“Packing Is Basically the Executive Functioning Olympics”

Autistic people share tips (and disasters) from their adventures with packing

One time I packed flip-flops as my main footwear for the snowy mountains. True story.

Packing is a masterclass in executive functioning. It requires planning, organisation, proficiency in adaptable thinking, self-monitoring, self-control, working memory and time management. All things I struggle with.

As a result, I have made some dubious packing choices. Do you relate? Here they are in order of least absurd to most, for your enjoyment. After my disasters, read on to hear some tips.

Poor packing #3

Destination: a writing residency at a castle in Edinburgh

I was the guest of the castle for a month, with four other writers staying. What should a person take to such a dream scenario?

My work-in-progress was based in the forest and so I packed as though I were a lady writer version of Bear Grylls. Raincoat, leggings, checked shirt, walking boots. And pyjamas.

It turns out that staying in a castle means daily three course dinners as well as walks in the woods. My fellow writers wore nice skirts and trousers, shirts and jumpers. And shoes. Every eve the only choice I had was between walking boots and slipper socks.