susantsao2

We're leaving in a month for our super long trip that we really have no idea how long it will be. Has anyone had to pack up like this for a trip before? What was your process, and where did you leave it all? What was the most random and un-explainable item you decided to keep?

thursdaysd

Well, sort of. My longest trip so far was ten months. My packing list and "leaving home" list are on my blog - mytimetotravel.wordpress.com . However, it sounds like you aren't keeping your house, if I had been doing that I would probably have put some stuff in storage.

sassy_cat

I've done this twice and both times I was relatively unprepared!

I gave away all my electrical items to family and friends (not enough time to sell them).
The first time I was single and had very little ( a kettle, a lamp, hairdrier) but the second time as a family of 4 we gave away tons of stuff with the understanding we would reclaim it if we returned within 2 years but 8 years later we have not.

When single I owned very little furniture but I did manage to sell the few items to a friend that had just purchased a house. We took most of our furniture with us the second time as we were moving overseas and the company paid for a container.

Both times we pared back clothing, books, well everything really. it's surprising how freeing such a move can be and I don't regret getting rid of anything.

I'd have to look in the basement for the most random thing I decided to keep... nothing comes to mind.. except odd earrings I thought I couldn't part with that I subsequently threw out.

My sister still has some of my stuff in her garage. Well, at least I think she does but she has moved in the meantime and to be honest I'm not entirely sure if she's kept it or for that matter I'm not sure exactly what I left with her!!

So, my advice is take what you absolutely need and love and leave anything else with generous family or friends.

suze

Are you emptying your living space? Getting rid of your house or apartment? You have to pack everything up and put it into storage? Or are you actually trying to get rid of everything?

jerryw

When I really need to pare back (we lived in a camper for a couple of years)--I think in terms of "what do I need for a week"--within reason, of course.

Same thing when we travel for weeks/months at a time--"what can I get by with for a week?"

Almost anything else can be replaced or bought or borrowed or rented.