Oh man, I've been there. My trick now is to keep one big box labeled 'donate/recycle' in the main room I'm packing. Anything questionable just goes straight in, no sorting right then. It saves that panicked moment, and you can deal with it all at once later, even if it's just driving the whole box to a donation drop-off. Sometimes I'll even stash it in my car so it's out of the way but not gone forever.

How did you decide on your categories? I did the same thing last month with my climbing gear! Having my quick draws hanging separate from my big wall kit stops that "ugh where do I even start" feeling. Now seeing the sport rack makes me instantly picture the local crag after work. It turns a closet mess into a real plan.

Ha, I used to pack way too much! Last trip I finally learned to mix and match a few pieces. It's such a game changer, right?