So, things have hit full throttle in my world. I basically have a month and a half (!!!) before my trip. And my little sister has decided to have a small wedding, where I will be the Maid of Honor, three days before I leave.
Cue epic freak out. (for real. I had a panic attack.)
This whole time, I’ve just been sort of, hanging out. “Oh, I have so much time before I leave, I’ll do it tomorrow.”
Well shit just got real.
I realized that I need to have all of the stuff in my room, packed, and ready to go in about 3.5 weeks. We’re having a small yard sale this weekend to get rid of the last of our stuff before just taking the rest to Goodwill.
And then on the packing side, I realized that I have to buckle down and create a list for myself of exactly what I need to pack. And thanks to my lovely Facebook family, I’ve officially decided I will be getting a backpack. Backpack = a lot less shit than I normally pack. For some reason, traveling with less makes me freak out on the inside. I know I wrote a post earlier about packing less, but I don’t think that whole concept really hit me until 5 minutes ago. The idea of having my whole life on my back is sort of freaking me out. Sigh.
So I’ve decided to make a preliminary packing list here, and hopefully you all can help me out with what I should add and what I should leave out.Without further ado:
Travel Documents:
Passport
Hotel/Apartment Confirmations
Boarding passes/Flight Confirmations
Money/Credit/Debit Cards
Electronics:
Kindle (best thing I’ve ever bought, ever)
Camera + cords + charger + battery
Laptop + charger
Travel adapter
Cell phone + charger
iPod + charger
Clothes and Accessories (Biggest SIGH of my whole life):
3 pairs of shoes: boots, converse all stars, high heels (most likely my high heeled boots)
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of black skinny pants
2 pairs of tights
2 dressy shirts
2 oversized sweaters
1 cardigan
2 dresses
1 pair of yoga pants
1 workout shirt
1 sports bra
2 (3?) regular bras
7ish pairs of underwear
1 (2?) scarves
5 pairs of socks
2 night shirts
A few pieces of jewelry
This seems like so much and so little at the same time. Oh God.
Toiletries
Lotion
Deodorant
Hair conditioner (I use my hair conditioner as shampoo and shaving cream. WIN!)
Disposable razors
Perfume (or maybe I’ll just buy some in Paris…. yeah… I’ll probably buy some in Paris)
Body Wash
Face Wash + Moisturizer + Toner
Leave in hair conditioner
My Shea Moisture hair smoothie (amaaaazing)
Brush
Hair ties
Makeup (One palatte of neutral eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, blush, mascara, 1 lipstick)
Toothpaste + toothbrush
Tampons
Condoms (I will not be conceiving a child on this trip!)
Eye mask
Random pain medication (tylenol, aleve)
Random Shit:
Umbrella
Tweezers + nail clippers
A small towel
Journal
Gloves
First aid kit
Ohhhh goodness. I think this is it? I’m not hiking or anything, so I won’t need hiking stuff. I’m not staying in hostels so I won’t need hostel sheets or anything like that. I don’t use blow dryers, curling irons, or flat irons. I also plan on buying a killer dress for New Years in Paris. (and maybe one for my birthday…)
What would you add? What would you leave out? How in the world am I supposed to wear all of this on my back? Why am I a hot mess right now?!
Actually, don’t answer that last question. 
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Big question: what is your weight limit on luggage, and how what are you going to try to squash it all in to?
GOOD LUCK! x
My weight limit is 20kg or 44lbs. And girl….I have no idea how I’m going to pack all of this stuff. HOT MESS.
You’re going to hate me for saying this, but….
I’d defo leave the heals behind. You might wear them a handful of times but they’ll take up so much space in your backpack that it’s barely worth it. If you get to a city and feel like you really, really need a pair then buy a cheap pair when you arrive. You could get some in the UK for £15.
Why not take black skinny jeans rather than black skinny pants and skinny jeans. Or better still, take jeggins that barely take any space and can be jeans, leggings or pants (and they’re super comfy).
I’d stick to one sweater, especially if you have a cardigan too. And I think you’ d only need one night shirt too.
Remember we have Topshop over here and you’ll want to go shopping all the time!
Oh, I totally welcome any and all advice! Trust me, I have no idea what the hell I’m doing LOL
I agree with you about the black pants/jeans situation. My jeans are basically jeggingish….
I think I also have to get a bag first and see how much I can realistically fit. I’m all backwards LOL
Oh, we are so similar! Although I put together my packing list literally four days before I was due to leave!!
Your list looks good, I’m going to tell you you’re taking too many clothes, but I doubt you’ll listen
Also, take a flashlight. Everyone told me to take one and I thought I’d never use it but it is SO USEFUL!
So excited for you!
TOO MANY CLOTHES?! *cry* I feel like it’s not enough. Maybe once I get my bag and put all this shit on my back I’ll realize what a hot mess it is. And I will totally add a flashlight!
Love that you are bring condoms I brought them too… I also do not want to conceive a kid on this trip…LOL!!! Umm nail clippers & tweezers belong in the toiletry section dont they (I ask cus you made me think where do they belong…lol)? Jaja yes buy some perfume in PARIS… I bought a jacket there & for the rest of my life will think of it when I wear it. So yes buy it in PARIS! So glad you are bring jeans… I use the shit out of them!!! It looks like you have everything down… the only things I would as is buy yourself a cute plastic waterproof watch that will match your outfits (I love mine tells me time, day & date). Also if you can buy a string bag… one of the cheap ones I use that as my day pack to carry around the small things I need instead of a small backpack or something that calls people to rob me. Be sure to bring a few zip-lock bags. I thought I would never need them but last week sure enough I did need them. Along with your journals bring a small note pad that you can use to write down notes in along with directions of how to get to a hostel or place & jot down ideas… that are not journal diary worthy. I think thats it… Oh & your a hot mess because thats how everyone is before a huge change like this. I know I was one!
YAY! I love the idea of a watch, I didn’t think about that. Ziplock bags are also a great addition. Thank you so much Jaime!!!!!!
I kind of think you are putting me to shame because I have a feeling I will be trying to squeeze more than this into my 60L. Having said that, I’m not really taking any sweaters or boots so hoping to have more space (can you tell I’m trying to convince myself?). I know I will end up taking too much and probably ditching, but what the hell, it will make me slightly happier. Having said that, I think you’ve compiled a great list for Europe in the winter and trust me, some of the places you’re going you’ll definitely want to go shopping so don’t feel too guilty about having to leave a few things behind
I’m so glad that someone thinks they are going to take more than me….girl….this list seems like SOOOOO much. And thank you again. It’s so relieving to know that I am on the right track.
Sounds good to me.
I’m doing the ‘planning packing’ thing to. I think what’s also on my list is: Sleeping bag (I’m staying in hostels so this probably won’t affect you but I’ve stayed in some funky ones in the past that don’t change their sheets! Ew!); Swimsuit (Ahahahaha – yeah, me in a swimsuit. What an image for your deepest darkest nightmares); My English degree with apostille (For English teaching jobs); External harddrive passport-sized (Tell me you have one of these in case something happens to your laptop while you’re on the move); Aaaand, a lot of asthma prescriptions (Which, again, shouldn’t affect you. 
) x
I wish I was going a place where I could bring a bathing suit. I’m sooo going to miss the warm weather. And thank you for reminding my about an external harddrive, I totally forgot about that!
your list sounds great!! we also recommend typing up all of your confirmation numbers into one document and printing out a copy for each of you to have on hand–that way it’s all in one place. also good to have copies of your passports!
also: blister block!! seriously, lifesaving. and they make these new blister bandaids that are like cushiony and soft and solve all problems. just good to have on hand because you’ll definitely be walking a ton!
you’re going to have an AMAZING time!!
OMG! Thank you for the great advice. I’m totally going to invest in blister block.
Your list sounds PERFECT! You got it! I will just add that
A) I totally agree with Lazy Travelers
B) for further safety, scan every travel document/credit card and email it to yourself to easily access them in case of an emergency
C) did you get travel insurance?
D) do you have a backup of all the files in your laptop? you know, just in case…
E) get your perfume at the duty free shop when flying out of wherever: it’ll be a bit cheaper than in Paris
I am tempted to agree with Ceri too on the sleeping bag. I would’ve died in India without it, but I never felt a need for it while in Europe… so I dunno, it depends. And… I ALSO AGREE WITH JULIA!
And don’t forget a waterproof cover for your backpack just in case it rains. And… a tip that Dad gave me: buy a waterproof spray, and waterproof the crap out of your shoes. I’ve learned my lesson after having to wear plastic bags between my socks and my boots…
Oh, and my new favorite travel item are vaccum bags. No matter where you stay, you will always find a vaccum cleaner (or you should, if they don’t have one.. EUH!), and it will save you a lot of space, particularly when you’re packing sweaters.
Don’t forget to tell us how you shopped for you backpack. I need a new one and I’m dying to know how to properly shop around for one!
I don’t have travel insurance yet. Johnny and I have been looking…he wants to get insurance that covers body to body contact (because he plans on taking fighting classes while we’re away) Do you have any suggestions?
I totally didn’t think about buying perfume from Duty Free! Thank you!
and waterproofing your shoes!!! I totally didn’t think about that…what a wonderful idea. My shoes are leather, and I know I’ll definitely want to protect my investment! I also plan on going to REI this week and doing a post about my backpack. With lots of pictures!
YAY on the upcoming post! Can’t wait! I just came back from two weeks in India with my boyfriend’s military backpack, because I didn’t have time to shop around for something better. I can’t wait to read your tips!
As for travel insurance… no idea! Honestly, I only purchased travel insurance once, at the insistance of my parents (a trip through Israel/Palestine tends to raise parental fears). I just added it to the list because it’s something that most people worry about. So if you shop around for some, maybe you can spill the beans on all the do’s and don’ts for your lovely readers?
I know you need to save room, but I’d say you definitely, definitely have to bring a killer dress for New Year’s in Paris
I’m totally going to get a hot dress! I want something short and sequined! hahahah!
TAKE. LESS.
Also, copy your passport, print it out AND email it to yourself.
Now onto your list (my take):
Clothes and Accessories (Biggest SIGH of my whole life):
3 pairs of shoes: boots, converse all stars, high heels (most likely my high heeled boots)
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of black skinny pants
1 pairs of tights
2 dressy shirts
1 oversized sweaters
1 cardigan
1 dresses
1 pair of yoga pants
1 sports bra
2 regular bras
4 pairs of underwear
2 scarves (will help you accessorize without much room)
5 pairs of socks
2 night shirts (use one for working out)
A few pieces of jewelry
Keep this in mind: You can buy anything that comes up.
yes! I love it. After trying on a backpack at REI the other day, I quickly realized that I wouldn’t be able to bring all the stuff I originally put on the list. While way more comfortable than I thought, even the 20lbs on my back was heavy after awhile.