The Six Phases of Packing for Six Months

Packing for six months is intimidating, especially when you're leaving in the winter and dealing with bulkier clothes. I had three suitcases to pack my entire life in, and they actually fit everything nicely! Okay, one bag may have been 55 lbs. but it still got the job done. After going through the process, I found there to be six distinct phases to my packing. 

Step One: Denial
My first thought was that this can't be thaaaat bad. The place is furnished, so it's just a bunch of clothes, right? Oh, and a wine opener. Clothes and a wine opener shouldn't be too terrible. 

Step Two: Start Sorting
It is alarming how bulky sweaters and jackets are.

Step Three: Panic Attack
Have I mentioned that it's alarming how bulky sweaters and jackets are?

Step Four: Wine or Eggnog Intermission
Necessary. Not into wine? A nice candle would do. 

Step Five: Finish Sorting, Folding, Packing (and Charging!)
Here's where I did a real assessment of what I'd need abroad - better late than never. I checked the average weather for the next six months, thought about my future office and talked to friends who live in Paris. 

Good luggage made a real difference here, and Away Luggage is my godsend. They actually have a charger in the carry-on with a USB port. Laundry bags are included as is a compression pad and you WANT the compression pad. Anything you can do to pack a liiiittle more is your friend. 

Step Six: Acceptance
Not everything can come. Do I really need that sweater poncho? Well, yes. Can someone ship it to me after the move? Also, yes. 

Granted, I have yet to fully unpack so the success of this plan is yet to be determined. The good news is that Paris has (almost) everything. Forgotten stuff be damned. Somehow I think I'll make do just fine.