Or, just as a *general* good idea, how about don't put on so many clothes that you're like a walking laundry pile? Especially before your untrained self has learned enough about fighting to be able to overcome a little encumbrance...
As for that, I always ensure that ALL encumbrance (except for head of course, because it doesn't matter) remains at 0 at least until my dodge and melee skills are at 3 or above. ALWAYS. I still get killed by skeledogs.
I manage to beat them just fine, but I also tend to start with 2 in melee and dodge. All the stats and positive traits in the world won't help you if you can't live past day 1. I kinda figure that if you don't take a point in a combat skill at all at the beginning there SHOULD be at least one critter that can ruin your day early.
You could always throw rocks while hiding behind a bush. You'll probably get messed up a bit but hopefully those points you didn't put into combat will give you another advantage to even it out.
My "stylish maid" template is required to start with no combat skills because roleplaying. I also dislike the idea that a certain build is basically enforced from the beginning of the game due to the incredible difficulty of surviving the first day. It seems to discourage having lots of options in the character creator in the first place.
I don't think surviving the start of the game should be skeleton-dog/Mi-go roulette. You should be able to survive it even as a shower victim with below-average stats, assuming you play smart.
If you haven't noticed, I'm really adamant on this point. I'm sorry if I come off as jerkish because of that.