I have a serious problem with overpacking. I guess I would rather have anything and everything I could possibly need for a weekend trip than make some pretty simple choices and bring a lot less. I knew this would become an issue when I started packing to go abroad (the day before I left), because I had absolutely no idea how to fit four months into two suitcases and a backpack. Here's what I wish I had known BEFORE I brought 100+ lbs. of clothing.
You need about five pairs of shoes. Maybe.
You need a great pair of walking shoes, some booties, a pair of shower shoes, one to two pairs of sandals, and some tall boots or cute tennis shoes if you so desire. Do NOT do what I did and bring four pairs of just booties... You won't wear them. Plus, you're going to want some space for those leather booties you buy.
Don't bother packing toiletries.
This might be a no-brainer, but don't waste your space and weight allowance with shampoo/conditioner/body wash. Instead, bring a travel size with you and buy the rest there. That way, you can keep your travel containers for future use AND save some space. Go team.
Pack your favorites.
Don't bring those things that you don't really wear but you think you might because you're abroad. Chances are, if you don't wear it in the States, you won't wear it abroad (with the exception of a few items). Make sure you've got the stuff you love to wear, and leave the rest behind. Laundry exists in other countries.
Buy some electronics there.
Bringing your straightener, curler, and electric toothbrush might seem absolutely necessary, but those need adapters, and even then, they often blow fuses. It's easy to find mini versions of straighteners and curling irons on the cheap -- they won't work as well as your Chi, but they'll do the job. The electric toothbrush is just a no-no in general... Go old school for a semester.
Make sure you have something for every type of weather -- but not TOO much.
You never know where you'll be traveling, so it's smart to have something to get you by in every type of weather. That being said, research the weather where you'll be living, and try to pack around that. If it's warm for 3/4 of the time you're there, you don't need seven sweaters. You REALLY don't.
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Save space -- you will want some!
You're going to want to shop a little, even if it's just buying a sweatshirt from a city you visit, or maybe a purse... Don't use all of your space right off the bat. You'll be thankful you left a little room when you're buying those aforementioned leather booties.
