Our suitcase is a true mirror of who we are.”We always put a little bit of “ourselves” in our suitcase. In addition to the rational things we really need when we go on vacation (sunscreen, swimsuit, etc.), the suitcase represents a summary of our tastes, our needs, our desires, like an extension of our home.“, confirms Maïté Tranzer, clinical psychologist. This is what the fact of always overfilling your suitcase reveals:
► Affect-laden baggage is reassuring and allows us to find a cocoon when we leave the landmark that our home represents. They play a role as transitional objects that make the link between a place of refuge and an unknown place.But be careful, taking things that are important to us also means taking the risk of losing objects of great sentimental value during the stay.“, underlines Maïté Tranzer.
► Maximalist or overflowing luggage raises a fear of missing out. Some people take more than they need to reassure themselves and give themselves peace of mind. This is an excessive and irrational way of anticipating the holidays and dealing with possible unforeseen events. This is the famous “overfull suitcase”.This behavior also raises the fear of making bad choices, of making mistakes or failing in some way, and by extension the fear of disappointing (oneself), of feeling guilty, of judging oneself negatively or the fear of the gaze of others (“I didn’t take the right outfit” for example), which can ruin the vacation.“, describes the psychologist.
► The contents of the luggage also depend on the emotional state in which one prepares one’s suitcase.Do we pack our suitcases in joy, sadness, or stress? For example, taking festive or evening clothes reflects a certain letting go. Taking books or work is a way of giving ourselves a clear conscience.“, continues our expert.
► Packing for people other than yourself, such as your children or your spouse, can cause additional stress because “Packing for someone else can be a source of conflict and guilt. Do we try to be irreproachable in the eyes of our loved ones? What value do we give ourselves if we mess up the suitcase or if we forget something? Can we trust ourselves enough in the choice of this or that thing? So many questions that can initiate introspective work“.
From the moment the suitcase represents a source of anxiety, it is appropriate to find serenity.
“You have to try to trust yourself and take a step back from what you take and what you leave at home. The idea is to detach yourself from your choices, to let go, to play it down if you forget things and to tell yourself that at worst, you can buy them on the spot if you can’t do without them.”recommends our interlocutor. Ultimately, few things are vital and it can be a good exercise to strengthen your ability to adapt. Also, mastering controllable parameters such as the weather, the type of activity you will do there and learning about the services offered by the accommodation (washing machine, etc.) help to better understand the stay and limit the stress that can be represented by preparing a suitcase.
Thanks to Maïté Tranzer, clinical psychologist.