The task is daunting, but I figured out the best way for me to accomplish this. At this point, I am 95% finished packing with one large suitcase currently weighing 46lbs, and a duffle bag and backpack for carry on. The reason why I'm not completely packed is because of last minute items such as make-up, toothpaste, face wash, etc.
However, I will have my parents ship me two small/medium sized boxed with items I do not need right away. I am cheating in this aspect a bit, but these items include my winter coat which is just too large and heavy to fit in my big suitcase, winter boots/hats/scarves/gloves, some homey decor such as my digital picture frame, and of course books I picked up at Book Expo America this summer but did not finish reading. I mean, you didn't think I could leave my books did you? If you don't know me...I am a bit *cough* I mean big book nerd.
I have always been skeptical of rolling my clothes in the packing process until recently. When you roll these items, it may look like they would take more space than stacking and laying them flat. This is so far from the truth! There is no way I would have been able to fit my wardrobe in the suitcase without rolling the clothes. So roll, roll, roll away! Also, have fun playing Tetris with shoving and laying everything perfectly!
One of the ideas that I had to get used to is that I AM going to have to buy items once I get there. I know my money is going to be precious, so it bothers me a little that I will not be able to pack everything I own and bring it to uni with me. Before, I could drive back and forth from my home and university. Going to and from school I could pack everything that I ever needed in the car and as long as it fit I was good. However, flying "across the pond" has lead to some sacrifices.
Being realistic is step number 1 in this process. What things can I give up and buy so it does not take space in my luggage? For me, this included specific electronics (I'll talk about this later when I'm over there), bath towels, blow dryer, and bedding. I could buy all of these for cheap when I get over there, and end up giving them to places such as Goodwill or a homeless shelter depending on their condition at the end of the year.
Lastly, I packed a few days worth of clothes in my carry on bag just in case anything happened to my checked baggage. I have a layover in my international flight, and I want to make sure I have a few clothes that I can mix and match - just in case the big suitcase carrying my life for the next year gets lost. It's pessimistic thinking in a way, but something that happened to my Dad a few years ago. The luggage never got back to him before he left. It was pretty amusing seeing him in Lithuanian clothing!
Can you spot the candy cane pajamas :p
I was going to talk about this app I found that has been a huge life saver in my packing, but in fear of this post being too long I'll talk about that in my next post. If you tend to over pack or bring things that you might wear "just in case", you will definitely want to stay tuned!
