How I Am Packing for One Year Abroad

Packing for abroad...the most daunting task placed before me. Does it make sense that I am sitting down to start writing this post before I have actually packed? Probably not but I thought I'd get a head start and then figure out how I am going to fit my whole life into one checked and one carry-on bag...sounds ambitious.Let me preface all of this by saying, my whole life I have been loved clothes. I have always had a packed closet and I have always been notorious for constantly over-packing. What can I say? I like to have options. In the past year, I have been doing more and more research on minimalism and quite frankly, I'm tired of having to keep up with all of this stuff.I have items in my closet that I have worn once in the past 2 years but refuse to let go of because it's cute or I might be able to wear it one day. Being in a country/continent that I never visited has never really scared me too much but the thought of fitting all of my wardrobe into two suitcases....gives me a lot of anxiety. That's probably why I keep procrastinating actually packing.I'll just say, this is not all of my wardrobe. Maybe not even half of it. But, I am only taking things I really love and I can mix and match. Who are we kidding? I will be doing shopping in Europe but I think these pieces are practical and hopefully can convince me to cut down my wardrobe that I'm keeping at home for the year.

LUGGAGE:

My very first "big girl" purchase was a set of AWAY luggage. I am going to Europe, I have to travel in style! And I figured, I might as well invest in a quality set of luggage before I reach full adulthood.I have the large and bigger carry-on suitcases and I am packing a 40L Osprey Fairview Travel Backpack as well as a school backpack...this is STUDY abroad, right?

CLOTHES:

Oh, boy...here we go.

PANTS

3 denim jeans (one skinny, one straight leg, one wide leg), 1 black skinny jeans, 5 pairs trousers, 2 pairs of shorts + 1 pair of Nike Pro Combat shorts (aka spandex) = 9 PANTS, 3 SHORTS

TOPS

8 basic tees (different colors, a couple of striped ones), 3 basic long sleeved t-shirts, 2 short sleeved blouses; 2 nicer long sleeved tops, 4 tanks/crop tops, 5 pullover sweaters/2 cardigans = 19 SHIRTS (seems excessive, Nikki)SKIRTS/DRESSES/JUMPSUITS2 t-shirt dresses, one "going out" dress, one "I am in an Italian villa" dress, 2 jumpsuits, 4 skirts (denim, 1 fall-ish, 1 "going out", 1 fun & flirty) =6 DRESS/JUMPSUIT, 5 SKIRTS

ACTIVEWEAR

5 pairs of leggings (2 more athletic, 3 pairs of Align aka more loungy), 4 sports bras, 4 athletic tops, 1 jacket

UNDERWEAR

About two weeks worth of socks and undies2 regular bras, 4 bralettes

PJS

About a weeks worth of PJs (I sleep in tanks and shorts so I just got ones that I can mix and match)

OUTERWEAR

2 raincoats (a nice one and one I can roll up really small and stick in my bag), 1 bomber jacket, 1 jean jacket, 3 scarves, 1 military jacket (will serve for a good transition from summer to fall) = 5 JACKETS*I plan on buying a decent winter coat when I get to Belgium. If all else fails, I have family visiting in November and December so i'll have them bring my big winter coat :))

SHOES

1 brown sandals, 2 white sneakers (my favorite shoes ever), 1 athletic sneaker, 1 black slide on loafer, 1 black short Hunter Boots (for the rain), 1 black heeled booties = 7 PAIRS ALL TOGETHER

BAGS

1 black cross body purse1 small black leather backpack

TOILETRIES:

In my checked suitcase - full sized shampoo/conditioner, face wash, lotion, serum, bar soap + holder, my makeup (I plan on doing a post on this sometime in the future!), razor + extra blades, two dry face masks (you just add water), Helias Sleep and Passion essential oils blendIn my carryon - travel sized shampoo/conditioner, face wash, moisturizer, makeup (basically just bb cream, concealer, mascara, lip balm, powder, and eye brow pencil), travel sized face mask, deodorant

FOOD/FUN STUFF:

Amazing Grass Greens PowderNut Butter PacketsTea (like 3 boxes worth)Gifts for my roommate and family in Europe (little stuff, nothing too fancy...or heavy)Advil, supplements for if I get sick, holistic jet lag supplements, magnesium supplement (to help me sleep)

WHAT I'M BRINGING ON THE PLANE:

TECHNOLOGY

Phone, Laptop, IPad Mini (for reading), Camera, allll the chargers, external harddrive, headphones

OTHER

water bottle, hydrating eye/lip masks, gum, portable charger, journal, 5 minute journal, Passion Planner, pens

PACKING ESSENTIALS:

I am using these and these packing cubesTHESE space saver bags are amazing for sweaters and bigger itemsI got a clear toiletry bag for my carryonThis technology organizerStasher Bags to organize my foodNOTE: I'm going to be completely transparent, I am paying for a second checked bag. Unfortunately, I am flying United and you only get one free checked bag but I couldn't get it under 50LBS soooooo it made the most sense to just pay to have my carryon checked. Packing all of this was probably the most stressed I have been in so long. And I still am not bringing everything I originally planned. Let go, Nikki, let go. So, there you have it. That is what I am bringing with me for a year abroad. I will try and remember to post an update once I am in Europe for a few months to see what I didn't need and what I wish I brought. I found it hard to find a guide for people studying abroad for a year so hopefully this will help you or someone you know :) Oh, and if you're wondering how I mentally prepared for a year abroad, check out this blog post.Follow me on Instagram and sign up for my email list to stay updated with my travels in Belgium and beyond.