Monday, October 15, 2007
20 pounds overweight-- the story of my life!
So, I'm packed. Really. Okay, my carryon bag is not 100% packed.. But the bulk of my stuff is packed.. So I take out my handy-dandy luggage scale from Target-- and the first (big) suitcase is 44 lbs. Not good, 'cause the limit is 50 lbs give or take a few, depending on your airline.. It's probably even less in Kaz. So, I only have 6 pounds to work with for the 2nd suitcase.. I know its more than 6 pounds, but "how heavy could it be?" I thought.. Well, the answer is approximately 28 pounds.. Back to the drawing board!
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13 comments:
UGH! We haven't submitted our dossier yet, but I am dreading the packing. I can't even pack for a weekend away, let alone a relocation around the globe for 3-8 weeks. Good luck!
Hmm...how to make things weigh less. Can we mail packages to you and have them waiting for you there? Then we could ship the heavy things (like books to wile away the hours between paperwork and shoes, etc.) to you but it wouldn't count against your luggage. Or, can you wear all of your clothes in multiple, multiple layers on the plane? You would get that much more space in your seat because you'd have an extra 8 inches or so due to the multiple layers of clothing. Now, getting through security might be a pain since you have to take off sweaters etc., but you could fit more in your suitcases.
Angela-- thanks for the encouragement!!
Deb-- From what I've gathered, shipping stuff to Kaz is not an option.. If it gets there, it takes weeks and weeks-- I'll be home before it gets there! I did keep my bulkiest (and warmest) sweater for the plane (on top of another shirt) plus I put aside some stuff to put into my coat pockets.. I have started to consider what things can be taken out, but I am already pretty bare bones in the clothing dept for such a long trip.. Some of the books might have to go, but I can't think of anything that would make a big difference if eliminated..
Maybe your luggage itself is too heavy--you could pack everything in trash bags. :) What is your carry on limit? Instead of books can you do ebooks? Personally I don't like them as much because I like holding books and reading while in bed, but maybe you could cut down on some of the books then. What else weighs a lot? Can you wear your heaviest shoes/boots? I kinda figured shipping wasn't a good choice. Chris and I had this problem with Iceland--notice we didn't bring back the fabulous sculpture we wanted. It was cheaper to buy it its own seat than to pay the extra charge for luggage. I will keep thinking.
My carry-on limit is even worse-- 1 bag, including my purse, computer, etc. I don't have the dimensions handy, but it is basically a 21" carry-on bag.. But here's the catch-- the dimensions have to include wheels, handles, everything and most bags sold here are measured by their compartment space.. So it might be a 21" bag, but really be 24" high.. I have spent hours in stores measuring bags! I only have one pair of shoes packed, for court-- I will wear my boots.. As for the books, once I know when I am going I might try coordinating with others who are traveling at the same time-- start a little book club.. We can trade and therefore everyone has to bring less..
Keep the ideas coming-- I am too close to this and probably have overlooked something.
hmm. it sounds like you have thought of everything already. I have been trying to figure out what weighs the most and find alternative ways to get it there. I'll ask around and see if others have ideas.
It's the darn sweaters! If they had just let me travel a month ago, I would have been golden!
Are you sure its 50 lbs total and not 50 per suitcase? Just curious. Here are some suggestions from co-workers:
Wear the same sweater each day. Wear a sweater and sweatshirt on the plane. Don't pack jeans--they are heavy. Wear sheets each day. Don't pack shampoo or anything like that (I think you already mentioned that you were buying that there but passing it along).
Just found your BLOG. Wishing you good luck. We brought our Orin home last year from Almaty region Kaz. Love the names you have chosen, we have a niece Niamh and a nephew Daniel so either are fine. I was born and brought up in Ireland and have kids with Irish names (Ashling is our daughter and Orin our son) so I definitely think you should pronounce Niamh the traditional way.
Mary
I can't even begin to think about packing. Good luck with that. I agree with someone's comment that maybe your suitcases are heavy to begin with? I have searched online just "looking" at really lightweight suitcases but I'm sooooo far from really needing to figure that out that I have no idea if that will even help.
Best wishes to you!
We've packed and unpacked, and packed again. We've used space bags. We're only bringing 3 outfits (they are considered hiking outfits, super light -10 oz pants, layered, quick to dry, no sweaters (fleeces which are lighter and just as warm), and a court outfit each. Our suitcases are the lightest we can get (expensive - I used to do a lot of travel). And 2 umbrella strollers which I'm now considering leaving behind and getting over there. Even so, we're over the weight limit. I don't think anyone can make this limit and bring everything we're supposed to for the adoption. We've just kind of gotten used to the thought of paying the penalty fees. Good luck!
Suzanne-- it makes me feel better to know you guys are over the limit! I thought about your comment and Monica's about the super lightweight luggage, but I think at this point it will cost more money to buy new luggage than it will be to pay the excess baggage fees.. I am getting closer now--I have eliminated a sweater, some books, a bulky pair of pjs, and a sheet, and I probably have another couple of things I can eliminate..
Mary-- thanks for your note.. It is nice to know that there are other Niamh's out there in the world! Of course, there are plenty in Ireland, but not so much here on Long Island! Congratulations on finding your son!
If/when you come up with a good packing list, let me know! i am terribly worried about packing!
Good luck cant wait t o read your posts when you are there!
Sam
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