Space bags and Peanut Butter

My first overseas trip was 2 weeks long. I was able to pack two 70 pound bags absolutely free.  I didn't realize at the time how glorious of a privilege that was.  Those days weren't that long ago, and I suddenly feel extremely old for talking about the "good ol days," when packing for an overseas trip was easier.....but those days are gone and I am left with reality. The reality is that I get two 50 pound bags for free, but get ready for the huge charges to come for bringing overweight or extra bags, not to mention an overweight extra bag. All these little details is enough to stress any girl out. 

When observing the multiple piles of supplies all over my room that need to fit into 4 bags that seem to be shrinking by the minute, several thoughts flutter around in my head (flutter? did i really just say flutter?) Am I too American and think I can't live minimally and deserve all this stuff? Am I too attached to my Crest ProHealth toothpaste because I'm packing multiple tubes? How many granola bars does one need over a 2 year period? If I know I'm living in the desert for the next 2 years, why do i still feel the need to pack several jackets? How can I ration 8 jars of peanut butter to get them to last the longest?  Why does everything I plan to pack suddenly feel like it weighs 20 pounds?!?! Yes, I agree, there is a lot of stuff going on in my head, and about crazy things like packing.

Along with all these crazy thoughts and stresses of packing, I've found some pretty awesome tips about fitting lots of things in tiny packages:

 

1. Space Bags are your friend. These bags allow you to stuff tons of clothes, towels, etc. into a clear bag and then you get to suck all the excess air out of the bag with a vacuum. The joy I experience when I get to see a huge pile of stuff shrink before my eyes is incredible. It kinda makes me want to put everything in space bags...and I mean everything!

2. Open everything! Packaging just takes up space and precious pounds at the airport scales....and it's amazing how many places you can stuff Crystal Lite packets.

3. Have background music when packing. The new James Morrison cd really put me in a good mood while stuffing things into space bags.

4. Pray for broken scales and really nice check in people at the airport. You may have noted that none of my tips included how to make things lighter.....still trying to figure that out.

Hope this helps when you're preparing for your next adventure.