You need a little back story before I get into the actual packing part of this post. Aaron and I both got jobs at Bonneville International in San Francisco, that is what prompted our move. Part of our deal with the new company is that we would be in temporary housing for a little while that would be furnished. That would give us time to find a place of our own.
It was recommended to us that we initially fly out with a few suitcases, then once we find a place of our own we will fly back to Michigan and pack up the rest of our belongings. This is the route we decided to go, so on our initial flight, we only brought four suitcases, the cats, and two carry-ons.
The one thing that made packing slightly easier is that the weather in San Francisco is pretty easy to predict. It seems to be in the 50s or 60s every day, and it is currently the rainy season. We had to pack work clothes, weekend clothes, athletic wear, bathroom essentials, makeup, and some kitchen essentials, shoes, and anything else we would need for 60 days in four total suitcases.
Here is what I packed:
Six pair of dress pants, one pair of black jeans, and two pair of regular jeans. Our office is business casual so I can wear the black jeans on occasion and rotate the six pair of dress pants the rest of the time.
Five sweaters of varying warmth. I tried to make sure that the sweaters I packed were neutral colors, then realized everything I had was black, grey, or white. I took a couple grey sweaters out and added two in the pink/purple family that I can wear with black or grey pants. The weather here is pretty constantly in the 50-60 range but windy and cooler at night so sweaters work almost year round. I also packed three cardigans, and two blazers for work.
I packed tank tops and long and short sleeve shirts last so I could put in as many as possible. I wanted as many of these as possible so I could wear them alone or under a cardigan or blazer. I will also wear them on the weekends with jeans.
I obviously packed as many bras, underwear, socks, and pajama pants as I could fit as well. I also squeezed in a swimsuit just in case we found ourselves by a pool. These are the clothes I will wear for the next two months, so I’m sure once I get all my clothes here I will never wear them again.
I, of course packed my makeup and skincare. Full disclosure though, I bought the cups to hold my brushes and Shadowsense at Target a few days after we got here. I also packed shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and some cold/allergy meds just in case.
As far as pots and pans I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have never lived in temporary housing before and knew some things would be provided, but I wasn’t sure how much. I brought my favorite pan, some rubber spatulas, a cookie sheet, and a stove-top griddle. I didn’t want to use not having the things I used to as an excuse to eat out every day. it turns out, I didn’t really need the pan, but I am glad I brought everything else.
Aaron and I each packed one suitcase full of clothes, then put all odd and end stuff in the other two. He brought the
Overall we haven’t had to buy a ton in the first week. We are both on the hunt for some running shoes. These hills are no joke. I have actually enjoyed living as minimal as possibly for a little while. It might actually feel overwhelming and crowded to have all our belongings here in a few weeks.