From catastrophic thinking to perfectionism, chronic overpackers carry far more than extra clothes—they're hauling around deep-seated anxieties and behavioral patterns that psychologists say reveal fascinating truths about who we really are.
Ever notice how some people show up to a weekend getaway with enough luggage for a month-long expedition? I used to be one of them. A three-day trip meant two suitcases, a carry-on, and a "just in case" bag that somehow always made the cut.
It wasn't until I started diving into the psychology behind our everyday behaviors that I realized my overpacking habit revealed something deeper about my personality.
And I wasn't alone. Research shows that chronic overpackers share surprisingly similar psychological patterns and daily habits that extend far beyond their travel prep.
If you're someone who can't seem to pack light no matter how hard you try, you might recognize yourself in these nine habits that psychology says are common among serial overpackers.
1) Constantly preparing for worst-case scenarios
Do you find yourself thinking "What if it rains? What if it's colder than expected? What if there's a surprise formal dinner?" when packing for a casual beach weekend?
This habit of catastrophizing doesn't just show up in your suitcase. People who overpack tend to apply this same worst-case thinking to other areas of life.
They're the ones with three backup plans for every meeting, extra supplies in their desk drawers, and contingency strategies for situations that rarely materialize.
While being prepared isn't inherently bad, this level of overthinking can be exhausting.
I discovered journaling at 36 and have filled 47 notebooks with reflections and observations, and one pattern that emerged clearly was how much mental energy I wasted preparing for disasters that never happened.
The key is recognizing when preparation crosses into anxiety-driven overthinking. Ask yourself: When was the last time you actually needed that fifth pair of shoes on a weekend trip?
2) Struggling to make decisions
Here's something I've noticed: Overpackers often can't choose between the blue shirt or the green one, so they pack both. And the white one. Plus a backup.
This indecisiveness typically shows up everywhere. Restaurant menus become overwhelming. Choosing a Netflix show takes longer than watching one. Simple decisions feel monumental because every option seems equally valid or equally risky.
Psychologists call this "decidophobia," and it's surprisingly common. When you can't trust your judgment about what to wear on vacation, you probably struggle trusting yourself in bigger decisions too.
The suitcase becomes a safety net where you don't have to commit to choices.
3) Seeking external validation constantly
"But what if people judge my outfit?" Sound familiar?
Overpackers often bring multiple options not because they need them, but because they're worried about others' opinions. They pack that dress they might wear to dinner, those heels for potential photos, that jacket that looks professional "just in case."
This need for approval extends beyond travel. These are often the same people who rewrite emails five times, second-guess their contributions in meetings, or change outfits multiple times before leaving the house.
The extra luggage is really about carrying options to ensure acceptance in any situation.
4) Having difficulty letting go of things
There's a reason overpackers struggle to leave items behind. Psychology suggests they often have broader attachment issues with possessions.
That worn-out t-shirt stays in the suitcase because "it's comfortable," even though three other comfortable shirts are already packed.
This extends to their homes, where closets overflow with clothes that don't fit, kitchens house gadgets used once, and garages become museums of might-need-someday items. The fear of regret drives the keeping, whether it's in a suitcase or a storage unit.
I've worked with clients who realized their overpacking connected directly to childhood experiences of scarcity or loss. Once they understood this connection, both their packing and their relationship with possessions transformed.
5) Procrastinating on important tasks
Want to know something interesting? Chronic overpackers often pack at the last minute, throwing everything in because there's no time to thoughtfully choose. The overpacking becomes a symptom of poor time management.
These folks typically procrastinate in other areas too. Bills get paid late, projects start the night before deadlines, and important conversations get postponed indefinitely. The rushed packing is just one visible sign of a broader pattern of avoidance.
When I discovered that my analytical skills translated perfectly into breaking down psychological concepts, I realized procrastination often masks perfectionism. We delay starting because we can't do it "perfectly," then rush and overcompensate when time runs out.
6) Maintaining rigid routines
Overpackers often bring their entire morning routine on vacation. Every skincare product, every vitamin, every single item they use at home gets packed because deviating from routine feels uncomfortable.
This rigidity appears elsewhere too. They eat the same breakfast daily, follow identical workout schedules regardless of circumstances, and feel anxious when plans change unexpectedly.
The overstuffed suitcase represents an attempt to maintain control and familiarity in unfamiliar settings.
Flexibility is a skill that can be learned. Start small. Skip one step in your routine. Use hotel shampoo once. These tiny experiments build confidence that you can adapt without catastrophe.
7) Experiencing frequent anxiety about being unprepared
That nagging feeling of "Did I forget something?" follows overpackers everywhere, not just airports. They double-check locked doors, triple-confirm meeting times, and keep extensive lists for everything.
I discovered that my need for control stemmed from childhood anxiety about my parents' approval.
Every forgotten homework assignment felt catastrophic, so I developed systems to never be caught unprepared. Decades later, that anxiety was still dictating my packing habits.
The truth is, most forgotten items can be replaced or worked around. Learning to tolerate small imperfections and minor inconveniences is incredibly freeing.
8) Avoiding commitment in various life areas
Think about it: Overpacking is essentially refusing to commit to specific choices. This pattern often reflects broader commitment challenges.
Career decisions get delayed because every option needs exploring. Relationships stall because commitment means closing off alternatives.
People who can't commit to a capsule wardrobe for a short trip often struggle committing in bigger ways. The suitcase becomes a metaphor for keeping all options open, even when it creates unnecessary burden.
9) Perfectionism in unexpected places
Finally, overpackers are often secret perfectionists. They pack extra everything to ensure the "perfect" outfit for every possible scenario. No wrinkled clothes, no repeated outfits in photos, no chance of being underdressed or overdressed.
I struggled with perfectionism that made me miserable until learning about "good enough." That revelation changed everything, including how I pack.
Perfect packing for every scenario is impossible. Good enough packing for probable scenarios is achievable and liberating.
Final thoughts
Recognizing these patterns in yourself isn't about judgment. We all have habits that reveal deeper truths about our fears, needs, and coping mechanisms. Overpacking might seem trivial, but it often signals important areas for personal growth.
Next time you're packing for a trip, try this: Lay out everything you think you need, then remove three items. Notice the discomfort. Sit with it. Then remove three more items.
This isn't just about lighter luggage. You're practicing trust, flexibility, and self-compassion.
Remember, you've probably forgotten things before and survived just fine. Most destinations have stores. Most situations are more forgiving than we imagine.
And most importantly, the mental weight of trying to control every possibility is heavier than any suitcase could ever be.
