A lesson learned...already?

Brandon's mom bought us our backpacks yesterday and they're a very welcome and super exciting sight in the house - or at least they are for me. Now I can practice packing!


Brio Backpacks from MEC

And speaking of packing, I've been thinking a lot lately about the subject. The house is relatively easy to pack, it's just a matter of getting going. But how does one pack to live for a year abroad? The longest I've ever been away is two weeks and in that case, recycling outfits without having to wash them was no problem. I even bought cheap underwear and socks and just threw them in the garbage every day. Not so practical on this adventure. 

Clothing is the first thing I think of. And I think it's best to prepare for the worst - a winter relatively close to what we have here, a whole lot of rain and a little sun thrown in for good measure later in the year. So pants and sweaters, a few pairs of shorts and maybe a nice dress for me and a suit for Brandon, just in case. Seeing the backpacks I actually think we'll be okay for space. Mine is 60L, his is 70L and they're actually quite big inside, especially if we fold and roll things correctly. But then there's footwear, toiletries, electronics, warm weather wear for if we end up travelling somewhere sunny, instruments, a kilt for Brandon, warm coats...etc, etc, etc.

But then what about bedding and such? We'll rent a furnished flat in Glasgow, but does furnished include things like sheets and pillows? What about towels for the bathroom...blankets...dish rags...tea towels? I'm inclined to say that they won't be included but rather than try to bring it all along, we should probably just find a thrift store when we're there and buy all these sorts of things. Same applies to dishes and other kitchen stuff. The budget will be tight so I'm prepared to live a whole lot simpler than we do now, but there are a few obvious essentials that we're going to need.

I think this is something I'm just going to have to let go of.

Wow, did I actually just say that? I know, shocking. But I'm starting to learn that it's okay to not know all the answers and it's also okay to find those answers as we go along. That's not to say that I'm going to throw all planning out the window and just go with it. The lists are growing nearly daily. But leaving a few unanswered questions is adding more excitement and more anticipation to this journey.

In the mean time, anyone ever packed for a long, long trip before? Any ideas?

And in other news, I just found out that a favourite former co-worker, who is now a favourite current customer, is going to be on the same flight as us to London! Small world!