I've been spending a lot of time in hotels over the past few weeks.

Here's why....

At the beginning of March, I took up a new job role as news editor in the Northeast, I've got to say, I'm loving the new challenge so far.

My new job means I work away three days a week spending two nights in a hotel in Newcastle (what a city!).

I've also been spending it like Beckham and had a few weekends away.

You'd think I'd be pretty good at packing, unfortunately, I'm not.

I have not managed a single trip without forgetting something, ever.

I have dozens of emergency toothbrushes I've had to buy; I've forgotten to pack bikinis for holidays, there was the time I packed two pairs of bikini bottoms but no top and the festival where I didn't take coat.

I had hoped that my new job would force me to be more organised but no, so far, it has not done that so far.

I haven't had to buy an emergency toothbrush yet but there's plenty I've forgotten, and I've left a trail of belongings in my wake too, here's the list….

Earphones.

May not sound a big deal to most people but, I work in radio, earphones are pretty key to my job.

Knickers!

I stayed in Manchester after my leaving do, traveling over, I was smugly patting myself on the back for having packed toothpaste and a toothbrush when it dawned on me that I hadn't packed any underwear, cue mad dash to Tesco. I honestly find this the most baffling, I normally pack knickers like I'm expecting to have multiple accidents. 

Dress.

I left a dress hung up in a wardrobe in the Lake District…. didn't realise for hours. Manager kindly posted it back. This is why I normally NEVER unpack fully, lesson learnt.

Silicon shower loofa

Left stuck to the wall in a shower somewhere. Don't know if it was left in Newcastle or York.

Hairbrush

Week two in Newcastle had hair straighteners but no brush. Spent three days using a bulldog clip to brush my hair.

Moisturiser/face cream

I'm trying to stick to a proper skin care routine, it's not going well, I keep forgetting to pack various creams and potions.

Tights/Socks

Left both at home, ended up wandering around York freezing. Yes, I could have bought some, I made my choice, I'll stand by it.

Charger

One phone charger donated to the hotel and then swiftly liberated half an hour later.

Walking socks

Actually, quite a few items of walking gear didn't make it into the bag for our walking weekend in the Lake District despite me insisting that I'd packed everything.

I'm hoping I'll soon be able to break the habit of a lifetime and learn to pack for a few nights away without having to go on an emergency dash around a supermarket to pick up the things I've forgotten.

I'd love to be able crack this, I'd love to be more organised in personal life, I'll let you know if I succeed.

One thing I've never forgotten, running gear. Number of runs completed…..one, for the first time this morning.

Wish me luck xxx

I'm hoping I'll soon be able to break the habit of a lifetime and learn to pack for a few nights away without having to go on an emergency dash around a supermarket to pick up the things I've forgotten.