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If you know me, then you know that I am of the Achievement Striving Type A personality breed, meaning I like order, I’m kind of a perfectionist, and I take on a LOT of responsibility even if I’m already overloaded. That’s definitely me.
With less than three weeks to go before my departure date, I am feeling a lot of pressure to get everything in order, both here at home and in regards to packing. Yes, with three weeks to go I am already packing. Doesn’t everybody begin packing that early?
So, I have developed a system to [hopefully] ensure that I don’t forget any essentials, and to maintain my sanity. I cannot control many elements of my time in Sudan and Uganda, but darn it, I can control my packing list!!
Here’s my ten-step packing work flow:
1. Make a list of ALL needed items (down to bobby pins and floss)
2. Purchase/Gather needed items to one central location (in this case, our dining room)
3. Check each item off of the list as it is brought to Central Location
4. Sort items based on their use (toiletries, food, clothes, etc.)
5. Package spillable items (shampoo, etc.) into separate baggies, and package all Sudan items into baggies (in case my bag gets drenched in rain)
6. Label each baggie based on the trip designation (Tonj trip, Nasir trip, Both trips, Uganda)
7. Begin methodically putting items into suitcase, technical pack, or carry-on bag
8. Check each item off of the packing list as it goes into its respective bag with the letter ‘P’ (for ‘Packed’)
9. Make a separate list of items that still need to be purchased because they were initially left off of the original packing list
10. Double check that checked-off items are, indeed, inside the correct bag
My point is that a.) I am nuts and b.) if you live with a Type A personality, beware that obsessive-compulsive behaviors can reach new heights when said Type A is faced with living abroad for three months!
**Edited to Add**
