Cosplay USA

That’s right, a list. It may sound simple, but if you forgo it, you will likely regret it. Thanks to lists, I can sucessfully accomplish last minute packing.

I’ve actually had dreams about forgetting things. In my dreams I’m usually far away or about to go on stage when I realize there is a part of a costume missing. Practical items are just as inconvenient to go missing. If you aren’t driving, it’s nearly impossible to get some things in some tourist areas. If you are driving, you can usually go outside of town to pick up odds and ends.

I make a list of everything I could possibly need on the trip. If I’m not using it daily, I throw it in the bag/pack it ahead of time. Nothing is left out from this list and I go over it a final time before I leave the house. It also takes away some of the pre-trip panic in the days before the journey. The list lets me know visually that I’ve got it all under control.

Another big “duh” is check your hotel room before you leave. Don’t forget the bathroom, drawers, and under beds. Beds are commonly known to eat objects.

I also left a phone charger in the bathroom of my hotel room once. I did a visual check, but for some reason the charger registered as coffee maker/hair dryer/shaver/random electronics cord that didn’t belong to me. That sucks but I have several phone chargers to misplace at my convenience. I also thought I left a wig or two behind on the same trip. I found them though; just another case of paranoia. Hey, but better safe than sorry! - Or in this case - Better packed than lost!