Are you a planner or a
My husband is definitely a planner packer. I, on the other hand, am a combination planner and
Planner Packer
You may be a planner packer if you:
- Begin watching the weather for your trip months in advance
- Start to lay out, or “stage,” your clothing weeks before your trip
- Over time, lay out many more garments than you actually need
- Create a “packing list” detailing every outfit for every event
“Pantser” Packer
You may be a “fly by the seat of your pants” packer if you:
- Begin packing the night before a trip
- Often find you’ve forgotten items when you get to your destination
- Have to buy clothing during your trip, because you have not brought enough/or the right type of garments
- Discover, when you return from the trip, that you took way too many outfits, and didn’t wear a third of them
My co-author Janna Beatty is an expert packer. She created a “Quintessential Packing List” to help her clients organized.
Janna says, “Most people tend to overpack because they fear they will forget something. A packing list is
“And,” she says, “the solution to forgetting something is to begin the packing process early. Place garments in a “staging” area, or on a rack, ahead of time. This will give you several days to plan what you want to take.”
Here is a sample of a completed packing list:
This list takes into account every activity you will be involved in (even when traveling to and from your destination). And If you are traveling to attend an important occasion (e.g., wedding, graduation, reunion, etc.), creating a packing list is especially important. It will ensure that you have everything you need for that special event.
We invite you to download your own blank packing list (and instructions) by
The detailed instructions will help guide you, and you will soon find that you have become a packing pro.
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4 Comments
Sharon,
What a great tool to help with a big trip. I will be using it this summer, but what I really need is for you to come over and put my outfits together. Such clever combinations!
Patti,
I haven’t really mastered the chart yet, but I’m working on it. (I always seem to throw in a few extra things at the last minute.) Best to lay out the clothes and rearrange them, so you can actually visualize the outfits. Thanks for writing.
Ha! I am that “last minute” packer and I have accepted that trait with gusto. It has sometimes made for interesting experiences and stories which merely add to the unexpected joys of travel! I do, however, greatly admire others with more planned out packing strategies and need them to provide balance in my life, and to sometimes find my shoes. 😘
Haha, Sharon,
Whatever works for you is best. It would stress some girls out NOT to have a packing list. For others, it would be stressful just to put one together. And, hey, what’s wrong with forgetting something?? Perfect excuse to go and purchase a wonderful souvenir!