Swipe Left On Perfection

Oh, Just another 40 year old AuDHD woman with a lot to say….after maybe a side quest or two.

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Bellew is a comedic writer, Poet, the possessor of hilarious dating experiences, and the holder of the bear necessities.
The ND Raver Packing System: Visual Checklist, Kits, and Go Bags

The ND Raver Packing System: Visual Checklist, Kits, and Go Bags

Raves and festivals are amazing—until packing melts your brain.

I don’t know about you but my house always looks like a break in happened when I’m trying to get ready for an event due to the rush of anxiety hitting my body when I haven’t prepared for it first. Objects thrown, I’m starting to sweat into my outfit without even dancing in it! AuDHD paralysis can be a bitch sometimes but nothing prepares me for the meltdown and sometimes embarrassment/shame I would feel the next day coming home from that same night of fun and am constantly tripping over my belongings like clothing mountains and tubes of glitter everywhere just to use the bathroom in the middle of the sleepy morning.

In the case of my ADHD friend Taylor, it makes being on time a chore, often over packing for events, and making multiple trips once she’s in line because she forgets her ID in the car. I’m sure a lot of you have been there too. Executive dysfunction is not fun to experience for yourself but we are slowly overcoming it, one Rave at a time. I love her to pieces, quirks and all. We can always make adjustments and have patience as we navigate our traits together. That’s what friends are for.

Here’s a neurodivergent-friendly system that reduces overwhelm, spreads effort across days, and makes sure you don’t forget the crucial stuff. Shoutout to TayTay’s new golden tip: pack for 30 minutes a day in the week leading up to the event to keep focus high and stress low. 💜

Why This Works

  • Visual over verbal: see everything at once, reduce working-memory load.
  • Chunked tasks: 30-minute sprints prevent fatigue and decision paralysis.
  • Modular kits: prebuilt containers you grab and drop into your bag.
  • Go Bags: different sizes for different contexts, so you’re never overpacked or underprepared.

System Overview

  1. Visual Master Checklist (wall poster or whiteboard).
  2. Color-Coded Kits (clear pouches/bins with labels).
  3. Go Bags (EDC, Venue, Car/Campsite).
  4. 7‑Day, 30‑min Pack Plan (TayTay method).
  5. Post-Event Reset so future-you wins.

1) Visual Master Checklist

Print this on one page, or write it big on a whiteboard. Check off with a dry-erase marker as items enter a kit or bag.

  • Identity (Because we need YOU to show up as YOU)
  • ID, ticket/QR, payment card, cash, insurance card.
  • Phone, portable charger, cables, earplugs, spare ear tips
  • Loop earplugs or foam, eye mask, tinted glasses, stim toys, fidget ring, chewing gum
  • Medications (labeled), blister kit, bandages, antihistamine, pain reliever, electrolytes, naloxone, condoms, hand sanitizer
  • Collapsible bottle or hydration pack, electrolyte sticks, easy snacks (chews, bars), ginger candy
  • Outfit(s), layers, socks, comfy shoes, rain shell, small towel, warm item for cooldown
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, tissues
  • Printed address, parking info, meeting point plan, whistle
  • Glitter/biodegradable, face gems, fans, kandi, small gifts
  • Blanket, spare clothes, extra water, spare chargers, trash bags

Tip: Use icons next to each category for instant visual scanning.

2) Color-Coded Kit System

Build small, clear pouches that live together in one larger bag. Label with large text + color tape.

  • Red: Medical + Safety Kit
  • Personal meds (in original containers), pain reliever, antihistamine, bandages, moleskin, blister patches, alcohol wipes, tweezers, naloxone, condoms, emergency contacts card
  • Blue: Hydration + Nutrition Kit
  • Collapsible bottle or hydration bladder, electrolyte packets, snacks (high-carb + salty), gum, ginger candy
  • Purple: Sensory Regulation Kit
  • Earplugs (2 pairs), spare tips, eye mask, sunglasses/tinted lenses, stim toy, cooling towel or foldable fan
  • Yellow: Hygiene + Sun Kit
  • SPF, lip balm, mini deodorant, wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer
  • Green: Tech Kit
  • Power bank, cables, wall plug, cable ties, extra SIM or eSIM QR, tiny flashlight
  • Silver/Gray: Outfit Sustain Kit
  • Safety pins, fashion tape, mini sewing kit, hair ties, body wipes, foot care (cushions, moleskin)
  • Black: Documents + Access
  • ID, tickets, card/cash, parking pass, emergency contacts card, hotel/ride info

Pro move: Add QR codes on kit labels linking to the kit’s item list in your notes app.

3) Go Bags (Choose What Fits Your Event)

  • Micro/EDC Go Bag (on you at all times)
  • Mini wallet with ID/ticket/card, earplugs, 1 snack, lip balm, tiny sanitizer, phone + small battery, gum
  • Venue Go Bag (fanny pack/sling)
  • Micro bag contents plus: electrolytes, extra earplugs, compact rain shell, small wipes, small fan, tiny first-aid, foldable bottle
  • Car/Campsite Go Bag (stays outside the venue)
  • Big water, bigger first-aid, spare socks/shoes, hoodie/blanket, extra snacks, chargers, trash bags, spare outfit

Label each bag with a luggage tag listing its kits.

4) TayTay’s 30-Minute-a-Day Pack Plan

Set a timer. Stop when it dings. If energy remains, do a second 10-minute “victory lap.”

  • Day 7: Brain Dump + Visual Board
  • Make the master checklist. Lay out empty kits and label them. Put the board somewhere visible.
  • Day 6: Laundry + Outfit Lock
  • Choose outfits, socks, layers. Start laundry. Put complete outfits into large zip bags.
  • Day 5: Build Core Kits
  • Medical/Safety, Sensory, Hygiene. Check expirations. Refill meds. Add emergency contacts card.
  • Day 4: Tech + Power
  • Charge power banks, gather cables/plugs, test everything. Put into Tech Kit.
  • Day 3: Hydration/Food
  • Buy electrolytes/snacks. Pre-portion into small bags. Rinse hydration bladder, dry fully.
  • Day 2: Documents + Logistics
  • Download tickets, offline maps. Print parking info. Set meet-point plan. Cash out small bills. Pack ID/card in Access Kit.
  • Day 1: Final Pack + Dress Rehearsal
  • Stage everything by the door. Pack Venue Go Bag. Pack Car/Campsite Go Bag. Do a “walk-through” with the bag on. Adjust weight and strap length.
  • Event Morning: Quick Reset
  • Re-check top 5: ID, phone, tickets, earplugs, electrolytes. Water up. Go.

Bonus: Body-doubling with a friend on video for any day that feels sticky.

5) Visual Staging and Layout

  • Use a bright “packing runway” (bed or table) with painter’s tape lanes for each category.
  • Place kits beneath the checklist category they serve.
  • Keep a “Need to Buy” sticky on the board. Snap a photo before you run to the store.

6) ND-Friendly Execution Hacks

  • Timeboxing: 25/5 Pomodoro for tricky categories.
  • Pairing: Put earplugs on top of your ticket—no ticket without earplugs.
  • Redundancy: 2x earplugs, 2x chargers. One on-body, one in bag.
  • Clear Containers: Transparent pouches reduce search time and panic.
  • Big Labels: All-caps + icons. Example: “EARPLUGS • 🔇”
  • Sensory Safeguards: Soft clothes for travel, tinted glasses, a pre-rave quiet playlist.
  • “Last Touch” Tray: A small bowl by the door for ID/keys/tickets the night before.

7) Sample One-Page Printable Checklist

Copy this into your notes or print it.

  • On-Body
  • ID, ticket, phone, small battery, earplugs, card/cash
  • Kits
  • Medical/Safety (red): meds, bandages, moleskin, naloxone, condoms
  • Sensory (purple): earplugs x2, eye mask, stim, sunnies
  • Hygiene (yellow): SPF, lip balm, wipes, sanitizer, tissues
  • Tech (green): power bank, cables, wall plug, light
  • Hydration/Food (blue): bottle/bladder, electrolytes, snacks
  • Outfit Sustain (silver): safety pins, tape, hair ties, foot care
  • Access (black): ID, tickets, cash, contacts card, parking info
  • Venue Go Bag
  • All kits except Car/Campsite-only items
  • Car/Campsite
  • Water, hoodie/blanket, spare shoes/socks, snacks, chargers, trash bags, spare outfit
  • Final 5
  • ID • Tickets • Phone • Earplugs • Electrolytes

8) Safety and Consent Basics

  • Share your meet-point and end-of-night plan with your crew.
  • Write emergency contacts on paper in your Access kit.
  • Hydrate steadily; alternate water with electrolytes.
  • Trust your body. If overwhelmed: earplugs in, glasses on, step to the edge, breathe.

9) Post-Event Reset (15–30 Minutes)

  • Empty kits onto the “runway.”
  • Toss trash, note items to replace, set a reminder to restock within 48 hours.
  • Recharge batteries, wash hydration gear, launder rave clothes.
  • Re-pack kits immediately so they’re ready next time.

Mini Versions if You’re Short on Time

  • 15-Min Pack: On-Body + Earplugs + Electrolytes + Power Bank + Snacks.
  • One-Bag Mode: Venue Go Bag only, with slimmed kits.
  • Car-Safe Mode: Keep heavy/backup items in Car/Campsite bag.
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