I seem to have a rather persistent problem when it comes to packing a suitcase and that is I completely overpack. Every single time I just can't help myself and the worst thing of all is that my carry-on luggage could be compared to everything 20 people would need for a 2 week holiday. It is just ridiculous.
However, after hauling my usual 10 tonnes of so-called 'I can't live without' luggage on a 20 hour flight from Brisbane to New York a few days I ago it was quite humorous to read an article by Amanda Fortini in the New York Times this morning in which she proclaims her obsession with the overpack too.
I was comforted by the fact that she too has packing anxiety and as her friend kindly puts it - 'It's like you're traveling by ocean liner. Will you be accompanied by a porter?' I WISH I could be accompanied by a porter. Usually my husband is around and has in the past helped me lug large seashells in my carry-on luggage from Hawaii and cushion covers, mirrors and a painting from LA but this time it is just me and my carry-on and let me tell you it is exhausting running for a connecting flight with 3 heavy bags. I have vowed and declared that on our return flight next week I will only be bringing 1 bag into the cabin with me and the rest will be checked in. It will be interesting to see how I go.
It is snowing here in New York which is quite amazing as this time last week I was swimming in our pool with Harry and Max in 30 + degrees.
33 comments:
I always overpack too!
Enjoy NY- can't wait to see what you buy xx
I too used to be a big "overpacker" but have toned things down, perhaps since traveling became such a major headache and a nuisance. I like to now travel as light as possible and my method is I actually write down every thing I am bringing (clothes only) and write how many outifts I can achieve with what I am bringing. Normally when I see it on paper I realize I have more than enough so over the years I have manged to travel lighter. Swimming a week ago sounds awfully nice!
Have a wonderful time in New York!
The trick with hand-luggage is to make your bags look light even though you have everything including the kitchen sink in them. You need to smile and try to breath normally as you pass the hand-luggage police! I do know what you mean though about it being exhausting. You almost need to go into training for a few months beforehand. Perhaps gyms could install some overhead lockers and then have a number of sandbags that we could lug up above our heads until we can effortlessly and gracefully placing them above without knocking the head off a manikin positioned below :)
I can share a few packing tips with you. I traveled extensively and learned from a Master....how to pack with just what you need. It is amazing what a scarf can do....
Enjoy NY and look forward to meeting you!
pve
Loved that article which I took not of as well. I am occasionally a compact packer but have certainly been known to overdo as well! Hope you have a great time here!!
Have a wonderful time in NYC, Anna!
My daughter has it down to a fine art....even when she buys clothes she asks herself if it will pack well. Her rule is, everything and anything you wouldn't want to lose goes in your carry on...She pack almost all her favorite clothes and shoes in there...but she mixes and matches to perfection.She takes her purse and laptop separately.She wears a pair of boots or her most awkward shoes depending on the weather and a long coat on the plane with a comfy outfit. Her larger cases are lighter so she can bring things back!Just in case her baggage is misplaced or lost! Then her holiday or business trip isn't spent scrambling for clothes. I've seen her go for 16 days with a carry on... she is clean and fussy...So it can be done...Not sure I could do it though! Good luck for next time!
Welcome to the States, Anna! I hope you have a wonderful stay, I assume you will hit The NY Market this week.... I know it's for work, but I hope you have time for a little fun!
If you would like a little Art-reading, I have just posted on a book, Art & Charisma, I think you would really love it, hope you check it out!
Northern Light
How not overpack when you're going to NYC? But, remember also, you're going to be in NYC and if you miss anything you'll find it there... maybe that's a good idea (and excuse), "forget" some things so you can "find" it there. ;-) What do you think? :-)
Have a wonderful trip, Anna!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Post of the Day: A House in Malibu.
It's a disease. A friendly one but i think you'll find its hard to cure. Have tried to be light once but then i misssed so much stuff i had to buy there...really i've tried but i just cannot do it. At least if you can put it in the hold who cares?
I'm glad I'm not the one with this problem! I've already decided that if I ever write my autobiography, it will be subtitled "Confessions of an Overpacker"! I like to be prepared for every situation I might encounter while traveling. It's hard to look chic when you only pack one carry on! Can't wait to meet you this week too!
welcome to new york anna, sorry about the weather, it's been brutal this month. don't even get me started on overpacking, i like to be prepared for any eventuality! is that so wrong?
Perhaps we're meant to overpack?!! Atleast than we're always prepared!! (This said from a woman who has paid overweight luggage fees more time than I can count!!!)
Toma
You lucky thing - enjoy NYC! It was scorching here today so enjoy the cold for me....as for over - packing? Isn't it essential? KGx
Lucky, lucky you! I was in NYC for thanksgiving and the best we got was a snow flurry. Oh, such fun. Such a change from Brisvegas.
Wendy C
Oh Anna, I have the same problem - always afraid I won't have exactly what I need. The ordeal of flying today is helping with my overpacking...!! Wishing I was in NYC...
Have a wonderful time in NY!
Here on the east coast of Australia it's going to be very hot - high 30's - all week...wouldn't mind a bit of the NY snow!!!
:))
Oh how i feel for you! Try moving to another country limiting yourself to 2 checked bags and 2 carry ons? I remember when i first moved to london and tried to carry around all this baggage on the tube. People thought I was crazy! But rather safe than sorry ;)
www.thefinishing-school.com
To be overpacked is one of my speciality too ! That's make my husband a bit crazy but what will I do without ALL my shoes (and dresses... hmmm... and bags... !!) !
Oh NY, how wonderful. Have fun! A-M xx
I so love NY, have a fabulous time.
Ohhh I want to be in NY....enjoy your visit Anna xo
Love your blog. Swedish Girl.
My husband always reminds me that we are not travelling to the jungles of the Amazon. :) I can always buy something, if I really need it.
Fondly,
Glenda
Anna,I hope that you have a delicious time in NY. Your blog is wonderful. I only hope that I'll be able to visit your store in Brisbane some time soon!
i love this ...Iam traveling to mexico city ,to pack up what was left behind 3 yrs ago , I have moved 3 countries in the past 10 years and I still do not have any idea how to travel light...good thing is mexico has men running around to help with luggage , but it is still very stressfull ,paying top dollar for excess weight,re packing your carryon bags ,while everyone in line watches.
best thing to do is sell ,give ,throw everything out and start new .
But than again how can I visit mexico city and not go hunting for treasures at the wonderful flee markets . wish me luck ..oh plus i have to bring back my daughters art work.
Woud be so lovely to meet you!
Any chance?
xoxo Victoria
I too always overpacked!! But since I got married I tried to pack 'lighter' & learn to do a smart packing to travel. x)
Have fun in snowy NY !!! I'm missin' the city a lot!!! :')
xx
I used to over pack. Then we took the 4 kids to Sweden and had to rent a bus to haul all the luggage around. The next time we made the rule of no checked bags. It worked, what an amazing difference for the whole experience. Thanks for the post.
Traveling between countries makes over packing almost inevitable-- converters, cords, etc! Or so I thought until I moved to Denmark and started travelling with men and expats. They have totally changed me. I'm going to Stockholm at the end of the week with a guy friend for 5 days and I'm only taking a small carry on and my laptop. It's a new challenge in looking good with a few things (you wear it all on the plane!)… and lots of deodorant!
I just found your blog and love it! Enjoy NYC!
BEST *a
http://angieburr.com/blog/
Living in Denmark has totally changed me. I'm going to Stockholm at the end of the week with a carry on and my laptop. It helps to see how men and expats travel. They take less and still look great! I'm slowly learning.
Enjoy NYC!
*a
http://angieburr.com/blog/
..back in the day my housekeeper packed my bags - always in a rush I would swing by the house from the office in a panic dash to the airport - I remember saying..My God Susie...So much luggage..I'll only need half that..."Yes she said - but you wont know what half until you get there !"
Hi Stu
Nice to hear from you. You have been very quiet we are looking forward to a new post
MOB
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