Packing. Laundry. Packing.

That’s what I've been up to lately.  You’d think that by now, we’d be experts at packing for international moves. Not quite.

We have learned a thing or two though…

-Pack as much as you can at least a week before. And weigh your suitcases a week before as well. That way you aren’t searching for items to pack/switching suitcases the night before. I’ve learned that the hard way.

-If you can get it at your new destination (toiletries, school supplies, etc), don’t pack it. That doesn’t include more expensive beauty products/makeup that may be hard to find where you’re going.

-When packing books, be very selective. Adding a few books in a suitcase really ups the weight! (This is our weakness because we love to read)

-In your carry-on, pack valuable items and medicines. And don’t forget to pack some gum, which helps prevent the airplane headache and ear-popping. (And your passport, wallet, other I.D., something to read, etc.)

-Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes. (More weight on you means less weight in your suitcase). I may have worn a pair of David’s boots once while traveling because my bags were already at the heaviest weight allowed. Taking a jacket helps relieve some weight from your suitcases and is good for unpredictable airplane temperatures.

-Liquids really should go in a zip-lock –type plastic bag. It’s no fun to open your suitcase and find everything covered in shampoo.

-If it has some strong emotional value, take it. You’ll most likely regret it if you don’t.

-Pack some light food items. For David- we are packing arepa mix, Venezuelan coffee, spices, and other things he can eat when he is missing VZ food.

-And always pack some snacks to munch on while traveling.

And, as I was finishing this post, we found out that David's visa arrived in the mail! Yay! Now, that really puts packing in high gear!