Wait... I can't bring 20 sweaters?
I'm pretty notorious for overpacking whether that be for an overnighter, weekend in the city or multi-week camping trip. So for me, the idea of putting all of my possessions in a couple of suitcases was paralyzing. I wholly accepted the fact that I made this choice to move abroad and started the packing process by setting aside worn out and hardly worn clothing plus shoes I don't wear. I put articles of clothing which I don't wear but are important to me into a big box which will be kept in my parent's garage (having this option to keep an item but not take it took some pressure off the process and I ended up leaving more objects behind that I thought I would). After the initial sort I had 2 garbage bags full of giveaways and another half full of trash and I felt really accomplished, easy peasy. However, after seeing the remaining 18 pairs of shoes and 20 or so sweaters I realized the tough choices were yet to come. I made a little quiz to help me decide and learned it is crucial to have the item on to answer the questions accurately.
1) Comfortable? I get compliments when I wear this jumper but when I get home I immediately want to swap it for sweats.
2) Flattering? This sweater is so soft and my favorite color but it makes my shoulders look super broad.
3) Versatile? I adore my chunky pair of docs but they only work with one pair of jeans.
4) True to me? This dress makes me look stunning but the pattern on it doesn't reflect who I am.
Certain items were undoubtedly YES for every question and were put straight into the suitcase. Most of them weren't as simple and went through the quiz 2 or 3 times before I was certain of their fate.
Once finished, I haphazardly threw all of my clothes and shoes into my two checked bags to make sure I wasn't over the 100lbs weight limit (50lbs ea). Together they weighed just over 65lbs which leaves plenty of room to bring other necessities!
I was scared to purge my closet but through this process I've gained a clearer sense of self and notice less of an attachment towards clothing which is freeing.
1) Comfortable? I get compliments when I wear this jumper but when I get home I immediately want to swap it for sweats.2) Flattering? This sweater is so soft and my favorite color but it makes my shoulders look super broad.
3) Versatile? I adore my chunky pair of docs but they only work with one pair of jeans.
4) True to me? This dress makes me look stunning but the pattern on it doesn't reflect who I am.
Certain items were undoubtedly YES for every question and were put straight into the suitcase. Most of them weren't as simple and went through the quiz 2 or 3 times before I was certain of their fate.
Once finished, I haphazardly threw all of my clothes and shoes into my two checked bags to make sure I wasn't over the 100lbs weight limit (50lbs ea). Together they weighed just over 65lbs which leaves plenty of room to bring other necessities!
I was scared to purge my closet but through this process I've gained a clearer sense of self and notice less of an attachment towards clothing which is freeing.
You did well! I hope to do the same one day!
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