The Hidden Cost of Carrying Too Much
The Day My Suitcase Betrayed Me
I knew I had overpacked the second I saw my husband's face — his eyes scanning the pile of bags, eyebrows raised with that what the heck look.
He didn't even have to say anything — just one glance at my tower of stuff and I knew I was in trouble. Too many bags. Too many bins. Too much stuff.
I had packed everything I might need: sweaters for chilly nights, beachwear just in case, a backup jacket, extra towels, and a full spice rack. Oh, and let's not forget the InstaPot, which I never even touched.
The kicker? By the end of the trip, I barely needed half of what I brought. But I insisted, and we ended up dragging it up to the unit to sit in a spare bedroom. It felt like playing a never-ending game of Where’s Waldo — digging through piles of stuff just to find what I needed, only to realize half never left the bins.
I thought being overprepared would make the trip easier. Instead, it made everything feel more cumbersome.
Since I had never taken a long trip like this before, without the comfort of our RV and all the day-to-day items I am used to, I figured better to be safe than sorry. I imagined I’d feel prepared and ready for anything that came our way. Instead, I felt physically and mentally weighed down by the amount of stuff I had to keep track of, most of which I never even used. But I forgot that whether it’s a week or a month, being prepared and realistic can make things run smoother,
It wasn’t the first time I’d done this — both with my luggage and with my work. For years, I thought overloading my schedule was the safest way to stay ahead in my business. But just like that suitcase (and other supplies), an overstuffed workload does nothing but slow you down.
If you’re feeling weighed down it might not be because you don’t have enough — but because you’re carrying too much.
➡️ Feeling the weight of ‘just in case’ in your business or life? See how physically and mentally unpacking can set you free: Get The Digital Navigator HQ insights today.
