Overpacking or Anxiety Reducing?

I am currently packing for an author event in Kentucky. This is an extended event, so with travel time included, I am packing for six days. And I guarantee many of you would say I am bringing too much stuff. I’m not talking about clothes per se, although I’m sure I will bring too many personal items as well. What I’m mostly referring to is the amount of merchandise and ancillary bookish stuff.

As an indie author, I spend way more money than I make. Hopefully that will someday change, however today is not that day. So when I attend an author event, I’m trying to hone in on whatever will sell. I throw everything at the wall to see what sticks. As a result, I bring a lot of stuff.

But even though I perceive that to have a negative connotation…does it have to be viewed that way? In my opinion, bringing a variety of merchandise allows me to pivot if something doesn’t seem to be working. I have the room in my vehicle, so I don’t really see my overpacking as a detriment.

In fact, having the ability to bring a wide assortment of items helps to reduce my anxiety. I am an introvert, so even though I’m excited about attending this event, just by the nature of my personality I will be experiencing an increased level of stress. If packing a few extra boxes eliminates a little of that anxiety, I’m in.

Somebody remind me I said that when I’m lugging all my stuff into the event venue.