How to get past ADHD Packing Panic

Posted on May, 26, 2025 by Susan Schaefer, M.Ed., M.A.T, Founder & CEO
 

I’m leaving for a 2-week vacation in 10 days and am having anxiety-induced stomach spasms. Just about anyone I’ve mentioned my trip to asked me if I’m excited. Of course, I always say yes because masking is real, but honestly? I’m so overwhelmed with the thought of packing for a 2-week international trip that I’m not so much excited as I am paralyzed. I am, however, doing an excellent job of avoiding packing. Seriously, I just spent 2 hours and $400 shopping on Amazon for travel-sized toiletries.

I have done trips like this before, and I’m well aware that if I forget something, I can buy it.  I can wash underwear in the sink and I can wear an outfit more than once. But, I will be switching locations and hotels 5 times. Not ideal and not my first choice, but I was outvoted. A general rule of thumb is to start packing 2 weeks in advance. That doesn’t work for me, and many people with ADHD, because there is too much time to overthink. My general M.O. is to make a list, pack, delete some clothing in an effort for efficiency, then shove a bunch of stuff in the suitcase that I usually never wear, 5 minutes before the Uber picks me up for the airport.

Keeping in mind that not everyone who has ADHD has the same issues, I’ve developed some user-friendly resources to help anyone who struggles with executive functions get through the packing process relatively unscathed.

Here they are:

For my upcoming trip, I’m going to try using a packing app. I’ve never done this before, so I did some research and two of the highest-rated ones are PackPoint (I already started using this one) and Packr Travel Packing List.

Is a printable packing list more your thing? Try this one: Printable Standard Packing List

This one is more of a to-do list rather than a packing app. There are always a thousand little things to get done before a trip and this will keep you organized and on top of those tasks. Check it out here: TickTick

For those of us with ADHD, packing a cohesive wardrobe is a nightmare. I do try, but it never quite works out. So, for this trip, I’m going to attempt to put together an efficient, capsule wardrobe using this woman’s advice.

I stumbled across this YouTube video while I was down my research rabbit hole and was captivated. It’s how to put together a “flight kit” For long flights. Some of the items are expensive, but she does say you don’t need to purchase the exact brands. I am going to splurge on that travel blanket though. So clever for a long flight!

Body Doubling is a non-tech strategy that is easy, fun, and highly effective. Most of us have that one friend who is highly organized, loves fashion, and would love to come over and help you put together some outfits for your trip. I did this and ended up with several accessorized outfits I can wear based on what I will be doing. Having someone tell you what you don’t need is a big plus as well.

I’m aware that old ADHD habits die hard and I’m probably not going to transform into a completely put-together woman with a fully intact prefrontal cortex before I leave in 10 days. But, I will try some of these strategies. The fact that they are novel and interesting will help motivate me, and who knows? Maybe I will be able to get through this vacation without having to wash my undergarments in the sink.

Want to help out your ADHD sisters (or brothers)? If you have any creative packing tricks, please email me your ideas at sue@acacoaches.com.

Thanks! Sue