel room when everyone else is hot and sweltering? You know what's portable, personal, and blows warm/hot air? I actually figured this out in college when my roommates would crank the ac all the way down and I was turning blue. get comfy, pull knees up and shirt over knees, turn hairdryer on low and put it under shirt tent. NICE and TOASTY warm!
I'm one of those who needs it to feel like Antartica! It makes packing complicated because I always feel hot and sweaty, especially when I'm nervous, or in a rush - it's gross! You can always get warm with a blanket or sweater, but you can only take off so-much before you get a ticket for indecent exposure. You would hate to share a room with me.
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This is like a friggin omen! I s**t you not, my birthday was 12 days ago and my in laws bought me my first brand new set of luggage in my entire adult life..... BECAUSE we are leaving on a family trip to NY in two weeks from now. I am meeting my bf's family there for the first time (we've been together for 4 years the day we leave and I haven't been able to meet them in person and he says we can't get married until I meet the granparents *swoon) I KNOW I over pack especially in this situation because every friggin day there will be a "first impression" day. I have also gained weight thanks to a recent surgery / injury and have like NOTHING that is flattering. I'm so screwed.....
You're going to have a great trip! Just try to relax. Congratulations!
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I always pack too much. We go bush camping and need to be self sufficient as there is often no access to toilets, fresh clean water and showers. We also camp on the beach where the weather can be quite unpredictable so I have to pack clothes suited for the warm and the cold. Plus about 10 towels, one for after swimming and one for after shower etc. I take about 4 books even though I wont read them all, I just want to have choice. We take about 100 litres of water, our own toilet and shower etc. I certainly miss camping, haven’t been able to go this year.
I really hope you're feeling better and get to go in October.
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I also pack a lot more clothes than I wear at home, but the difference is, at home no one sees me. I can wear the same sweaty disgusting thing for a week and no one cares. On vacation, I go out, other people see me. I don’t go out in stinky dirty clothes.
I enjoy a light bag, so my plan for camping/traveling is: Wear a pair of pants and pack a pair of shorts (or vice versa). Make a baggie of a t-shirt, undies, and a pair of socks for each day of the trip and an extra then squish out all the air and make them as flat as you can. Light jacket or similar for cooler nights. Some cheap, thin flip flops for the shower and room/campsite. Swimsuit if any chance of swimming (Knew a guy who used a swimsuit with the mesh 'support' inside as regular shorts for travel/camping, skipped underwear, and just washed them in the sink or pool. Plastic bag of toiletries (including an all-in-one soap), a bag of stuff to support the phone (charger, battery pack, cords), bag of snacks and drink mixes/tea bags, and a bag of 'other'- first aid, small repair kit, deck of cards, notepad and pen, cheap spork, cord for clothesline or whatever, and some other odds and ends. I can get this into almost any carry-on or backpack.
My husband packs and puts half of our clothes in two suitcases just in case one gets lost. As least we have something clean to wear.
i used to overpack but have recovered...just a bit. if staying in new place for a few days: big case w/few things as i like to shop. but, let me stay a week or more somewhere i put a smaller case in my bigger checked case as i know i will be bringing goodies home for everyone. biggest issue for me now are my meds/personal items in carry on as i have been stranded, flights cancelled, luggage lost/delayed. so, that is usually packed tight, including a cup, tea, spoon/fork, snacks, & change of undies.
For me, when I’ve packed super heavy in the past, it’s been because I lived overseas and when I went home for visits, I wanted to bring as much New Zealand stuff back with me to Japan as I could. I also went on a trip to the US and Europe and bought so many snacks that by the end of the trip I was just saying “yeah, I know, I’ll pay the excess baggage” to the check-in people because I’d learned that they go easier on you if you acknowledge that they don’t owe you a freebie. I made those snacks last for almost a year. (Also I was really into BodyPump at that time so the weight was NBD.) I still pack heavier than average and you’re just not going to make packing light happen with me. Looking for a shop to buy stuff I need while I’m at my destination sucks up time that I’d rather spend enjoying myself. I choose to confine all the hassle to the transit parts of my trip so that I can minimise hassles during my stay. It’s a different set of priorities but it works for me.
I am the complete opposite of all these folks! I pack a 20" luggage and a backpack for up to a two weeks trip and have traveled the world. I even bring souvenirs home. I bring the absolute minimum so I can shop!
I've reported HND like 20 times... What wrong with @boredpanda ? Why don't you get rid of them????
Load More Replies... Oh I've done me some ridiculous packing too sometimes.. well I MIGHT need this, and I MIGHT need this.. and what if that happens, I'll have to have this!.. and this, and this, and this.. so dumb
I still remember a birthday trip my then-husband and I took for a 4-day trip on a riverboat. All the clothes I packed (most were new) turned out to be perfect for the weather conditions, I felt comfortable and chic in them, I had the perfect shoes for each outfit, and I wore ALL of what I brought ONCE. In one small suitcase. The planets were aligned then; never before or since. Sigh
We must all pack enough underwear as though we, as adults are going to p**s and s**t ourselves and least 3 times a day.
on the hairdryer. Ever get cold in your hotel room when everyone else is hot and sweltering? You know what's portable, personal, and blows warm/hot air? I actually figured this out in college when my roommates would crank the ac all the way down and I was turning blue. get comfy, pull knees up and shirt over knees, turn hairdryer on low and put it under shirt tent. NICE and TOASTY warm!
I'm one of those who needs it to feel like Antartica! It makes packing complicated because I always feel hot and sweaty, especially when I'm nervous, or in a rush - it's gross! You can always get warm with a blanket or sweater, but you can only take off so-much before you get a ticket for indecent exposure. You would hate to share a room with me.
Load More Replies... This is like a friggin omen! I s**t you not, my birthday was 12 days ago and my in laws bought me my first brand new set of luggage in my entire adult life..... BECAUSE we are leaving on a family trip to NY in two weeks from now. I am meeting my bf's family there for the first time (we've been together for 4 years the day we leave and I haven't been able to meet them in person and he says we can't get married until I meet the granparents *swoon) I KNOW I over pack especially in this situation because every friggin day there will be a "first impression" day. I have also gained weight thanks to a recent surgery / injury and have like NOTHING that is flattering. I'm so screwed.....
You're going to have a great trip! Just try to relax. Congratulations!
Load More Replies... I always pack too much. We go bush camping and need to be self sufficient as there is often no access to toilets, fresh clean water and showers. We also camp on the beach where the weather can be quite unpredictable so I have to pack clothes suited for the warm and the cold. Plus about 10 towels, one for after swimming and one for after shower etc. I take about 4 books even though I wont read them all, I just want to have choice. We take about 100 litres of water, our own toilet and shower etc. I certainly miss camping, haven’t been able to go this year.
I really hope you're feeling better and get to go in October.
Load More Replies... I also pack a lot more clothes than I wear at home, but the difference is, at home no one sees me. I can wear the same sweaty disgusting thing for a week and no one cares. On vacation, I go out, other people see me. I don’t go out in stinky dirty clothes.
I enjoy a light bag, so my plan for camping/traveling is: Wear a pair of pants and pack a pair of shorts (or vice versa). Make a baggie of a t-shirt, undies, and a pair of socks for each day of the trip and an extra then squish out all the air and make them as flat as you can. Light jacket or similar for cooler nights. Some cheap, thin flip flops for the shower and room/campsite. Swimsuit if any chance of swimming (Knew a guy who used a swimsuit with the mesh 'support' inside as regular shorts for travel/camping, skipped underwear, and just washed them in the sink or pool. Plastic bag of toiletries (including an all-in-one soap), a bag of stuff to support the phone (charger, battery pack, cords), bag of snacks and drink mixes/tea bags, and a bag of 'other'- first aid, small repair kit, deck of cards, notepad and pen, cheap spork, cord for clothesline or whatever, and some other odds and ends. I can get this into almost any carry-on or backpack.
My husband packs and puts half of our clothes in two suitcases just in case one gets lost. As least we have something clean to wear.
i used to overpack but have recovered...just a bit. if staying in new place for a few days: big case w/few things as i like to shop. but, let me stay a week or more somewhere i put a smaller case in my bigger checked case as i know i will be bringing goodies home for everyone. biggest issue for me now are my meds/personal items in carry on as i have been stranded, flights cancelled, luggage lost/delayed. so, that is usually packed tight, including a cup, tea, spoon/fork, snacks, & change of undies.
For me, when I’ve packed super heavy in the past, it’s been because I lived overseas and when I went home for visits, I wanted to bring as much New Zealand stuff back with me to Japan as I could. I also went on a trip to the US and Europe and bought so many snacks that by the end of the trip I was just saying “yeah, I know, I’ll pay the excess baggage” to the check-in people because I’d learned that they go easier on you if you acknowledge that they don’t owe you a freebie. I made those snacks last for almost a year. (Also I was really into BodyPump at that time so the weight was NBD.) I still pack heavier than average and you’re just not going to make packing light happen with me. Looking for a shop to buy stuff I need while I’m at my destination sucks up time that I’d rather spend enjoying myself. I choose to confine all the hassle to the transit parts of my trip so that I can minimise hassles during my stay. It’s a different set of priorities but it works for me.
