The Packing Process

A few things I have already!

The process of packing has probably been my favorite thing so far. With research from the Peace Corps website, from blogs of past PCVs, and from PC Indonesia social media, I’ve drafted a pretty extensive packing list, check it out below:

Luggage & Bags: 1 large rolling suitcase, 1 medium rolling suitcase, 50-liter backpack (I use this one),1 day pack (to use daily, must be waterproof for rainy season), 1 crossbody purse (to use when don’t need daypack), 1 tote bag that’s small and foldable, and packing cubes

Clothing: (Wrinkle-free, quick drying cotton, modest, including clothing that covers elbows, shoulders, color bones and knees is key) dress shirts (button down, collared, ¾ length sleeves/blouses), cotton tunics, casual shirts, sleeping shirts/t-shirts/workout tops, light cardigan, dress pants/skirts for work, casual pants (like jeans), pairs of yoga pants/workout pants/running shorts, sweatshirt, light jacket (like a jean jacket), rain jacket, swimsuits (2), socks, tank tops for under clothes, laundry bag

Shoes: running sneakers (cheap, lightweight, not white), flip flops (for home + extra pair), flats for work (a lot of volunteers wear crocs, like these), hiking sandals/sandals to get dirty (like Chaco’s or Teva's), one pair of nicer dress shoes (for Peace Corps events/going out), and maybe waterproof rain boots/galoshes

Accessories: waterproof watch, yoga mat with strap, sturdy pair of sunglasses (that are polarized, headbands, baseball hat, some jewelry (literally bringing a necklace, 2 pairs of earrings and my two favorite bracelets)

Toiletries & Extras: MacBook (with case and charger), Kindle (with case and charger, pre-downloaded with books), DSLR Camera, unlocked phone, headphones, adapters, portable speaker, solar charger

Toiletries and three months worth of medicine: a lot of current PVCs explain that it's easy to purchase toiletries in country, but often products are filled with skin whitening agents. I plan on bringing a few bottles of makeup/toiletries to last for the first few months.

Extras: sleeping mask + earplugs, insulated water bottle, quick-drying towels, headlamp, Ziploc or reusable bags, tape, pens, markers, etc., journal(s), mini sewing kit, games like Uno and Banagrams, flat sheets, umbrella, photos and wall decorations for room, and gifts for host families

Teaching Supplies: whiteboard markers, TEFL Book(s), stickers for students, Index cards, Sharpie packet, maps, wall decorations, bags of American candy and treats

Other Things: printed photos of family, wall decorations for room, American snacks 

Do Not Bring: Leather (it's hot and humid here, not friendly to leather), Medicine (provided by PC), Sunscreen, Bug spray, Tissues or wipes, Hair dryer/straightener/curler, First aid kit (all of which will be provided by PC or can be bought there)

Other Lists that helped: List 1, List 2

One major thing that I learned when I studied abroad is to pack light. Shipping two boxes of stuff (yes, STUFF) back to the US at the end of the semester was expensive, stressful and time consuming. It was like I was packing with the belief that they didn’t have stores there.  This time around, I’m allowed two checked bags, both under fifty pounds, along with a carry-on. I really do not want to bring more than I need. Current Volunteers have talked about bringing some teaching supplies, gifts for host parents, waterproof things, and clothes that are light but also meet cultural standards of modesty and professionalism.

Okay, so maybe after reading this list I may be overpacking. We’ll see…