How to: pack for a long stay trip

Hey guys,

So I recently moved from the warmth of my home country of Israel to the cold and rainy England for university, meaning my trip isn't going to be a few weeks, it's going to be 3 years. When I was packing to go I tried to find advice on packing for such a long trip but didn't find much, so I decided to give you my tips on packing your entire life and moving to another country!

Suitcases, suitcases, suitcases!

First piece of advice is, if possible, to buy another full size suitcase to take on the plane, that is, buy the option for another suitcase from your airline company. That'll make the packing so much easier and you have more room to take more stuff with you. It is another expanse but it's worth it. Make sure your suitcase is light and can expand so you can add more things to it.

Carry ons are suitcases too!

So, on a flight you can usually take 3 bags with you, one full size suitcase, one smaller carry on suitcase and one small bag. Use the carry ons, pack it with clothes as well, things you'll probably use in the first few days-a week. If you can get a hold on an expendable one, again, it's best. As long as you don't go overboard with the weight it's good.

Learn to let go!

It is very hard to decide what to take with you and what to leave behind, but remember these are just clothes and stuff you won't defiantly need. When packing your clothes focus on what you will need right when you land and a couple of weeks after, and get things while you're there. Pack as if you're going on a 2 weeks trip and leave space for things you will absolutely need and require more room.

Learn to divide your things!

So now that you have your suitcases, start with deciding what goes where. It's best to put the heavy stuff in the bigger suitcases and fill up the carry on with more clothes. 

Get stuff in advanced! (if you can):

So in the UK there are a lot of websites offering student packs, it's everything a student needs from bedding to kitchen stuff to stationary in one pack. These website offer a delivery service right to the university halls room. Try and find these types of services if you can and use them! Two websites that I know of are UniKitOut and My Student Pack.

And now for more general travel advice:

Mark your begs!

You have no idea how important it is to do so. Get those little suitcase tags and write down your details inside in case it gets lost. Also, add some kind of marker to your bags so you'll know it's yours, a ribbon, a piece of string, anything that's noticeable and unique. 

Have your documents ordered and safe!

So you know how your mum used to give you this funny little bag to put your passport in? Yeah, use it. It's so important to have everything ready and organised so you can get it whenever you need it.

Shoes! 

This ties in with the last set of advice, but try to wear you most comfortable yet the heaviest shoes you own, for me, these are my doc martins, that way you can take down some of the weight in your suitcases.    

And lastly, here are some back pack essentials: 

No matter if your flight is 5 hours or 15 hours long, you'll get bored. I recommend taking a book with you, a puzzle booklet with a pen and a notebook to keep you busy. 

Speaking of keeping you busy, if you have a laptop this is a good time to fill it up with shows and watch them on the flight!

Headphones are a must, I take 2 pairs, one regular in ear iphone headphones, if i want to sleep, and one pair of big over ear headphones so I can watch stuff on my laptop with no distractions.

Make up wipes are good, even if you go on the flight completely bare faced it's always good to have make up wipes or face wipes with you to freshen up during the long flight.

And that's it! I hope you found this post helpful and if you have any other long travel advice please share it in the comments!

Thanks for reading and I'll see you in my next post!

Yam xx