STUDY // How to pack up your life after your year abroad*

Hello there!

With all of the huge decisions I've got going on right now I started procrastinating and reminisced about my time in Vancouver last year. I can honestly say that doing a year abroad is one decision I do not regret making one bit. From the people I met, to the places I saw, and experiences I had, it was such a great decision to go. I looked back at some of my past posts and whilst I have written about what to pack when you leave to go abroad, I haven't yet spoken on how to pack up your entire life at the end. As it just so happens, I have recently been contacted by Uni Baggage who have got a great deal for you guys who need to ship stuff home. If you'd like to hear a  few tips from a girl who has been there and done that, and receive a pretty discount, feel free to read on!

I'll be honest with you - I am the World's most atrocious packer. I left it pretty last minute and ended up shipping my case by post. It cost a pretty penny, took forever and the suitcase I sent came back incredibly damaged and unusable for holidays. Had I been a little more organized (which is easier said than done with finals) I could have saved myself a little money and gotten my stuff back quicker. Anyway, let's start the list...

1. Be organized

I wasn't and it cost me dearly. I left packing to super last minute and ended up having to leave so much behind because I didn't have enough room to bring everything back. A day doesn't go by where I don't pine after a scarf, hat or gilet that I had to give to charity because I was not organized enough to pack in advance and have the time to buy another suitcase/box. 

2. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize

Again, easier said than done, but make a list of what is essential and what is not. Do you really need to bring back bedding, excess toiletries, old t-shirts or worn out boots? Use this opportunity to clean out your wardrobe a little bit. I had bought a lot of clothing that didn't really fit right or I didn't like anymore and used it as an excuse to get rid of them. If you give your unloved items to charity you've both done a good deed and made it easier to shut your suitcase. One man's trash is another man's treasure. It's a win-win!

3. Pick up some vacuum bags!
They are a savior when you have too much stuff and too small a suitcase. If you're bag is a little on the small side and you don't have to worry about weight restrictions, vacuum bags can let you squeeze in that little bit more. They are generally available in big department stores and online. Even better, they aren't that pricey and are 100% reusable. I never go on holiday without them!

4. Make room for your your work

If you aren't pass/fail you may need to bring work back for your home institution. If that's the case, make sure you have set aside enough room/weight for it and if not, get another box to send off with it all. I had so much work to bring back it ended up being split over 3 bags to balance the weight out a bit. If you don't know if you need to bring work back get in touch with your advisor back home before it's too late!

5. Shop around

Depending on what you have to send back, take a good look at your options before you commit to anything. I had a single suitcase and so courier services didn't even cross my mind. I intended on travelling with it until I decided the day before I left that it was 100% not going to work. There are a lot of options out there when it comes to shipping from multiple items and short delivery times and doing a little research can save you a little bit of money for certain. 

So, for the fun bit! Unibaggage have gotten in touch and given me a discount code for you lovely people. If you make and order and use promotional code  BROOMFIE5 you get a nice little saving! Just click on this little link here and browse to your heart's content. They ship both within the UK and worldwide so hopefully there is something there for you! 

Are you finishing your year abroad soon? Do you have any tips for those who are? Let me know!

P.S. Come on, look at their happy faces!