So obviously the process of getting organized to study in a different country is scary but most of all exciting. What if I forget something I reallllllly love? something I reallllllllly NEED?! and I'm not talking important things like passports and visas, I'm talking the real important things like clothes and shoes! I had to remind myself often that I wasn't going to be in the middle of a random desert and that I was going to be able to buy things I may need or forget, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I forgot that particular skirt that would be perfect if that particular occasion occurred! haha
However after overcoming my fears of packing I have realised that there is an inevitable process that us females will under take when faced with the challenge (and by challenge I'm putting it lightly) of "PACKING FOR A YEAR"...
STAGE 1 - PLANNING: Planning an 'ever so' organised mental list of items to bring, consisting of things I really love and couldn't live without, clothes I wear most often and basics that I can mix and match so as not to weigh my suitcase down too much, oh and obviously at this stage I plan to only bring one large suitcase! As that would be most convenient.
STAGE 2 - PROCRASTINATING: As the weeks go by leading up to the departure date, organizing passports, visas, finances, planning leaving parties and working overtime get in the way of the packing process however even on occasions where I found myself with spare time I always had something else 'more important' to attend to rather than face the giant empty suitcase that had been sitting in my bedroom for weeks with nothing but some new pairs of gym socks and an Irish flag in it, apparently these were a priority?!
STAGE 3 - DENIAL: Right up until a few days before I was due to leave, friends and family would ask had I "started to pack yet?" and was I "all set and ready to go?" Naturally I would answer with "yes all starting to come together now" however in my head I was thinking "What am I going to do???" - this sheer moment of panic was exactly that, a sheer moment. I had at this stage convinced myself that packing for a year was not a big deal and that I had a 'very organised mental plan' of what I was going to take, it would be as simple as flicking through my wardrobe and picking out the pieces I had in my head and placing them in my suitcase! duh! simple as a pimple.............. NOT!!
STAGE 4 - PANIC: After having an amazing leaving party and family dinners to say goodbye, right up until the night before I was still yet to finish packing,.... did I say finish? oh I meant START! During this PANIC Stage 4 you will find yourself throwing almost every item of clothing you own into your suitcase, even things you haven't worn for almost 3 years (yes I like to hoard clothes) just incase you might need it! All aspects of your 'mental plan' with be thrown out the window, and you will become a packing lunatic!
STAGE 5 - PARENTS : In the end who will come to the rescue? Parents, or someone who knows you best, through their guidance and experience I managed to narrow down my items to what was essential and most important for now. (basically the 'mental list' stated in stage 1) In the end I checked in one large suitcase and one medium, reasonable for moving to a different country for a year, my original idea of only needing one was a bit far fetched especially for a fashion student haha
Essentials: Nude and Black Flats
When embarking on any sort of adventure where you will be living away from home for a long period of time, my advise is 'the earlier the better' when it comes to packing and purchasing necessities. I tend to leave things to the last minute when it comes to these sort of situations, though we all work better under pressure right? haha One thing that helped me was using a clothing rail to hang the items of clothing that I knew I definitely was not leaving without. For example Key Pieces for my new hotter climate....
1. High waisted denim shorts
2. Patterned floaty shorts
3. Colourful Playsuits
4. Black Playsuit
5. White T-shirts
6. Black T-shirts
7. Coloured Cropped Jeans
8. Plain Cropped Jeans
9. Maxi Dresses
10. Sandals
Many Items that I chose to bring I am able to mix and match, which was essential to enable me to not bring things I didn't really need. One thing that really helps when you are faced with a limited wardrobe with limited access to shopping is accessories. I brought most of my favourite and most worn jewellery and I find it can pull the most simple of outfits together and make them stand out.
Some of my most worn items, unfortunately not all of it made the cut though :(
Detailed belts also do the same job and scarves will make an outfit when the cooler weather arrives.
I have only featured the things I feel are most important to anyone taking on the same challenge I have and I have only included the most essential pieces for arriving during the summer months in this post. I also took a supply of essential winter clothes but I am having my other winter necessities e.g. my winter jackets/blazers and coat posted to me from home closer to the winter seasons. For now I am making do with what I have brought and will just have to live without my usual choice for now, who doesn't love a style challenge? haha ...
Remember it's not how much you have, its what you do with what you have!!
Caragh x
