Moving in 53lbs or less

When I was doing my study abroad research, I read a lot of articles, blog posts, lists, watched plenty of packing videos, etc. One of the challenges I came across was that students study abroad in and people vacation in warm climates, and not usually for a year. I totally get that, but moving to the Baltics was going to require winter weather gear, and I needed my clothing to hold up in August heat and January chill. The information I did find on people traveling for a year or more was along the "how I live out of a back pack" lines, which while interesting was not what I was shooting for. So, more for my own interest, I compiled a list of everything I brought with me halfway around the world in one mediumish sized suitcase (which weighed a bit less than 43lbs and didn't have the extender open) and a backpack (which weighed 10ish, I think). Maybe this'll help someone else, maybe not.

Picking out a minimal set of clothing wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but paring it down when my suitcase wouldn't shut, that was the hard part. Certainly helped that I would be living in much the same climate abroad as I do at home, so I didn't need to buy anything special, just make sure it would last a year. This would not have been possible without the use of generic SpaceBags (2 large) and my trusty packing cubes (6, 3 cubes and 3 slim rectangles).

I don't remember exactly what was packed in which bag, but I did have a set of clothes in my carry-on, along with my toiletries, electronics, chargers, adapter, a blanket, and important documents. In addition, there are things that live in my suitcase and go with me on every trip, no matter where I'm going or for how long.

Now, on with the list!
CLOTHES:
3 scarves
4 pairs of shoes (Winter boots, heeled oxfords, boat shoes, jelly-type shoes for showering/heat)
1 Hoodie
2 pairs of leggings
2 dresses
1 skirt
1 belt
3 button downs (1 flannel)
6 pairs of pants (1 khaki, 1 capri, 2 slacks, 2 jeans)
2 pairs of pajamas
2 cardigans
1 blazer
1 vest
9 tank tops
7 t-shirts
6 long-sleeved shirts
assorted socks & undergarments

ACCESSORIES:
5 necklaces
6 rings
1 large hair clip
My hair donut
eye mask
2 headbands
1 ribbon

TOILETRIES:
travel toothbrush & toothpaste
travel-sized shampoo/conditioner/body wash
deodorant
XL camp towel, cut in 2
Mini manicure set
2 Tide-to-go pens
2 hand sanitizer bottles (one was clipped to my purse)
Lotion
Sunblock stick
2 lip balm tubes
My toiletries case
Wet-ones

ELECTRONICS:
Kindle
Laptop
Camera
Extra Batters
Chargers/Cords
Headphones
Adapter
Alarm clock
iPod
Phone
My fancy case of DVDs (complete with movies)

LITTLE LIVES IN MY SUITCASE:
Mini sewing kit
Tea bags
Mini first aid kit
Q-tips
Nail files
Single-serving drink mixes
Laundry detergent packets
Command strips
Small notepad
Nail polish remover pads (cupcake scented)
Shopping type plastic bags

OTHER:
Gallon plastic bag full of snacks
1 box of Kraft Mac & Cheese
Planner
Passport
2 Folders (one has all sorts of important pieces of information (health insurance cards, ID copies, hotel & flight confirmation numbers, map printouts with directions, etc.))
Pencil bag with pens/pencils/erasers
Meds
A few pictures from home
1 physical book (a tiny edition of "Jane Eyre," if you're curious)
Wallet (with 3 different currencies, might I add)
My calculator (probably could have left that at home, but schooling needs calculating, right?)
Laundry bag
Mini water bottle
Mini flashlight
Gum (I never travel without it)
Fleece blanket
The WA/ID GCOC token, pen/post it/paperclip holder

And on laundry day I still wonder how it all fit. This isn't a completely exhaustive list, there are a few bits and bobs left out, but it covers pretty much everything. The important things, if nothing else. Since then I've collected a few more books and school supplies, little jars to store things in (aka I ate all the jam and look! a store device!), a second laptop charger (since mine's being stupid), some kitchenware, a second fleece blanket, other bedding, more meds, standard sized shampoo/conditioner/toothpaste, a few tote bags for shopping, and of course food. I've tried to stay away from buying too much that I'll have to bring back with me, because there certainly wasn't much space leftover, but part of the adventure is the memories & momentos. (Most of mine are flat so far. Kudos.)

All right, with finals season coming up, I'm going to go make a few thousand more notecards. Head aega!