1 Month 4 Days- The Count Down Begins!

I am officially leaving for France to visit Michael in 1 month and 4 days...yes! In all honesty it really doesn't feel like we physically haven't seen each other in 3 months. Can you believe that?! That is a really long time and it will be just over 4 months by the time we see each other at the airport. This has been by far the longest stretch we have ever gone without seeing each other, and we're almost done! I would like to send a special thanks to the creators of Skype, without it my life would have been a lot more difficult as I'm sure the same goes to others as well.

I want to take time in this post to go over some things that I thought very important while we were moving, traveling, living like crazy all across the nation last year. Since we had to pack up our lives and move in less than 6 hours TWICE last year, I feel like somewhat of an expert in packing.

1. Pack light. But really what woman does this? I learned the hard way and had to live with multiple scoldings from Michael for graciously overpacking last season. So here a few tips that I like to keep in mind when I pack now.
2. If you haven't worn it in the last 3 months, you don't need to pack it. I can't tell you how many tops and pairs of jeans I packed because I "figured/had the intention" to wear them. If you're not wearing them constantly now, you probably won't in your new home.
3. If your new home has pre-existing items that you may not think have much quality, buck up and don't pack the same items that you think are better. Michael's California apartment had some cooking ware but I thought it would be best to pack my entire pots and pans set. Big mistake. I took out one pan the entire season. Living on the bare minimal really isn't that hard, you just have to get used to it. 
4. ROLL everything soft. I'm talking clothes, shoes, cords, etc. If it's bendable per se, roll it! It saves so much space versus folding and it takes a lot less time. I also like to start with everything in the closet and dressers first. Usually those items go into a duffle or suitcase whereas kitchen/bathroom things can go in tubs if you have them. 
5. Usually it's very easy to accumulate new items in a new place such as clothes, decorations, etc. Try not to spend too much money on items that you purchase for "temporary" use (holiday decorations, household items) that way you won't feel guilty tossing it out when you're packing everything up to head home or to the next place which leads me to my next tip...
6. While you're packing, throw out anything you don't need! If you don't want to throw things out, you can always donate them to shelters or Good Will before you hit the road or at your next city. I cleaned out a ton of clothes when we left California and was able to take them to Plato's Closet and got some cash for them. With the clothes they wouldn't accept I brought to the nearest women's shelter- everybody wins!
7. Although I hate to say this next part, I feel it's somewhat important. I don't like Michael to depend on me for everything, I like to know that I am dating a self-sufficient 27 year old. But at this point in time, throw that thought out the window unless your significant other is as type-A and organized as you. When it is time for us to pack, Michael takes a backseat and stands "ready" to help me when I call on him. I tend to have slight anxiety not only when it comes to packing but also when it comes to being under a time constraint; it's best to stay out of my way at all times unless beckoned. It has been the easiest and fastest way for us to pack up our belongings and hit the road without forgetting anything and with as little stress as possible (believe me there is still plenty of stress).
8. The more you move, the easier it gets. So I freaked out a bit the first time we had to leave and get to California in 8 hours. But by the time we had to head to Florida, I was on my game and virtually stress free.

Okay I think that about sums up this little bit about packing. Hope it helps in the future, even though most of my readers don't live this lifestyle. You never know where life can take you!

Also, check out this great website I stumbled upon today which offers advice for women, from women about traveling @ WanderlustandLipstick

Have a great start to your week!