momma mommy bwuh

I am unapologetically an obsessive packer, and I make no excuses for it. Perhaps it stems from a past anxiety about traveling, or maybe it’s just a deep-seated desire to be thoroughly prepared. Regardless, I’ve always loved traveling. I fondly remember the joy of childhood trips, and now, as an adult, my packing habits reflect my enthusiasm for travel. I meticulously plan to ensure I have everything I might need—and a bit extra, just in case.

One of my primary motivations is to avoid the hassle of interrupting our vacation to run to a store for something I already own but forgot to pack. It’s especially annoying when those last-minute purchases are significantly more expensive in touristy areas. Plus, I enjoy having all the comforts of home with me, so maybe it’s about maintaining that sense of ease while away.

I’ve made progress with packing clothes. Gone are the days of bringing every pair of shorts I own on a beach vacation because I couldn’t decide which one I might want to wear. I’m still working on streamlining my shoe choices, though, and often end up packing more pairs than necessary. For instance, this morning I actually removed a pair of sneakers from my suitcase—progress, right? I had packed them thinking, “I probably won’t need these, but…” Why would I need hiking sneakers for Disney World? Yes, we’ll be walking a lot, but Disney experts often recommend Crocs over sneakers, especially with the forecast calling for rain.

Yes, we’re heading to Walt Disney World.

So, in addition to obsessively packing clothes, toiletries, and medicine for myself and my two kids (and giving my husband some packing guidance), I’ve also gone all out with our park bag. This bag is stocked with essential items for our theme park days: ponchos (because, Florida), wet wipes, a change of clothes for the kids, extra socks, band-aids, sunscreen (because you might experience all four seasons in one day), and more. I’ve also packed snacks for the car ride and the hotel room, aiming to avoid overpriced snacks at the resort, and personalized stroller tags to easily spot our rented stroller.

At work, we have a saying: “When in doubt, document.” My travel mantra is, “When in doubt, pack it.”

Despite all my detailed packing and list-making, that nagging feeling of “Did I forget anything?” persists because, inevitably, something always slips through the cracks. But if I manage to remember the essentials, I consider it a win.

Stay tuned for more on our Disney adventures!

_{Featured image on post from DepositPhotos contributor: luengo_ua}