Packing like a pro...

I'm embarrassed to say that when I first traveled to London four years ago, I packed just about everything I owned. And I was only going to be there for five months! I went to gander mountain and purchased the largest bag I could find... it actually had a sled on the bottom. I still maintain that this bag was really designated for hunters to carry dead deer home in a snow storm but a friend has tried to convince me that a dead deer sleigh doesn't exist... eh, whatev. The point is that I traveled to London with a bag that when filled with clothes weighed almost 75lbs. Oh, but it doesn't stop there, I also brought a large traveling backpack and two boxes of linens, pillows, and a freaking comforter!!!! It was crazy! It was heavy!! And it was a burden to those traveling with me!!!

Needless to say, after a year in OPA (over packing anonymous) I've learned the error of my ways and have become (in my opinion) a very streamlined traveler. I can now pack an entire weekend of stuff in just one book bag. Honestly people, it's enough! You just have to decide what you are going to wear before you leave.

So, tips for all you recovering overpackers...

1. lay out what you want to bring with you
2. reduce it by half
3. then count the number of days you'll be gone
4. if you have more than that number of shirts, cut some more
5. if you have more than half that number of pants, cut some more

finito!

I'm in the midst of packing for South Korea right now. The challenge: fit an entire years worth of clothes into two bags that will encompass all four seasons as well as traveling, lounging and slightly elevated casual attire for teaching. At this point, I think I have the clothes part down. It's the shoes and jackets that will be the real problem. Oh, and lets not forget that I want to bring a few extras like my laptop and even my snowboard...

annyeonghi gyeseyo (goodbye) - Em