Sara Sarver

I don’t like packing. At all. Just ask my mother about when I started packing the first time we went to Thailand for 7 months, or about the time I went to live in Liberia for 2 months… Ha! I don’t start packing until a few hours before, and I pack until the moment I leave.

Now, some of you may be having a fit after reading that last line, but let me assure you, my way of doing things is most certainly not procrastination. You see, I do plan ahead, because I am a list maker. I love lists. They keep me organized, straight, and prevent the absence of key items such as shampoo, deodorant, and that extra pair of socks you just might need in case of a flood. I start making my list (categorized, of course) of what will be packed up to a week prior to departure for said trip. I write it once, then leave it for a day or two, revisit to see if there is anything overlooked the first time ’round, then leave it for the set time of packing. I plan out how much time I need to do said packing, lay things out first in piles, then fill the appropriate piece of luggage in a timely manner.

It really is quite the efficient system. I get things done, things are not forgotten, and overpacking is usually avoided.

All of this said, I am breaking down my entire house, and 3 years + of belongings for both Brook and I, 12 days ahead of departure. You can imagine the thoughts and frenzy running through me at this very moment. If you are anything like me, you will know exactly what I am talking about!

Not only is it difficult to be doing this so “far” ahead of time, but there is also a LOT to be done. I have to not only pack things, but also decide what will be kept and stored for an extended period of time, and what I can part with indefinitely. What is to be sold, and what to be outright given away. What goes to whom, what will be stored in what type of container, and when are we supposed to actually get this all done? We are so booked over these final days, that I will have tomorrow to price items for this Saturday’s garage sale, and one day (yes, ONE day) at the beginning of next week to actually deal with what didn’t get sold and pack the few bags that are travelling to Thailand along with us two Mondays from now. Ridiculous, but hey, this is really how much of my life usually works, so am I surprised? Not in the least. Good thing, huh? :)

Hmmmmm…..

Also, my usually rather orderly and neat house now looks like this —–