Packing 101: You Actually CAN Have Too Many Clothes

If you are like me packing for a year long journey, the first question you ask yourself is "How do I choose what to bring and what to leave?". The answer is... just bring everything! Well, bring ALMOST everything. Medicine, snacks, underwear, winter coat, lint brush, etc. Only the basics for this girl here. All jokes aside, I found it exceedingly difficult choosing which shoes to part with for a year and which personal items I wanted to decorate my apartment with. An apartment, mind you, I know very little about other than it comes with a bed and table and chair. So am I bringing wall decor and a flowery blanket along with my toiletries and pants? Yes, yes I am. Think college move in just on a smaller scale.

Now I am sure you all are looking at this picture and rolling your eyes at the amount of stuff littering the bed, floor, desk, and just about every other solid surface. I am looking at you, dad! As a reminder, I am leaving for a year long contract, ergo I need to be prepared for every season and situation life could throw at me. Teacher clothes? Check. Casual wear? Check. Random fancy dress I haven't worn in years because I may just meet an important politician? Check. I promise you all that I am not bringing my entire closet... I still have about 30% that will be staying right here in Illinois. I now have an excuse to buy even more clothes while I am there!

As far as random packs go, it could be my need to pack Everything Bagel seasoning, or my stuffed manatee, or a half used, travel size bottle of Febreeze (who knows what my apartment could smell like). It could also be the 6 month old box of Thin Mints I have been saving for the very moment I leave American soil; one of life's greatest treasures I simply could not live without.

Anywho, feel free to follow along with my journey. T-minus 4 days until take off!