packing for dummies

I'm not good in packing as I always tend to over pack and more often than not, under pack which could totally be annoying as you would then be forced to go out and buy the things that you've forgotten to bring (which, of course, you wouldn't, had you prepared a checklist but I have never and I don't do checklist. Kinda allergic, may I say?)

Which was exactly what drove me to google up checklist for travelling as it has been donkey years since I went travelling overseas. It was about 2 years ago (I was being dramatic about that donkey years thingy but I have always wanted to put donkey years in one of my posts so yeah this is somekind of a personal achievement thank you).

We will be off to the land of honeymooners (or so they say but again, this is just me, exaggerating) really soon and I have been honoured to the packing so I would have to do it well. This is a very trying time. To see how competent I am at playing wife. Fiuhhh.

Here's a checklist that I managed to compile just in case you want something to refer to, in order to ensure that you got everything right.

Home Checklist

* Arrange for pet and plant care
* Stop routine deliveries
* Make your home seem lived-in while away by putting lights and a radio on
* Leave keys and itinerary with a friend
* Lock windows, garage, and doors

Before Leaving

* Guide books and maps
* Passport and visa(s)
* Foreign currency of your destination country
* Credit cards
* Travelers checks or ATM card
* Personal Identification
* Photocopies of documentation
* Marriage License (if necessary)

Basic Essentials

* Appropriate Luggage
* Luggage Locks & ID Tags
*Appropriate Clothing
* Comfortable Footwear
* Rain Protection
* Camera and Film (Place film in carry-on baggage)
* Small Flashlight
*Small Binoculars
*Reading Materials
*Playing Cards/Games
*Address Book

Maintenance Items

*Batteries for camera and flashlight
* Mini Sewing Kit (place in checked baggage)
* Travel Iron or Steamer
* Sink Stopper
* Folding Scissors (place in checked baggage)
* Laundry Soap Packets
* Laundry Bag
* Ziplock Plastic Bags

Medication

* First Aid Kit
* Aspirin/Pain Reliever
* Cold/Sinus Medication
* Diarrhea Medicine
* Laxative
* Insect Repellent
*Contact Lens Preparations
* Antibiotic Ointment
*Alcohol Wipes
*Sunscreen
* Motion Sickness Medicine
*Personal Hygiene Items
*Personal Prescriptions

Toiletries

* Comb/Brush
*Toothbrush/Paste
* Dental Floss
* Shampoo
* Blow Dryer
*Deodorant
*Lotions/Creams
*Cologne
*Lipbalm
* Towelettes
* Shaving Cream
* Towel/Washcloth

Naturally, there are some items that I deemed unnecessary and they are off the checklist. But it's a good idea to have this checklist prepared by other seasoned travellers, so that you could go refer to it every now and then, confirming that you have everything important. I forgot to buy some ziplock plastic bags to keep liquid items such as my lotions. I once spoiled one where the lid was accidentally opened (probably due to air pressure - or it could be the pressure from other things in the luggage) and had the unfortunate to discover it once I reached my destination and was about to pamper my jetlagged self. It was not a pretty scene. So yeah, WILL GET EM DARN ZIPLOCK PLASTIC BAGS!

Packing is a tedious chore and don't get me started on unpacking. The trick to pack happily? Picture those happy moments you are about to go through as your bones do all the hard work chucking- I mean arranging everything neatly in the luggage.

Here's to our honeymoon!