I KNOW I am WAY overpacked!!

[Muumuu]

[quote name='Alrana Eris']You are all set if all it fits in the suitcase. your good to go.Its not what you pack and how much you bring its how you pack, there is an art on fitting everything into a suitcase. If you can fit it all in hte luggage then bring it.
I never overpack. I'm a less is more type.Then again I used to teach packing seminars on how to pack. When I taught packing seminars these were my 4 golden rules of packing.
#1 [I]you are packing for vacation not the apocalypse [/I].
#2 [I]If you can't lift your suitcase/luggage fully packed what makes you think someone can[/I].(this is for those of us who fly and are worried about overweight limits)also goes for wheeled carry-ons- don't want a head trauma on my way to the cruise.
#3 [I]mix, match multi-purpose and accessorize[/I]
#4[I] You'd be amazed on what you can bring if you pack it right.
[/I]
You'd be shocked I wear the same evening shoes/evening purse all week on the cruise. Like anyone would notice. I make sure they go with all my outfits.[/QUOTE]

Organizations like AAA have packing classes offered. And I am sure other sites on here also have information & demonstrations.
I pack everything in 1 med case and have learned not to overpack. When I would get home and see what was not used I just removed those from my next packing thus having me down to no extras. For me this has worked out great.

[KruznKel]

[quote name='Muumuu']Organizations like AAA have packing classes offered. And I am sure other sites on here also have information & demonstrations.
I pack everything in 1 med case and have learned not to overpack. When I would get home and see what was not used I just removed those from my next packing thus having me down to no extras. For me this has worked out great.[/quote]

I agree going from 3 suitcases and a carry on for my 1st cruise down to one duffle bag under 50lbs going on 10th cruise in Sept.. it rocks:D

[cruzsearcher]

How funny. I didn't read the whole thread but I got such a chuckle out of your list in your first post.

You have WAY over packed! :D

I'm only on my 6th cruise and I still take too much, even though I've seriously whittled things down. I have started literally writing down what I'm wearing each day so I can overlap with the same slacks or skirt with a couple tops. No one cares really if you wear the same blouse on day one at dinner as you do on day 3 or 4.

One thing to keep in mind....and the main reason I quit packing so much is...say you don't wear some of that stuff. You will still likely have to launder every item you took. We find that our stuff just absorbs the sea air scent...and things just don't seem fresh anymore.

Our first 4 day cruise we took 2 LARGE LARGE LARGE rolling checked bags and 2-3 carry ons. For 2 adults and a 6 year old!!!

The last one, each of us (dh, me, dd) had an airline size carry on only-- for a four day. And, we had 12 pack of juice, sports bottles, etc.

This one next week is just dh and I for a 5 nite, so we decided to check one medium size suitcase, put our 12 packs of juice, clubsoda, and 2 bottles of wine in one rolling carry on and that's it besides my purse. We're wearing swimsuits under our boarding clothes.

Now I'm going to go back and read the rest of the thread..
Have fun no matter what you bring!

[michelle1836]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']I can't help myself... Sugar Pie Honey Bunch- ;)

I have about 10 nice tops.. 10 casual tops... 6 pairs shorts... 3 capris...5 pairs heels/sandals ...1 pair flip flops..2 dresses formal night, 2 sundresses.. 3 bathing suits.. 2 bathing suit cover ups (Or what I like to call- My A** don't look as good as it use to so I am gonna cover it up) Lol :D

I HAVE TO TAKE IT ALL.. I can not cut it down.. :p:p It all fits so nice into my suitcase.. We do not have to fly, so... Oh well..I will take it all..:p[/quote]

wow. I leave this Friday and havent even taken my suitcases out!

my last cruise 2 weeks ago I packed everything in a carryon!

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='sweetlouise']I'm right there with you, OP !! We just got off the Liberty a week ago and I WAY overpacked. But ... it's better to overpack than to not have enough. I think I had packed something like 15 shirts and 16 pairs of underwear LOL. I brought enough to be able to change twice a day if I wanted to because I knew it would be hot and humid.

I think it also depends on where you are going. Last year for Alaska I didn't bring nearly as much because we weren't somewhere that was sweaty hot and we could re-wear pants and some shirts if we only wore them at dinner. But this trip we went to EAstern Caribbean and it was like 900% humidity every day so you could NOT re-wear things unless you wanted to stink LOL.

One thing I forgot to bring was a small bottle of laundry soap so I could hand-wash bathing suits, bras, etc. in the sink. You get so sweaty you have to wash out your bras (unless you have more than 7). I had to use hand soap LOL.[/quote]

Great idea for the bras..

[quote name='KruznKel']LOL 1st cruise you will learn :D[/quote]


Cruise or not, we travel a ton and I always over pack.. I tell myself each time I won't, but I always do... :p

[michelle1836]

well at least you are going on the Pride and dont have to worry about checking luggage on an airplane

[misguidedangel]

I do think you are overpacked....but hey, you got to overpack once before you realize what you need, so first cruise, stuff the suitcase full !!!! Oh, and don't forget to leve room for some goodies tht you buy as Tortuga rum cakes do take up a fair amount of space in the suitcase!

Have fun!!!!

[Love-to-ride]

I love the comments from the carry-on only folks. I don't wear different clothes eveyday day because I am afraid somebody will notice. I wear different clothes because I notice. I like to wear nice clothes on vacation. I think I have learned to pack less daytime clothes because alot of time is spent in bathing suits and cover-ups. But I won't compromise on evening clothes. Where we live is so casual all the time that i enjoy dressing up for the evenings on a cruise. My husband wouldn't even consider wearing shorts in the dining room. Just because the cruise lines allow it doesn't mean he will wear them. We still do gown and tux on elegant nights. Makes for great pictues. Frankly the hardest part is packing his size 14 shoes. :eek:

[MamaParrotHead]

This thread brings to mind a segment they had on GMA the other day...[URL]http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/BeautySecrets/shopping-diet-clothing-items-31-days/story?id=11234650[/URL]

I don't know if I could go THAT extreme, but it is food for thought.

We overpacked some items, underpacked others. I think I've got it nailed now for January. We take 2-29" rolling suitcases, a garment bag and a carry on for each for us with personal items for 4 on a 7 day cruise.

[KruznKel]

[quote name='Love-to-ride']I Frankly the hardest part is packing his size 14 shoes. :eek:[/quote]

Hard it is.. my hubby it is a 15...:p

[ADL3]

20 tops seems a bit overpacked but other than that, it doesn't sound bad to me. I really don't understand how people wear things twice in these hot and humid destinations. I put on clean clothes at least twice a day on my past two cruises. Maybe I'll get to that point some day, but for now I take what I need.

I am leaving the power strip, Post Its and highlighters at home this time. But I do take the shoe rack and binoculars. :)

[MamaParrotHead]

[quote name='ADL3']20 tops seems a bit overpacked but other than that, it doesn't sound bad to me. I really don't understand how people wear things twice in these hot and humid destinations. I put on clean clothes at least twice a day on my past two cruises. Maybe I'll get to that point some day, but for now I take what I need.

I am leaving the power strip, Post Its and highlighters at home this time. But I do take the shoe rack and binoculars. :)[/quote]

Normally, port days or sea days, I'm in a swimsuit and cover up. Clean outfits for dinner, a few pairs of shorts and a few shirts if I feel like changing out of my dinner clothing in the evenings. I bring 3-4 swimsuits, wash out each one after use and wear each one twice. ;) I also plan on buying atleast 2-3 tshirts in port as souvenirs that I count towards my outfits.

[michelle1836]

[quote name='KruznKel']Hard it is.. my hubby it is a 15...:p[/quote]

wow! and I thought my BF's 13s were big.

[sjn911]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']Great idea for the bras..




Cruise or not, we travel a ton and I always over pack.. I tell myself each time I won't, but I always do... :p[/quote]

Me too..I am really doing MARGINALLY better but reading and laughing along with everyone on these packing threads.

My last 1 week trip was whole family to Kona (16)..but you know warmer climate..nice family dinners a few nights..including a nice professional photographer and fancy hotel dinner at Waikoloa and all for dear folks and their family. I bought a silly Mumu at Wallmart...only in Hawaii but they have beautiful fabrics and necklines love them there... for the luau which was more casual. But we did Banana Republic too so 3 fancier dinner nights..plus all the beach and back and change..we had wonderful little condos..with the washing/dryer but I was watching golfers and reading on my quiet moments...no darn w&d on vacation when quiet...then later when we ate in..usually ended up at our condo (folks and I) I took quite a bit..bought a new roller at Ross that weighed 10 lbs and got away with 41 more lbs...stuffed a bit more on my carrey on to even out my purchases on return.

I will try to get better..but vacation travel is the most carefree place..where life is the most beautiful..and I like having the options to follow the mood....love this thread.

You did good Ava girl..20 tops is pretty cute..may eventually pare that down:).

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='sjn911']Me too..I am really doing MARGINALLY better but reading and laughing along with everyone on these packing threads.

My last 1 week trip was whole family to Kona (16)..but you know warmer climate..nice family dinners a few nights..including a nice professional photographer and fancy hotel dinner at Waikoloa and all for dear folks and their family. I bought a silly Mumu at Wallmart...only in Hawaii but they have beautiful fabrics and necklines love them there... for the luau which was more casual. But we did Banana Republic too so 3 fancier dinner nights..plus all the beach and back and change..we had wonderful little condos..with the washing/dryer but I was watching golfers and reading on my quiet moments...no darn w&d on vacation when quiet...then later when we ate in..usually ended up at our condo (folks and I) I took quite a bit..bought a new roller at Ross that weighed 10 lbs and got away with 41 more lbs...stuffed a bit more on my carrey on to even out my purchases on return.

I will try to get better..but vacation travel is the most carefree place..where life is the most beautiful..and I like having the options to follow the mood....love this thread.

You did good Ava girl..20 tops is pretty cute..may eventually pare that down:).[/quote]


Gosh, it is 20 tops.. Lol.. I am trimming it down I think.. I hope... :(

[firefly333]

I hope you take pictures of your cabin and post them with you having a drink out on your extended balcony

[Daniel Laginess]

This is my first cruise and by the sounds of this packing and all I am in trouble. I have to fly since I am in northern Michigan and they are only allowing me ONE piece of luggage at 50#. I am a guy but I htink Delta is taking advantage of this and they charge me $23.00 for that..

[sjn911]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']Gosh, it is 20 tops.. Lol.. I am trimming it down I think.. I hope... :([/quote]
This thread is so fun to me.
Your excitement and this exact process is so much what we packers/travelers/cruisers do..this is so cute..I am 50 and have made it to the next...slightly better pared down level..but I do not know if enough of me wants to get any better for before mentioned reasons...

I shoud tell you my trip after Hawaii was a 4 day escorting 2 seniors cruise on Paradise..which is what made me fall in love with Carnival and the fun folks philosophy. I was gone 6 nights as I had a night on each end..knew I would need for arrival from here and a rest at the end. Technically I could/should have pared down form Hawaii..less events..more inside assistance in ship..did I...oh no..same 40 pounds in 10 pound roller bag!!:)

[sjn911]

[quote name='Daniel Laginess']This is my first cruise and by the sounds of this packing and all I am in trouble. I have to fly since I am in northern Michigan and they are only allowing me ONE piece of luggage at 50#. I am a guy but I htink Delta is taking advantage of this and they charge me $23.00 for that..[/quote]

It is irritating. My folks big 50th in Hawaii..the tickets were off the

map expensive from here...16 people..Christmas only time people could do it...we flew in different groups to do best we could and we got in just before this darn luggage weight cost thing...the first was free...and I just see in my minds eye my little eight year old niece handling hers to the rental car..she got away with way below the limit:).

[Rocknsoul]

My husband is the overpacker--which is interesting because at 6'4" & a size 15 shoe, I get squeezed out of the suitcases like I'm squeezed out of our king-sized bed! :p

[TahoeBob]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']I [COLOR="red"][SIZE="5"][B]WILL NOT[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR] help myself... Sugar Pie Honey Bunch- ;)

I have about 10 nice tops.. 10 casual tops... 6 pairs shorts... 3 capris...5 pairs heels/sandals ...1 pair flip flops..2 dresses formal night, 2 sundresses.. 3 bathing suits.. 2 bathing suit cover ups (Or what I like to call- My A** don't look as good as it use to so I am gonna cover it up) Lol :D

I [SIZE="5"][COLOR="Red"][B]WANT[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] TO TAKE IT ALL.. I [COLOR="red"][SIZE="5"][B]REFUSE[/B] [/SIZE][/COLOR]cut it down.. :p:p It all fits so nice into my suitcase.. We do not have to fly, so... Oh well..I will take it all..:p[/QUOTE] [B][COLOR="Black"]I just changed a few words to reflect the reality o the situation. [/COLOR][/B]

[conchead]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Last cruise I had everything I needed in one "regular" carry on with wheels.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]My wife was aggrivated saying it was too stuffed and everything would get [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]wrinkled, so I switched to a larger one, so I had to add some clothes to keep things from [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]sliding around inside. Yes, I ended up way over packed.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]This time I said I was not going to over pack...but[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]I will admit that me and my son can get a little messy at times [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]and since we can both wear the same shirts and shorts [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]I over packed again for the "just in case" reason.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Plenty of shirts but maybe only a couple extra shorts.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]We did cross pack so we won't have to worry if something happens to one of the suitcases.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=#000080]I haven't checked the weight, but I know it is under the 50# "encouraged" limit.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[sjn911]

[quote name='TahoeBob'][B][COLOR=black]I just changed a few words to reflect the reality o the situation. [/COLOR][/B][/quote]
:confused:..Oh brother...well to each their own...personally that is too judgemental for me..:(.

There is Much Worse then your list Ava Girl...now this older couple with 8 carrey-ons from the 90's cruise I took..that was off the beam...and it was her fault.

Cute rocknsoul..never forget making beds with dad at our cabin..he said now only you are going to know this..no words to be spoken..and he taught me his system of giving "chubbier mom" her extra covers length..thereby leaving him the right amount..(hopefully and usually) in their king:).

[sjn911]

[quote name='conchead'][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Last cruise I had everything I needed in one "regular" carry on with wheels.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]My wife was aggrivated saying it was too stuffed and everything would get [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]wrinkled, so I switched to a larger one, so I had to add some clothes to keep things from [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]sliding around inside. Yes, I ended up way over packed.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]This time I said I was not going to over pack...but[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]I will admit that me and my son can get a little messy at times [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]and since we can both wear the same shirts and shorts [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]I over packed again for the "just in case" reason.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Plenty of shirts but maybe only a couple extra shorts.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]We did cross pack so we won't have to worry if something happens to one of the suitcases.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=#000080]I haven't checked the weight, but I know it is under the 50# "encouraged" limit.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/quote]

Good job!!:):p

Be interesting to discuss..good bags on rollers people have found in the affordable sturdy range..anyone find one that weighed under 10 lbs..should I start a new thread???:confused:

[suseg]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=purple]That is sooooo often, all the time actually, my problem. We're going to one of our timeshares the week prior to the cruise, I'm going to be way out of control...I feel it coming. I need to start thinking about it now and TRY not to go overboard. Perhaps I won't bring a long gown for formal night. Lol...really, with the world in the shape it's in I should be shot for such a trivial concern....just wait until after my next cruise please![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]