Packing 101

One of the hot topics on the FEMA Corps campus is how everyone was able to pack 10 months of stuff with no idea of where they'd be going. Some spent weeks preparing, while others scrambled the morning of their departure.

I love packing for trips because it gets me thinking about all the possible adventures that lie ahead. Once I figure out what items are needed for the expected activities, making everything fit can be like solving a (fun!) puzzle. From taking weekend road trips to backpacking Europe for three weeks to living in Costa Rica for 6 months, I’ve discovered that there are some items that are ALWAYS useful to bring:

Medicine cabinet: mine always includes some kind of antacid, OTC painkiller, melatonin (to help you sleep in new places), and a bandage or two.

Office supplies: always bring a notebook—even if you don’t plan to journal, you should definitely write down names of people, places, etc. I bring a small external hard drive so that I can save all my camera photos when I have access to a computer. A rigid folder is important to carry and protect any travel documents.

Pocket knife Ladies, this definitely includes you

Bandana Mine is bug-repellant (made by ExOfficio)

Dry bag

Swimsuit Just do it. You never know

Reusable bag One you get from a grocery store. It folds up really small, and it can make a great laundry/grocery/shopping/book/etc. bag

Spork

Rain jacket Always.

Large fast dry towel They pack down much smaller than a normal towel

Freezer bags I pack my underwear in one and socks in another. That way you don't have to tear apart your bag to find a hidden sock

For cold weather: gloves, beanie, scarf, wool socks and long underwear. All neutral colors

Now for the packing process:

1. Choose your luggage, and stick to it! I picked a large duffle bag, a carry-on size duffle bag, and a backpack*

2. Lay all your items out on the floor. Seeing it all out there can help you realize what you may need, or need to leave behind

3. Roll up your clothes. It helps prevent wrinkles, and you’re able to stuff them into any small space you may have

4. Pack in solid things first like toiletries** and shoes and then add your rolled clothes around them

*When flying, pack all valuables & things you can't live without (ex: medication) in your carry-on. Luggage loss is not uncommon.

**Put your bottles in plastic bags so they don't leak or explode all over the other contents.

I know most people are less enthusiastic about packing than I am, but just think of all the possibilities that await you with the help of the items you bring--how can you not be excited about that??