Overpacking?

So my end result of packing was: 6 boxes.

Why so much??
Well I only have 1 box with clothes. And the hangers are still on each item!
So what's in the other boxes?
Lots of items that I will use up during the program. Things like shampoo or lotion. I'm a serious penny pincher and did not want to rebuy something. Especially since I'm considering moving to that area. I don't want to come back for old shampoo. Gross. I'm also bringing tons of organizational items and office supplies. Clear containers, journals, my printer, spare ink, paper, stapler, a mirror, a desk lamp, a pinboard, blah blah blah. Lots of stuff! So while it seems like I'm bringing a lot of stuff. I won't be bringing back nearly as much. I just don't like spending money if I don't have. A little extra effort on my part by packing and bringing down all of those things had to be spent, but effort is free.

Break Down of My Boxes: (I'm highlighting the things that will be used up during the program)

Box 1 Clothes
Box 2 Loose fitting clothes/Exercise clothes, Printer, Shoes
Box 3 Locking jewelry box, Hanging Shower Caddy, Carrying Shower Caddy, Lamp, Mirror, Storage containers, a recipe book, bed risers, etc.
Box 4 Shampoos/Conditioners, Lotions, Movies, Feminine Products, DVD's, paper, spare ink for printer, other office supplies, and a shadow box with the very first flowers my boyfriend gave me ^.^
Box 5 Books, purses, smaller containers, garbage bags, some every day plastic dishes, and more.
Box 6 "Last Minute Box" for clothes I'm currently using, makeup, nail supplies, anything else.

I'm thinking about reopening the boxes to make sure that I absolutely have no room in them or really need what is inside of them. But, remember, you can always send stuff home. :)

::You Will Always Over Pack::

Should I Bring A TV?

I say no. 

1. You can win a TV in a raffle when you get there.

2. It's easier to buy a tv after you move than to bring one. 

-Or, if you already own one, to have it shipped to you from home. 

3. We are going to be very very very busy. Most people report that didn't turn their televisions on more than twice during their entire stay.

I'm absolutely bringing movies. But I can watch them at my own time on my laptop without bothering my roommates. If you desperately need television. Or if you are dedicated to watching a show every Tuesday at 6pm, then that is all on you. But as for my vote, I say no. 

The Magic of Last Minute

Make a list of everything you are keeping to use right now. It's a lot, right?

-Cosmetics
-Wires
-Some Clothes
-Some Shoes
-That book you've been trying to finish for over a year now....

I'm keeping one empty box that will be labeled "Last Minute." Everything you needed to survive the few weeks before the move should go in here. Otherwise it should go in a carry on/your purse. I can't pack away my cosmetics until the day before so they'll be at the top of this box. And it is probably best if I don't pack away the GPS before the long drive to SoCal. So be smart, and keep some things last minute.  :) 

Packing Like A Pro

What You Have

Take out everything that is in the box. Step one would be to make sure that all the items are related in some way. These are all room accessories. Things that can go up after I make the bed and hang up clothes.  

 Start packing and make a list of everything inside. :)

 I suggest putting a piece of lined paper in that section between the box edges. This way you don't tape up your things. Which suuuucks if you get it on clothes or journals. 

 Staple your lists to the outside of the now packed box. Staple all sides and tape down if you need to. 

Tah Dah! Now you're a pro!

Organizing Clothing aka "The Purge"

This is your chance ladies! Time to empty out that closet :) You're going to start seeing what you wear the most. If you wouldn't wear it in the next 6 months, why do you still have it? (Excluding out of season items.)

Steps to concise closet:

1. Try on EVERYTHING! 
          This is going to take an entire afternoon. Be devoted and excited before beginning. Try on every tank top, every bra, and every pair of jeans.

Here are two pairs of jeans that did not fit me. They were too long. I pinned a post it with the amount I should have tailored. If I don't have them fixed before I leave, then they didn't mean that much to me, and I'm selling them or giving them away ASAP. 

2. Sort out Everything 

          Here are your categories: Goodwill, Consignment, Fix and Keep

              Goodwill- Give Away

              Consignment- Sell to a consignment store or host a yard sale 

              Fix- Have tailored or sew them yourself 

              Keep- Duh :P 

This is a picture of my two bags. One is for Goodwill and the other is for Plato's Closet, a local consignment store. Remember, if you aren't sure about what you want to do, just keep them in the bags and store them in your closet until you arrive. I've recently come to the conclusion that I want to keep the bags so that if (hopefully) lose any weight during the internship I can go back and try these on. :) 

3. Divide and Conquer! 

         Divide your closet into two. On one side, put everything you love and adore and plan to take with you. And on the other side, put everything you aren't sure about. For the next month, try very very very very hard to only take things from the 2nd side. If you don't wear it, don't take it. But you loved it enough to keep it this long, so maybe leave it hanging until you come back. There are different reasons for keeping different articles of clothing. Don't let me be the dictator here. They're your clothes! 

I was able to get my "adore and love" section down to 2 feet!! You may be sharing your closet with up to 3 other people. You need to consider how much space you can demand. This 2 foot section is just what I absolute want to take and want to be hung up. Of course I have sweats and jeans and such that will need drawers. But now I can get a cheep plastic set of drawers to put under my clothes and not have to worry about space. This 2 foot section includes: Spaghetti straps, Tanks, T-shirts, 3/4 sleeves, long sleeves, dresses and formal dress clothing for our classes and outings. 

Good Luck Everyone! 

Cheap Apartment Buys

Solid proof that one should never underestimate a dollar store. 

Keep in mind my blog on group purchases. 

(The Great Grocery Debate)

I love the gigantic container of napkins for $1!!!

Does everyone need their own container for sugar? Salt? Brown Sugar?

And, at least in my head, I plan on cooking actual meals. Spaghetti, pork chops, etc. Storing these Group Meals would be easier if we all paid for foil and containers together. Just another thing to ponder.

Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Ross are our friends! lol