It’s that time of year again (getting ready for my summer trip), and unfortunately, I’ve got PPS. Try as I might to avoid it, I find that I’m suffering from it–the syndrome–once again.
If there were a pill to take, I would. But there isn’t. Diet and exercise have no effect, either.
See, PPS–Packing Procrastination Syndrome (not to be confused with PMS)–is psychological, not physiological, and it strikes both women and men. And it’s a tough syndrome to overcome.
Fact: Most Treatments Fail
Fancy vitamins from Whole Foods have no effect. Anal-retentive lists made on overpriced Apple products do very little. And mysterious Chinese herbs that taste like incense don’t work, either.
Believe me–I’ve tried all of these PPS solutions and none has worked.
Why I need an immediate cure
I’ve had and survived this annoying syndrome before, so why is it so crucial that I combat it early this time around?
I have plans the day/weekend before my trip.
I’m leaving Monday morning (5-week trip to Ecuador/Panama). This means I need to be done packing by Saturday around noon or so. An emergency case, right? 
Before we talk solutions (and believe me, I’ve got questions for all of you packing experts out there), I must explain the symptomology of this syndrome.
PPS: Signs, symptoms and facts
1. It’s asymptomatic (except for denial) 1 week before
What: You think you’ve got plenty of time and maybe even believe you’re getting things done. You don’t and you’re not. Like sand slipping through your fingers, time is flying by.
Why: Denial. And I don’t mean the river. (Lame, I know, but sort of funny, too…)
Solution: Remind yourself of how awful it feels to be packing at the last minute. Perhaps try to visualize/imagine what it would be like to be finished early and how good that would feel. Chant ‘om’ three times before and after the visualization and the odds of success increase threefold!
2. Weird packing superstitions kick in and suck your time
What: You find that you’re caught up in a world of silly thinking and losing time because of it. Examples: I must have my good luck travel shirt (the one that’s falling apart and doesn’t even look that great in photos) or else. And I can’t forget those lucky socks….last trip you didn’t have them and remember what happened. Silly shite like that.
Why: Not sure. Superstitious parents? Fear of bad luck or making a mistake? Perhaps it’s idiopathic (no, that doesn’t mean it’s reserved for pathetic idiots!)
Solution: Give in to some of these superstitions and let go of others (if they’re things that weigh too much or require too much thought). It’s always good to have a lucky shirt or socks with you. Just don’t go breaking any mirrors, OK?
3. If you’re normally laid back, anal retentive behaviors suddenly take over (or vice versa)
What: Most of the time, I could care less how my pharmacy products are organized. When packing, I suddenly want them counted out in little bags and sorted in logical space-efficient ways.
Also, I find I get some bizarre urges to clean. I want it to be neat while I’m getting organized. I don’t like to come back to chaos. I especially like to vacuum (really well) when I should be packing. (Normally vacuuming isn’t so important.) Odd, no? The bottom line: I lose time.
Why: Low interest in certain tasks combined with procrastination. One task is less appealing than the other, so you opt for the other one.
Solution: Give in a little and alternate. If you do, you’ll get it all done and come home to a clean, non-chaotic space. Do not organize your spices alphabetically, however. It is contraindicated per the American PPS Association.
4. Sudden and unrealistic plan-making with your friends/family at inopportune times
What: Either they want to see you or you want to see them and so, you try to squeeze everyone in and at silly times, as in, “Sure…I’ll meet you for a quick lunch between my multiple doctors’ appointments and 50 errands I’ll be running.”
Why: Perhaps you appreciate people even more when you’re not going to see them for a while? The problem: when you’re with them, you may find yourself thinking about the packing that’s not done yet and enjoy yourself less. That’s what happens to me.
Solution: Only see the people you’re super close to and try to do it a few weeks before the trip–not the week before.
5. Silly distractions lead to crucial errors in your errand running
What: You need to run about 20 errands in one day and the logistics/route must be logical and highly organized. Somehow, you deviate and get distracted by other things–eg, flipping through magazines (that you would never read otherwise) in CVS when you should be buying camera batteries and memory cards.
Why: The errand running aspects of packing can become intense. In my case, I get tired of making decisions. I want a break. I need some fun.
Solution: Reward yourself with one fun break after finishing 5 things you don’t feel like doing.
6. Murphy’s Technology Law strikes…at the worst time
What: Need to print your boarding pass? Your printer will run out of magenta ink and act like a stubborn little brat. How about your camera battery charger? It’s suddenly DOA. And of course, the spinning wheel will appear on your Mac (or the annoying hourglass on a PC) for no good reason.
Why: You waited too long. Also, these devices are ‘smart’ (not just phones); they know you’re rushing and that you need them…they feel like neglected friends and are, in some way, behaving passive aggressively. Maybe they don’t like your crisis becoming their problem?
Solution: Maintain your friendship with them. Ask for their help earlier. Thank them and give them names and gentle pats from time to time. They appreciate that.
Contraindication/Warning: Buying new technology/toys during the final week before a trip is not recommended. The learning curve can exacerbate your PPS. Believe me–I know. I just bought a new camera! Solution: Buy it two weeks before.
7. Important documents mysteriously disappear…
What: You thought you put the passport in your fanny pack or money belt. Where the hell is it? What about that yellow card with a list of crucial immunizations? Vanished. OK…time to pray. To God, saints, whomever. Whatever. Just find them!
Why: You waited until the last minute. You probably put the docs somewhere special so they don’t get lost. I do (a special file called “Important Docs”.) Sometimes, though, they slip out of the file and I think they’re lost.
Solution: Put them in a very special file? One that’s bright red? Or a special drawer just for them? Keep them in the freezer? Hard to say. Just don’t lose them!
So, there you have it. PPS. My version of it anyway. I’m sure yours is different and that’s why I’d like to hear from you. It would be fun to see what others go through.
What do you think?
How do you deal with packing?
Are you super organized and stick to a schedule, allowing for relaxation the day before traveling? If so, please share your techniques. We PPS sufferers can learn from you.
OR…
Do you procrastinate like I do? If so, how badly? Are you up until the wee hours of the morning? Do you run out the door in a mad panic running late to the airport because of ‘one more thing’ you need to do? Feel free to share your signs/symptoms below, as well as possible solutions.
Think I’ll avoid the last-minute rush this time?
I’m flying out on Monday morning (yes, this coming Monday) and have weekend plans as I mentioned. Do you think I can have everything packed by Friday at midnight? Perhaps if I do the last-minute stuff now and vice versa–some sort of “reverse packing” scenario.
What advice do you have for me? Can/will I pull this off and enjoy my weekend? Or am I deluding myself? Will I be up late on Sunday night, tweeting about how much packing sucks?
Place your bets now!
@nomadichick (Jeannie), a fellow traveler from Vancouver, and I have a bet on whether I’ll finish packing in time to enjoy my weekend plans. If I make it, she buys me a drink. If I blow it, I buy her one. Let’s see who wins!
Thanks to Twitter friends and others
Just want to thank everyone for their advice over the past few months. I enjoyed the interaction/discussion we had when I was figuring out my next trip and which camera I would buy.
Perhaps, between my experiment and your help, I can pack this time around with much less stress. I thank you, in advance, for your interest and advice!
This is so funny, Lisa.
I used to be one of those people who would start packing the week before a trip because I was soooo excited about it. But then I realized that inevitably, I would have to unpack (at least once) before my trip to slip in that one extra thing that of course was heavy enough that it belonged on the bottom of the bag, underneath everything I’d already packed. After a few times of wasting my time unpacking and repacking, I learned my lesson. Now I pack the night before my trip. I have a packing list, so I know I won’t forget anything. I find it far less stressful. Although I confess I keep making the mistake of doing #4. Then I wonder “What the hell was I thinking? I don’t have time for this!”
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Hi, Gray. Glad you laughed…cool! Interesting re: the ‘repack’ symptom. Good one. I think I’ve done that, too. Pain in the neck, isn’t it?
The list does help a lot. And I hear you re: #4. I don’t know how I get sucked in, but I think it’s because I feel like I must see certain people one more time before I’m away…it’s almost like # 2 minus packing, of course.
PS: Have a great time on your upcoming trip!
Good one. I don’t pack till next morning even when I go out of country for weeks. I need medicine for procrastination lol.
Thanks, Shashank. So you wait until the morning of a trip? That’s serious procrastination. Shall I call Dr. House? I think he’d have some ideas for you. The problem is he might be too harsh (as he usually is).
I’d say–if it works OK for you, then why not…. 
It works for me actually. If I pack early I forget something or the other
take care.
shashank recently posted..Next Big potential online Travel market!
This is very interesting and funny! I think I’m like that with certain projects on/with which I do better at the last minute.
What a hilarious post. You took a mundane and frustrating task and made it funny.
Guess I’m use to packing and repacking so much that I can do it the night before, drinking, with my eyes closed.
I’m also the reverse – getting rid of stuff rather than having to add things. It’s a lot easier with my method.
My call? You’ll probably leave it till the last day, not because you suck, but because in my world that just makes your trip real. Something to be excited about the night before, and whoo hoo! I’m going away!
You see my point? LOL.
Nomadic Chick recently posted..Same Destination Different Experience
Hi, Jeannie. Glad you had fun with it! That’s great that you can do it the night before, buzzing, etc….LOL!
You think I’m going to wait until Sunday? Ok–cool. I’m up for the challenge. I’ll bet you a beer or glass of wine! I know we live far away from each other, but perhaps our paths will cross at some point. Winner buys! LOL
I totally see your point….and it’s totally cool!
You’re on. Bet sealed. Until the winner is revealed.
Nomadic Chick recently posted..Same Destination Different Experience
He, he, he….love it! We may need a judge, though. What if I’m almost packed? What are the criteria? Backpack (main + day) are packed and zipped? No printing left to be done? No more errands to run? I get to keep my plans? And a sense of calm? LOL
I have done some last minute packing and it ends in disaster. Now I have to pack one week before otherwise I bring too much AND forget things I should have brought.
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Hi, Ayngelina. That’s not an ideal combo and I think I’ve done that once or twice. You end up resenting what’s in the bag and missing what’s not. It’s especially bad if you’re in a developing country and on the move.
I think the one-week before plan is best for me, too. I start putting things aside and little by little, get there. There’s still a certain amount of last-minute packing, but the really important stuff is there.
Hopefully, I’ll break my pattern this time and be able to keep my plans. We shall see!
So I have this as well. Although mine does stretch to all other aspects of life besides just packing.
For example, we are leaving on June 1 but not just for a trip, leaving Italy. Moving on. And I haven’t even considered packing. Problem?
The vacuum thing rings a bell too. Whenever it was homework time in college, my room suddenly REALLY needed to be cleaned. Considering that it was so messy I clearly didn’t hold clean rooms to a high standard… until it was homework time.
Get to work!!
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Hi, Annie. You too, huh? You’re leaving and haven’t even given a thought to packing? Uh oh…you might need Dr. House for this one. He’ll properly diagnose you and then figure out the proper treatment. LOL
Funny that you get the ‘sudden urge to clean’ symptom around the time of homework. Weird how that happens… I wish my students would get the urge to do homework when it’s time for them to clean!
Awesome post! I have and still do suffer from PPS, but I’m getting better. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I plan ahead.
Thanks, Randy. I’m happy to see a man joining us here. Since it’s PPS, it’s OK, right?
Glad you’ve been improving… Planning does help a bit, huh?
I am afraid I don’t suffer, keep most of my stuff packed all the time. Clothing is washed and other stuff wiped down, then it is all repacked pretty much ready to go. Not sure it would work for everyone but does for me.
Have fun with the packing Lisa
You don’t, Iain? V cool technique you’ve got. I think that’s great and it makes sense somehow. Perhaps I could leave the toiletries in one spot, waiting for the next trip. Oh wait–I sort of do. See, I don’t really unpack them too soon after a trip. Hey, wait–maybe another post re: unpacking!
Thanks!
I’m thinking about packing right now for tomorrow’s trip – later. I need more pressure to get going.
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You, too, huh? Tomorrow? Wow…you’re cutting it close–LOL. I’m sure you’re feeling the pressure at this point. Thanks for procrastinating for a minute to stop by and comment!
And enjoy your trip!
Hahaha – this is totally John, but not me! I start deciding what to take weeks before =)
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Hi, Andrea. That’s funny…maybe it’s a case of “opposites attracting”? Whatever the case, it might be good to complement each other this way…
omg, you just scared the crap out of me as I have not packed yet and we are meeting up somewhere and I have no idea where ’cause I don’t know were I will be and why did I decide to do this, my first trip out of the country beside Canada which doesn’t count, lololol, heading for a valium…..
Ha, ha….sounds like you’re going on a Chicky Bus adventure! Imagine packing ‘light’ to meet the indigenous folks…that should be fun! Pass me a valium, OK?
ps, I also planned something the weekend before
You planned something for the week before? Very good. Means you won’t be able to procrastinate too much then!
lol, I am STILL procrastinating. Maybe I can purchase what I need on the trip (?)
Hi, Sprite. Are you procrastinating? Just 1 week to go, right? You can buy many things in Panama, I’m sure, but…they may be expensive. Others may not be available. Not sure….
This is funny, but so true! I think I may have partial PPS too:P
I am actually quite systematic and organized when it comes to packing for my trips, and I usually pack really early (sometimes a month before) for my trips because I know how indecisive I can get when it comes to choosing which shirt/dress/pants to bring along – guilty of #2). However, despite starting so early, I can only finalize my packing a day or the very last minute because I changed my mind as time goes by…LOL! It’s frustrating, and as girls, guess you can understand that too:p
Therefore, I guess I am a little in-between right?:D
Christy recently posted..Places to visit in Hong Kong- Tian Tan Buddha Giant Buddha on Lantau Island
Thanks, Christy….and sorry to hear about the partial PPS. Would that be PPPS? Or MPPS? Mild PPS?
I think I know what you mean about how certain things have to be ‘finalized.’ Some things can’t be decided too early on.
As far as diagnosis…I would say that you have Pre PPS and probably just need to keep an eye on the symptoms. If you ever find that you have more than two on my list, then you’ll need help. For now, you’re OK!
Fun post 😉 I almost always pack the day before I leave anywhere. Did that for my 16 month RTW trip. Did it for my last few 3-4 month trips. Won’t ever be able to change, I bet.
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Hi, Michael. Thanks! So you’ve got PPS, huh? And it kicked in before some major trips, too. Wow…that’s pretty wild! And yes, it is very hard to change. I’m beginning to wonder if I’m going to make my weekend deadline, thanks to a major product I need to return in NYC, which will cut into my time. But that’s not a packing issue, so I’m not going to ‘count’ it..lol.
Wait… what? You are going to Panama and Ecuador and not Bali? I feel completely out of the loop. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have internet for weeks.
I’m usually a good packer and I try to pack a few days before I leave or at least have a list with everything important that I want to bring. This last trip I had MAJOR PPS. Maybe it was partially because Scott wasn’t coming with me on such a big trip. All I know is that having PPS for me was not a good thing because I ended up packing the day I left and I forgot a bunch of stuff that I needed. I think I’ll go back to my list method next time.
Good luck with your packing!
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Hi, Christy. I think I decided right around the time you took off on your trip….
You had major PPS last time? That’s funny! And not fun. I hear you re: forgetting things. That’s the worst side effect of not treating this syndrome.
Thanks–let’s hope I get it done so I can have a fun weekend. Although I must admit, I’m looking at part of Saturday now to get it done.
Perfect and laughing because so much of what you’ve stated here is true. Thanks!
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Thank you…glad you enjoyed it and laughed. Awesome!
I’m absolutely convinced that you wrote this article about my own packing procrastination!
Thanks for the article and the reminders!
Hi, Henry. Seriously? You have these signs/symptoms (at least 3)? If so, then your case of PPS is confirmed. I hope the treatment helps and if the syndrome is accompanied by anxiety, you’ll have to consult with your physician. As awesome as this post is, it can not be a replacement for actual medical attention. Just thought I’d throw that warning in to make this sound even more official! LOL
Thanks for visiting the PPS clinic. Your copay is $15, by the way.
I procrastinate in everything I do. So even though I wait until the last minute, I am still a very detailed person. So I have my list and rarely forget anything. I am an anal retentive procrastinator or is that a procrastinator that is anal retentive? I am not sure which one!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..California legislature seeks to keep California state parks open why closing the parks is stupid
Hi, Jeremy! Interesting combo of procrastination and being detail-oriented….and funny re: being anal retentive. Whether you’re an ARP or P that’s AR depends…. Are you AR in how it is that you procrastinate? Or you you happen to be anal while procrastinating but it’s not actually part of it? With that information, I (with a brief chat with Dr. House) can make the final diagnosis. Thanks for visiting the PPS Clinic….you’re always welcome!
[…] PPS (Packing Procrastination Syndrome): 7 Signs, Symptoms & Possible Solutions […]
Thanks again Lisa for reminding me no matter how savvy you think you are maybe well you’re not. Little known truths about every expert traveler includes being an idiot when it comes to packing. I’ve been globe trotting for 25 years and by the end of every trip I can hear people calling me “Stinky” behind my back. It’s usually the socks, remember what Teva sandals used to smell like. I started to travel without socks and only with sandals until I took the sandals off. Choice of footwear is always my biggest hurdle. The “in case” footwear like swimming shoes!!!??? I left them on the beach in Manta, Ecaudor thinking maybe the right person with the right sized foot could use them. I finally got a system one backpack left 1/3 empty because even if you don’t buy anything somehow it gets impossible to a) find anything without removing everything and b)it becomes inexplicably becomes impossible to close.
So remember a beer and a laundromat in downtown Florence can become a refreshing highlight of a trip.
However I think the normal anxiety of the trip often clouds that week before getting on the plane so I recommend washing everything from your trip repack it and leave it ready for next year’s trip!
Stinky shoes? LOL I like the idea of the 1/3 empty backpack…very smart!
Good idea re: washing/repacking and leaving things. Maybe that’s what I’ve been doing–minus the washing/repacking!
I’m usually pretty good about getting the packing down before hand, I’m not much of a procrastinator. However, before my move to Buenos Aires, I was a disaster. It was mostly due to #4- making plans with friends. The issue was I was not coming back, at least not any time in the near future, and when I do go back, it won’t be to my home town. So really, all those lunches, dinners and late night hang outs became this desperate attempt to give everyone a proper goodbye. I went on 2 out of state trips to see some of my best friends only weeks before my move. I also had a massive 12 hour long birthday/goodbye party 3 days before my departure. My bags were all packed but my apartment was not. This led to some seriously stressful rushing in the end!
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Hi, Rease. Thanks for sharing your experience with #5. I totally get it. If I were leaving and not returning for a long time and going to another city anyway, I would be doing the same.
This is a very funny article
When I’m getting ready for travel. I get PPS also, strangely though…I get PPS way too early. It seems like I go through it heavy a few days before my trips. As I have most important things out of the way already. Passport, immunization, documents, and necessary legalities and tickets and planned routes etc.. all out of the way a week before. So all that is left, is to pack. Unfortunately what happens to me is, I’ll start packing a day or two ahead of the trip, and rush around trying to make sure it’s all packed….Then, the day of said trip I’m finished too early…..Then, I’m anxious, ready to go, and feel like I forgot something.
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Jasmine–Glad you enjoyed it! You get it, too, huh? But early? That’s interesting. Good that you get those really important things done 1 week in advance, however. As for the feeling of having forgotten something…I know it well! Thanks for sharing your take on this…
Just found this post and I’m having all these issues! My favorite one is the “smart” devices. Isn’t that always the case- and they always go soooo much slower when you need them right away!
Hi, Jade. You, too, huh? Yeah, those ‘smart’ devices become smart as_ _ _ sometimes–LOL. I think they know we need them (at the last minute) and want to spite us somehow for waiting…
I’ve never had trouble with packing ahead of time, but the other prep work is what gets me. I leave for France in 5 days and yet I have to clone my desktop onto my laptop, get my haircut, get a new lens cap, clean my camera bag out, do three loads of laundry, clean out the kitchen, and attend an all-day event during one of those 5 days. It’s all stuff I could have gotten done earlier, but didn’t. So yes, I know what you mean! It always seems like you have more time than you do, until the deadline is staring you in the face.
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Oh, AND I have to find a new farm to WWOOF at. In 5 days.
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Hi, Kelsey. So it’s not the packing but the other tasks that are last-minute for you? I’ve done that, too, and it’s not fun. Sounds like mucho for 5 days. True–it does seem like there’s more time than there really is. Travel Prep Time Perception Syndrome perhaps? Hope you got it all done!…have a great trip, too!
I got a kick out of this! I do wait until the last minute, but I plan it that way. I can’t pack the clothes I want to take too early because I’ll also want to wear them before I go. So getting the laundry done is my biggest hold-up. But I have duplicates of make-up, toothbrush&paste, combs, even a small travel curling iron, in a bag and just toss the entire bag in the suitcase, instead of making sure I grab all of that to pack. That’s been a big time-saver, as well as a list of things like phone chargers, book to read, and things I’ve forgotten in the past. Even when my packing is done, though, I always have “just one more thing” to do before going to bed the last night, or leaving for the airport in the morning. That’s my bugaboo.
Hi. Really glad you enjoyed this! I totally understand the laundry thing; that’s happened to me, too! Smart to have duplicates of those certain items. I know what you mean re: ‘just one more thing’–I find that happening 10 minutes before my ride comes. Crazy, no? I only relax once I’m actually at the airport!
Thanks for sharing here…nice to meet you, too!
[…] PPS (Packing Procrastination Syndrome): 7 Signs, Symptoms & Possible Solutions […]
I feel your pain! I used to actually be quite organised and good with packing. In fact, before I started travelling I would start putting things in my bag about a week before I left but now that I’ve ben travelling for a while I tend to leave it until the last minute, stuff everything in and hope for the best!
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Hi, Beverley. So as you’ve become more experienced, your PPS has worsened? Very interesting. But wait–you must be really good at it and so, you don’t need to do it in advance. Actually, if you’re able to do it all at the last minute and not get stressed out, then maybe it means you’ve been (paradoxically) cured!
[…] I packed yet? Heck, no. See, I suffer from PPS (Packing Procrastination Syndrome.) Yes, I coined that term and, therefore, recommend the post. It’s quite funny and […]
My annoyingly model packing behavior in 3 steps:
1) I keep 2 packing lists on file that stay more-or-less the same from trip to trip: 1 for adventurous trekking-ish trips (Peru, Tanzania), and 1 for tamer, less exotic-ish trips (Western Europe, Mexico beach).
2) If it’s a backpacking-ish trip, 1 week before, I make a huge space on the basement floor and lay out in rows everything from my list that I have. Then I make a shopping list and buy the rest that week.
3) If it’s a tame trip, 2 days before, I pack everything. Then, if I forgot to wash, buy, or pack something, I still have a day to deal with it. This has reduced stress so greatly that I rarely vary this routine.
Please don’t hate me because I’m OCD. I still forget stuff. Then I either chant mantra 1, “Chill, you can buy one when you get there,” or mantra 2, “Lucky me, another adventure.” Oh, and I keep my passport & yellow card in a safe. That might sound over-the-top, but they’re not the only things in there.
Hi, Cara. Very interesting re: the 2 packing lists and the laying things out on the floor. I do that, too! Weeks in advance, I lay things out like that…start to accumulate them. Still, I end up doing things at the last minute. I wish that didn’t happen….
I like that you make the distinction between the different types of trips because they really are different. It’s a tame trip and you forget something, no big deal. But if it’s a super adventurous one, it can be a big deal and an inconvenience.
PS: I secretly wish I could be a little more OCD re: packing…I do have my moments, but…I’m not quite there!