This summer I will frequently be updating this blog with all of my travel tips. Some trips to be watching for: 1) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2) New Orleans, 3) Columbus, Ohio, 4) Watch Hill, Rhode Island, 5) Westerly, Rhode Island, 6) New York City and more...

After much deliberation J and I decided to take the huge step to move abroad. In August we will be moving to Vilnius, Lithuania! We hope that this opportunity will allow us to experience new cultures, places, and help us to grow in all aspects of our life.

Now time to think about what pack for two years (or more!). The first thing that comes to mind is OMG how will I ever fit all everything I need?! After taking some deep breaths I remind myself that I lived in Yunnan, China out of a suitcase for a year and a half. I should have no problem. Still, this is a different situation. Where I am moving it will be cold and I will need a range of clothes- from job interview attire, to weekend wear, to work clothes, to hiking gear.

To deal with this I have a packing strategy. Hopefully this will work for you if you are packing for anything from a week trip or a many year move. First, think about the climate you will be traveling (or moving!) to and what you will be doing most when you are there. Second, I’ve found that organizing my closet to figure out what I have and what I may need to be helpful. I am fortunate to have a huge closet so I have set aside one half of my closet to items that are making the move with me. The other items that won’t be traveling will be placed in storage or will be donated. I have found that I can limit the clothes and shoes I bring by being ruthless with my decision-making. I ask myself: “do I wear this frequently?”, “does this look good on me?”, and “can I wear this multiple ways?”.

A few of the conclusions I’ve made while editing my closet are to bring a few pairs of great fitting jeans because they can be dressed up or down. Dresses that can move throughout the seasons and/or can be dressed up or down are also being packed.

And remember, if you forget to pack something you can almost assuredly find it at your destination.

Organized closet: items to pack

Have you packed to move abroad before? Do you have any tips for me? How do you go about packing everything you need?