I am a list maker so of course I would make a list before every trip, over night stay or a day out. But what I do now is reverse it by making an un-pack list.
I’ll explain briefly: say I go do a particular activity, when I return from this activity, I make a list of all the things that I needed or were actually useful (as I un-pack them). So next time I am getting ready for activity X I can refer to this list. I also make a section on the same list of what I took but didn’t need as a reminder that I don’t need to pack it if I feel temped next time.

I have a few lists for different types of activities (eg. hiking, motorbike trail riding, different types of camping, domestic travel)

Anxiety unfortunately is still there but I reduce some of the steps for myself by (mostly) being able to follow what worked last time.

I hope this helps someone else.

I used to be that way too Loubna. I’m much better now since travelling full time for 6 years but I do still worry for days in advance what to pack. The main problem is – we own too many clothes, we believe the marketers and think we have to have the perfect thing for every eventuality. What do I pack now … jeans and running tights or leggings, plastic flip flops, hiking boots, a couple of long sleeve T shirts, a sleeveless T shirt and a nice shirt to throw over the top. That’s it. It does me for any general travel trip. Obviously for more hi tech travel, like, trekking up Everest or scuba diving, you’re looking at gear. But next week I’m off to Borneo, Thailand and Bali, That, plus a swimsuit and travel towel 2 bras, maybe 3 knickers – is all I’m taking. It will be fine. If it’s not fine I can buy stuff there, but it will be. And I only buy black white and blue and very rarely travel with white. Simples!