Does anyone else obsess over packing for a trip?

Because I do.

With my love of lists, the first thing I do is make a list of everything I need, and then add in the things I want to have while away from home. I usually try my hardest to fit everything into a carry-on not just because I’m impatient for being on my way after escaping the plane, but if my bags are with me there is less chance of the bags ending up where I am not. 

(And I imagine all sorts of scenarios while waiting at baggage claim about having to confront someone who grabs my bag, or being confronted if I grab the wrong bag, or of the bag never arriving and I’m left staring forlornly at the carousel while my bags are living it up in Bora Bora.)

For an upcoming trip this year, I have to check my bag due to the size of the plane, and I had a moment of insanity thinking about how much I could fit into a bigger bag when I’m normally so careful. I use compression bags, the kind you roll up to get rid of the air, which frees up room even in my carry-on, but in a bigger checked bag? I could toss in more books! A couple pairs of shoes! More clothes! 

Or…leave room for souvenirs!

It’s not the big bag that I have the most problems with…it’s packing the personal item bag. My bouncy brain isn’t a fan of sleeping on a plane so I need options to keep occupied. A book, maybe two, or lately I’ve had homework to do, but also a notebook and a few pens to (surprise) make lists or reflect on the journey so far. I always bring a tablet or laptop with movies or tv show eps downloaded and ready. And then all of the charging cords and earphones in a large plastic zipper bag. I also need to have my filtered water bottle to fill up once I’m through security, enough snacks for four people, deodorant, a clean shirt and underclothes, and a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer (in a small baggie, of course).

On a large plane, I use my bigger backpack. On a smaller plane…you guessed it, the smaller pack. I rarely use a shoulder bag when traveling to keep the weight evenly distributed – my poor back does not like heavy shoulder bags. 

Despite the stress I always feel before a trip, I love packing. I’ll pack, unpack, and pack again. There’s a good chance I’ll suddenly need to download a particular movie or show and absolutely need it five minutes before I have to leave for the airport. Once, I packed a car manual into my suitcase…when on a cruise. I have no idea where my brain was when I tossed the book into my bag, but if someone had a problem with their Ford Escort while out at sea, I was ready.

I think packing helps me deal with my fear of flying, or just being away from home and my family (if I’m alone), and most especially my own bed. (Even the most comfy bed away from home isn’t mine and just isn’t the same.) It’s a little bit of control over a situation that really isn’t under my control. I can go with the flow with the best of ‘em, but inside I am having a meltdown. So I make my lists, and contingency plans, and pack my bags multiple times until I get annoyed enough to not care what goes in the bag as long as I get to where I need to be.

Works for me! What works for you?