It starts with good intentions. “It’s just a weekend trip,” you tell yourself. “I’ll pack light. A few essentials, that’s all.” Fast forward 30 minutes, and you’re sitting on your suitcase, trying to zip it shut as it bulges with clothes, shoes, and a hairdryer you haven’t touched since 2019.
Somewhere along the way, logic disappears, and suddenly, you’re packing as if you’re relocating to another continent. Why do we do this? What is it about a short trip that makes us pack like we’re preparing for Survivor: Weekend Edition? Let’s unpack (pun intended) the overpacking phenomenon.
1. The “What If” Syndrome
This is where it all begins. What if it rains? What if the sun is so hot it turns your skin into toast? What if there’s a sudden snowstorm (in Nigeria)? Before you know it, you’ve packed an umbrella, three jackets, a swimsuit, and a scarf, because you just never know.
What if you attend a spontaneous gala? Better pack that sequin dress too.
2. Outfit Changes Like You’re Beyoncé on Tour
Somewhere in your mind, you believe that every moment of the trip will be a fashion show. Breakfast outfit? Check. Afternoon stroll look? Check. Dinner outfit, followed by late-night party outfit? Of course. You’ve packed 12 outfits for a trip that barely lasts 48 hours.
And let’s not forget the shoes. Sneakers, sandals, heels, slippers—you might need them all. Never mind that you’ll probably end up wearing just the sneakers the entire time.
3. The Fear of Leaving Something Behind
You know that irrational fear that if you don’t pack something, you’ll definitely need it? That’s why your bag is stuffed with 17 hair ties, a backup charger, and a power bank even though your phone barely leaves your hand.
Also, why are you packing five books for a two-day trip? You know you won’t even finish one.
4. Skincare Arsenal: Because, Clearly, You’re Moving Your Entire Bathroom
You can’t just pack one moisturizer. No, you need your entire 10-step skincare routine because what if your skin suddenly decides to rebel? So you throw in cleansers, toners, serums, sunscreen, face masks, and that jade roller you haven’t used in months.
By the time you’re done, your toiletries bag is heavier than the actual suitcase.
5. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks
Even if you’re traveling to a city known for its amazing food, you still pack snacks like you’re going to a deserted island. A bag of chin chin, plantain chips, cookies, and maybe a loaf of bread (just in case) all find their way into your bag. After all, who knows when hunger might strike?
6. The Emergency Kit (That You’ll Never Use)
Band-aids, a flashlight, sewing kit, painkillers, pepper spray… you pack for every possible emergency. Are you planning to climb a mountain or spend the weekend in a luxury hotel? Nobody knows.
But hey, if a button pops off your shirt at midnight while the power’s out, you’re ready.
7. Packing “Just in Case” Items
This is the most dangerous category. You pack a book “just in case” you get bored, workout clothes “just in case” you suddenly want to exercise (you won’t), and a notebook “just in case” inspiration strikes and you decide to write your memoirs.
Spoiler alert: You won’t need any of these things.
8. You Think You’re an Influencer (Even if You’re Not)
You’re not an influencer, but for some reason, you’ve packed as though you’ll be doing a full-blown photoshoot. Sunglasses, floppy hat, statement jewelry—it all goes in the bag. You imagine yourself posting aesthetic pictures with captions like “Weekend vibes” or “Catching flights, not feelings.”
In reality, you’ll wear the same comfy jeans all weekend and forget to take any photos.
9. The Magical Bag That Expands Mid-Trip
Have you noticed that no matter how much you pack, you somehow end up returning with even more stuff? Souvenirs, snacks you didn’t eat, and random items you “collected” during the trip all sneak their way into your bag.
And then you wonder why your suitcase won’t close on the way back.
10. The Inevitable Conclusion: You Only Use 20% of What You Packed
After all that stress, you’ll end up wearing the same comfortable outfit twice, using only half your toiletries, and realizing that you didn’t need three different pairs of shoes after all.
But will this stop you from overpacking next time? Absolutely not. Because deep down, we all believe that next timemight be different—and what if it really does snow in Lagos? You never know.