Packing Process

Most of you will probably not find this interesting.

My suitcase struggle most likely will not apply to you.

If you care to, read on. :)

I am allowed one checked bag under fifty pounds, one carry-on, and one purse.

Whatever I take on the plane, I also have to haul on a train later.

I have a lot of diverse needs for this trip.

My piano scores are insanely heavy. I know, because I lug them around in a backpack each day.

My computer, camera, and all their chargers and cords take up a lot of space.

I need casual, everyday clothes as well as nice, performance clothes. (Not to mention I'd like to look nice walking around the city!)

Then there those items that aren't really necessary, but you've always dreamed of wearing in Europe. :)

Oh, and my hair dryer and defuser are a must. I know you're laughing, but we all know bad hair = a bad day. In this case, a bad photographed memory, too.

But what about my running shoes?

Those books I've been planning to read?

The miscellaneous items like umbrella, suitcase locks, converter, etc., etc.

And we all know I have a lot of granola bars...

I categorized my list by families and then put my individual items in bags as I crossed things off the list. The bag on the left is all my food (yes, it's the biggest). Those are my scores and books in the middle. The bag on the right is my toiletries bag.

My good friend and master traveler, Cindy, helped me put it all together. I could not have done it without her! We spent roughly five hours organizing, packing, weighing, un-packing, re-packing, and running to the store for last-minute items.

She was also the voice of reason that helped me decide what clothes were important, versatile, and trendy. Left alone with these decisions, I probably would have unpacked my bag to find a ridiculous amount of jeans and very few shirts. Annnnd probably half of my dresses.

 Yes, I remembered Q-tips.

Cindy encouraged me to pack using vacuum-seal bags. They were a life saver! I was amazed at how many articles of clothing we fit in two large bags.

After our initial run-through, I was half a pound over the limit -- but this was without my day-of hair supplies, make-up, and last-minute forgotten items. We knew I had to scale down.

I parted with seven articles of clothing, moved some piano scores to my carry-on, and said good-bye to the pound of jelly.

I decided not to take the largest suitcase, because I simply don't need to take my entire life across the ocean. A month is a long time, but I have probably more than I need in this suitcase.

This morning I added my hair supplies and the converter and did another weigh in. Right at 48.4. If I need to, I can take out the PB or tortillas (a pound each!) or move some granola bars to my carry-on.

My carry-on is holding my back-pack (folded up) so that I can use that for going to class each day. I also snuck in my running shoes. I want to have that option, should I be able to use them. My carry-on is far from full, so I have some wiggle room. My very small Lao purse fits my camera, wallet (with passport), snacks, phone, and budget book.

I should be set!
Bon voyage!