How I am Packing for 8 Months Abroad

There is no beating around the bush—packing for TAPIF is a daunting task. Trying to fit my life into a checked bag, a backpack, and a purse, all while staying under the bag weight limit, is not an easy task! Being the chronic over-packer that I am, I knew that I was going to struggle with reigning it in when deciding what I needed to pack versus wanted I want to pack. After scouring Pinterest for packing tips and reading many, many TAPIF blog posts about how and what to pack, I finally hunkered down, made a packing list, and got to it!

While this may be a less-than-thrilling blog post for current TAPIFers to read, I am hoping it will help out future TAPIFers who are worried about packing and/or don’t know where to start. I’m hoping to do a second blog post on this topic toward the end of my contract, going over any changes I would make in this process if I were to pack for France all over again.

**Any item on my list that is underlined is linked to the product website!

Luggage and Packing Essentials
I went back on forth on the types of bags to bring with me, in addition to the packing essentials I should buy, but this is what I decided on:

• Standard checked bag
• Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack (M/L size)
• Canvas Tote Bag
• Packing cubes (THESE ARE A GAME CHANGER!)
• Ziploc Travel Bags

Clothing
The weather in your region should have a huge influence on what and how you pack your clothing. For example, the weather in Clamecy is relatively cool and rainy most of the time. As a result, I’m not packing any shorts, sandals, or sundresses. On the other hand, that means I am packing things like my raincoat, sweaters, and leggings. I am one of those people who need options when it comes to clothes, so I packed in a way that reflects that. Also, I know the dress code is rather casual in French schools, but I prefer to dress up than dress down. Therefore, my clothing choices reflect that!

Tops

• (3) plain long sleeve tops
• (4) long sleeve blouses
• (1) flannel
• (4) sleeveless blouses
• (1) short sleeve blouse
• (2) heavy sweaters
• (1) light sweater
• (3) layering tanks
• (2) long sleeve t-shirts
• (3) short sleeve t-shirts
• (3) cardigans

Bottoms

• (1) pair leggings
• (2) pairs of running leggings
• (2) pairs running capris
• (2) pairs running/comfy shorts
• (4) pairs of jeans (dark wash, light wash, black, and white)
• (1) mid-length skirt
• (5) dresses—probably a bit excessive, but I would live in dresses if I could!

Misc.

• (1) swimsuit
• (1) pair of pajamas
• (1) pair of tights
• (1) belt
• A plethora of socks/underwear/bras/sports bras

Shoes

• Riding boots
• Booties
• Running shoes
• Toms
• Canvas shoes
• Flip flops
• (2) pairs of flats

Outerwear

• Raincoat
• Fleece jacket
• Sweatshirt

Accessories

• 4 scarves
• Winter hat/scarf/mittens
• Jewelry
• Watch
• Sunglasses
• Small purse

Toiletries
I tried to minimize the number of toiletries packed as much as possible, as I know I can buy a good majority of it once I get there.

• Travel shampoo/conditioner/bar soap/toothpaste/contact solution/face wash
• Toothbrush
• Comb
• Makeup
• Medication (OTC and prescription)
• Contacts and case
• Glasses and case
• Deodorant
• Lunette cup (females—these are literally amazing and SO worth the investment)
• Washcloth

Electronics
Pretty self-explanatory:

• Surge protector
• Adapter
• External hard drive
• Laptop (& charger)
• iPhone (& charger)
• Portable charger (& cord)
• Bluetooth headphones (& cord)
• Earbuds
• 2 flash drives—you can never have too many! Plus, it’s nice to have backups of backups.

Non-Clothing/Non-Toiletry Items
A good majority of my luggage space is devoted to clothing, but I still have a handful on non-clothing, non-toiletry items.

• Hot sauce
• Taco seasoning/chili flakes/smoked paprika
• Umbrella
• iPhone workout band
• Reusable TJ shopping bag/mesh produce bags
• Vera Bradly Travel pillow/blanket combo
• Photos and notes from friends
• Children’s book about Illinois
• Camelback water bottle
• Postcards
• Folder with important documents (+ copies)
• Notebook
• (2) journals (1 personal, 1 travel)
• Academic Planner
• Wallet/passport

Things I am Not Packing

• Hair dryer
• Curling Iron
• Flat Iron
• Towel–I may regret this later, but I can buy one once I get there
• Winter coat
• Rain boots–I so badly wish I had room for them!
• Full-sized toiletries

And there we have it—my TAPIF packing list. Did I probably forget a few things? Yes, most definitely. Will the list change over the next few days? Most likely. Is my checked bag over 50lbs? Tune back in next week to find out!

If you read all the way to the end, thank you! I hope that this was helpful in some way, shape, or form (or at least a smidge interesting for my fellow assistants who are already in France)!

Until next time,

Michaela