Trust me, you'll be fine. Seriously, you really will be fine.
The key to alleviating packing anxiety is to stop caring. Don't fixate on the actual process itself, but if it makes you feel better, go ahead. There's even a slight mini guide provided. Do it so you feel better and then let it go. LET IT GO.
Packing enlightenment is only reached when you're able to toss in a bag of dirty laundry and go. Not saying that is the actual goal, but people have survived on less.
Create a list and develop a routine.
Packing efficiently takes practice.
Packing lists help. These can be purchased or generated. There's a strong preference for paper and pen because there's something concrete about tactile reminders.
The second step is to develop a personal routine. Repeat it until you practically develop some type of OCD that you're able to point to the exact spot of your passport even in your dreams. The key here is breaking it down into easy steps so they are easy to remember. Every object should have its "spot."
Perhaps the most useful tip is to make two separate lists. The second list should consist of things that can't be packed until the day of departure. (The best way to deal with the normal list is to use an actual highlighter to flag items that have not been packed yet as you go through the process to remember them later on.)
Pack for one week max.
Laundry is a normal human function all around the world. (m01229 / Flickr)
If you're traveling for less than one week, pack for less than one week. But if the trip is longer than that, packing should always be capped at one week. I don't care if you're going for the month or for the summer.
It is shockingly easy to get clothes clean and laundered. People clean and launder clothes ALL OVER the world.
I mean, if I really think about it, I practically repeat the same set of clothes every week already at home.
If you think you might need it, you don't need it.
The key word here is "might." "Might" does not equate to "need."
It's always possible to buy what you do forget.
Not an ideal situation but seriously, how much does a toothbrush cost? A few dollars. Besides, if you think you might run out of money during a trip, you've got way bigger problems.
