Procrastinating packing: Thoughts on the process

ACA - Week 2

A journey with a thousand miles begins with a single step.

—Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

My room is in a state of chaos. Two large suitcases sit open and half-filled. The rest of what needs to be packed is strewn across my room sitting in piles on my bed, floor and desk. Packing is definitely my least favorite part of traveling. This time, however, I am trying to be more methodical by rolling my clothes to save space, using any spare room and making a checklist to be sure I have absolutely everything.

I detest packing, so much so that I have drawn the process out till the very end. It did, however, spark reflection on several things. The first being how few material objects I actually need to live. Tasks that force simplicity sometimes reveal complications that could be cut out. This year abroad may be the closest I get to minimalism. With just two bags I really have to ask myself what I consider essential. My dorm room is probably going to look a bit sparse, but I can live with that.

Another thing I realized is that packing signals change. It is almost ceremonial. I think so often change just happens subtly, going unnoticed in my life until one day I look up from the journey and take it in. While folding t-shirts and counting out pairs of socks, there’s the feeling that a new chapter of my life is beginning. It’s the same feeling I had while I was getting ready for college. This trip abroad will be the longest time I have been away from home. After this experience, I know that I will see the world differently. I don’t think it will be a night and day difference, but when you’re young a lot can change in a year.

There is a mix of excitement and nervousness in the air during these last few days at home. I hope these thoughts were interesting. I will admit to hitting writer’s block this week, since I’m a travel writer who has not traveled anywhere yet. But when this issue is released I will be recovering from jet lag, setting up my dorm room and discovering if I forgot anything. 

By Sierra Lastine