Confessions of an over-packer
By Kim Blaha, Blogger
March 30, 2007 | 9:43 p.m.
My room is an absolute wreck. I’m not talking about a typical college student’s unorganized room with scattered shoes and dirty clothes on the floor. I mean one that’s definitely a fire hazard and could potentially be declared a disaster area.
The mess, though unfortunately not an uncommon sight in my bedroom, has made packing for my Spring Quarter study abroad program in London much more difficult. Not only do I have to figure out how to fit three months of my life into two 18 by 28 inch suitcases, I have to do it while trying not to trip over all of the stuff I “unpacked” after moving out of the residence hall.
Despite the inconvenience of the mess and the difficult decisions involving what I really need to pack versus what I would love to have with me, I am excited to finally be going to England. I missed out on the opportunity my senior year of high school, but now I am happy to exchange that week-long vacation for this 3-month living experience.
The extra time will give me a chance to really explore the city and discover many unique places while meeting a variety of people. I’m even hoping to take weekend trips to other countries as well. Although I can’t wait to begin all of these new experiences, there is one daunting task that stands in my way: packing.
Unfortunately, the week’s worth of clothes I would have needed for the high school trip would have been much easier to pack than the amount I will have to bring for an entire quarter. I have managed to categorize my clothes into three different piles: necessities, preferred items, and things that I really want to bring but will have to shove into the nooks and crannies of my suitcase.
Because I will be abroad during the changing of seasons, I actually have to think about what I am packing instead of carelessly throwing any article of clothing I can into the closest bag. The cold winters in London don’t necessarily warm up to the same temperatures as the hot springs and summers of Southeast Ohio, so with hope the bulky sweaters that will take up most of the room in my suitcases will last me a long time.
Besides preparing myself for the cold, I have also taken into account the realistic possibility of three months of rain. Apparently last year the students that went on this program experienced all of seven rain-free days. Though normally rain doesn’t bother me, the thought of three entire months of it is a little depressing.
Not that I have room to be complaining. Rain or shine I will still get to experience an entirely new country and living style. Even though everyone has told me that English spoken in the UK is a completely different language, I won’t have any major communication barriers in my way. And while the exchange rate isn’t exactly in our favor right now, I’ll be able to get by. I’ve got my umbrella and a pair of rain boots, so frankly I’m all set.
And while these waterproof items are necessities, they do take up a significant portion of my suitcase, which forces me to once again take a look at my three designated clothes piles and attempt to finish my week-and-a-half long process of packing.
However, I here and now declare that I will do my best not to over pack. My goal is for my suitcases not to be overweight when weighed at the airport and that I will not be afraid of throwing my back out while trying to carry them up and down steps. I will bring only necessities and leave frivolous items at home – except of course my extra set of black flats and my four different color tank tops. There has to be room for them in there somewhere.