How to pack for 2 months

This is the third summer in a row that I get to spend an extended period in Russia. (Lucky me, this is also the third summer in a row that someone else is paying my way!) By now, this trip is starting to feel routine in some ways, but in other ways it's never going to be routine to close up your life for two months and take on a new one. This year is unique in a few ways: the dogs are with a paid dog-sitter, rather than with a friend I cajoled into taking on the responsibility. No one is subletting my apartment, and I didn't have to move at all. I got to sleep in my own bed the night before I left, and I'll come back to a dustier version of that bed in August.

The past few weeks have been a bit hectic as I've had to call banks & doctors, clean the house, and buy a 2-month supply of all the supplements my dogs take. I've also been busy with a CSA farm-share (which you can read all about here), and spending time with my friends before I left. Oh, and trying to edit an article and work on my dissertation. Between all of this, I had to pack: which possessions go with me and which stay home.

Luggage for 2 months

I like to think I have a good system for this, since I have done it a few times before. But it's never easy to dedicate yourself to just a few outfits. What if it gets cold? What if it rains a lot? What if it's hot? What if I actually exercise as much as I would like and my clothes stop fitting? So, rather than making tough choices, I start with the necessities, and then add clothes until my bag is full. For my job (resident director), there are some things I have to take: netbook, Flipcam, tripod, external hard drive, mobile phone, first aid supplies. Then there are the things that I require: my laptop, my camera, kindle, ipod, yoga mat, toiletries and my Melitta coffee filter. And then there are all the cables and cords associated with all these electronics. The next thing to think about is what to give to my colleagues in Russia. I enjoy making something by hand, because it's more personal, it's cheaper, and I'm convinced it takes up less space in my luggage. Last year I made this group of teachers brooches, and this year I'm making hot pads. I also packed a project for myself: more "glittens" (fingerless gloves + mitten flap). There are only a few more essentials: umbrella, guidebooks, spare glasses, workout clothes. Next I take the pile of clothes (and shoes) I've picked out and whittle it down.

I always pack my carry-on luggage at the same time, and try to even out the weight a bit. Plus, I carry the most important things on my person: medications, change of clothes, both computers, etc. My smaller bag is quite heavy this year, but my checked luggage is 2 lbs. below the maximum. Phew. I just hope I can handle the Moscow metro with all of this stuff!