Packing
My Experiences Packing for Long-Term Stays
What you pack and how you pack is up to you! However, many of us are not used to packing for living in a country for a few months. I studied abroad last semester and I have learned a thing or two about what to pack and how much to pack.
Tips for Packing
1. Nesting Suitcases
I didn't do this when I first went to London and I think its a brilliant idea. At the time I didn't have nesting suitcases and brought 2 big suitcases and bought a carry-on suitcase while I was in Scotland. If you have nesting suitcases these are great to use to save space for goodies and things when you come back. I still don't have nesting suitcases, so I improvised and put my carry-on inside one of my big suitcases!
2. Don't Be Afraid to Bring Two Suitcases
Throughout my study abroad I have been told that you should bring only one big suitcase and one carry-on. While I was packing I was worried about being the odd-one-out if I had two. However, when I thought about it more I realized I was going to be away for five months. How can I pack my life in one suitcase? Depending on your situation it may not be possible if you're alone. Thankfully when I arrive in Copenhagen, I will have a buddy that could help me out a little.
3. Think About Whether You Will Buy or Bring Products
In these cases, there are two types of people. Those who bring everything they need including household products and those who buy all of what they need when they arrive. I was the former. When I went to London, I brought pretty much everything that I needed including floss, toothpaste, skincare, and other things. It was nice since I didn't have to keep buying them. However, I still needed to buy things such as shampoo, soap, and household items. This time around, I brought back a lot of the household items I bought in London to use in Copenhagen. This is more of a personal preference and there is no right or wrong way on how to do this.
4. Bring Clothes for the Next Season Over
This one is extremely important. When I went to London in the Spring semester it was freezing since it was January! I thought I would be okay with long sleeves in the summer since I thought it would still be cold. However, when I went to Italy in May, I had to buy a whole bunch of summer clothes. Turns out that the sun is intense in Europe and when the sun is out during the summer, it gets extremely hot. My friends and I went to a beach in out bathing suits and it was extremely hot. Come to find out, it was actually 60 degrees. In Hawaii, that is unheard of! If you don't want to spend extra money, pack clothes for the next season.
5. Bring Things that Remind You of Home
This one does depend. Some people don't want anything to remind them home since it'll make them sad. Others, feel sad when nothing reminds them of home. I am the latter. In London I had little photos and postcards but felt that I could have done more. This time I'm bringing different photos and postcards of my travels to decorate with. Also food from home is always the best. When I went to London my mom bought me instant udon and rice to bring. My friend flew back to Hawaii for Spring Break and I asked her to bring me back arare and Li Hing Mui. This time, I'm bringing somen, instant miso soup, and noms (candies covered in li hing mui and lemon peel).