The 6 stages of packing for a holiday.

Everybody says it: “This time, things will be different.”

Every time any person clicks ‘book’ on their next holiday, a little shudder of panic flows through them. Packing panic.

Packing panic is a panic that is perfectly justified because everybody knows that no matter how many times we leave our packing to the last minute – no matter how many times we learn that horrible lesson – we’re convinced that next time will be different. The shudder that packing panic sends down your spine is your body trying to tell you that you need to be more organised this time. Make lists! Clean and iron clothes! Call ahead to the hotel and check what you need!

Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Telstra. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.

Unfortunately, it seems to be in our human nature to ignore packing panic. In fact, it’s universally accepted that packing panic only yields actual results (in other words getting you to start bloody packing) in the final 24 hours before one leaves for a holiday.

Don’t deny it. You know it’s true.

So, in an effort to help you recognise packing panic, we’ve listed the stages here.

Good luck, traveller.

1. Two Weeks Before:

You’ve totally got this. You are going to be so organised this time. See? You’re already thinking about how organised you are and the trip is still two weeks away. So. Freaking. Organised. This is you:

2. One Week Before:

Wait, WHAT? You’re holiday is in a week? How did that happen? Better start packing. But might just do a bit of this first:

3. A Few Days Before:

Okay, you are definitely going to get your stuff together tonight. At least plan everything you need in your head. This won’t take long at all. It’s going to be totally fine, right? RIGHT?

4. The Night Before:

Uh oh.

Alright, this is serious now. No more procrastinating. Well, it’s too late to wash all your clothes. And crap – what’s that rule about 100ml toiletries? Everyone says you should put your pyjamas in last. Crap. Where are clean pyjamas? What is the weather like where we’re going? How many shoes will you need OMG WHY DIDN’T I PLAN THIS BETTER?

5. The Day Has Arrived:

Your bag is in shambles. There are no neatly folded stacks, only piles of colour. Nothing is ironed. You scramble around the house picking up socks and throwing them in. At this stage, who cares if they match? You don’t know if you packed pyjamas at all, let alone at the top.

The following takes place:

GET IT TOGETHER!

You need to let the neighbours know how to turn off the alarm so they can water the plants. Nope – no time. You’ll just have to email them when you get to the hot…

Oh. Crap.

6.The hotel doesn’t have internet. THE HOTEL DOESN’T HAVE INTERNET.

Close to the beach also means no WiFi. The taxi is outside. It’s too late. HOW COULD YOU NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF INTERNET?

You have no choice. It’s get in the taxi or miss the plane. You get in the taxi.

You WILL be more prepared next time. You will.

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