Your Exit Strategy

Simple things work best. Make a list. And make a few more lists. Think before you pull your room apart. Bags in a neat stack by the wardrobe or dresser. Open backpack all zippers ready and pockets emptied. Place luggage labels and padlocks neatly on a table with your passport, ticketing, paperwork.

Once you have packed your bags (the ones you are taking with you!), put them neatly in a corner of your room. Then survey your immediate environment. What state is it in?  Have you destroyed the room in the process of packing? Chances are it could do with a bit of a rearrange, scrub and a clear out before you go, even if it’s just your bedroom.  Just because you’re leaving it doesn’t mean you should leave a total mess for everyone else to clean up. Your parents or flatmates will be thoroughly appreciative (if a little shocked!) by your mature approach to your exit strategy.

“Simple things work best. Make a list. And make a few more lists. Think before you pull your room apart. ”

What about the things you’re not taking?  Have you got any leftover items in your clothing storage space? Do you still need them?  Can they be given to a charity?  Create a bag of unwanted clothing and clear out the things you won’t wear again. A last minute trip to the local charity bin has good energy about it. Be ruthless! You are bound to buy things that will be more up-to-date while you’re away on your trip.

Put away spare pillows and bedding in the linen cupboard. Then, change the sheets on your bed. You’ll probably be excited about what lies ahead but also you may be tired from all the preparations, so make your last night in your own bed a fresh, comfortable one so you get some sort of sleep and you’re not over-tired for your travels.

Bon voyage… You’ve earned it.

Photographer: Anthea Paul