Desperation is worth an amateur extension charm

aka packing to go home

Packing took me about two hours altogether. Throwing out stuff about another hour. And here I thought it would easily take me a whole day. Well, turns out if you had only brought a luggage and a bag with you, and you can only take home the same amount, you don't really need that much time.

By the way, there was one point where I thought I could not possibly fit more stuff into my suitcase. And then I grabbed my bedsheets and my PJs and put them on top. And a T-shirt. And my slippers. Then, don't ask me how, I could still zip it up. I was fucking worried about it, true, I was sure I was going to rip it apart, but in the end I did not and that is what matters. So yeah, apparently, desperation can turn even a worthless Muggle into someone with some magical powers. Or I might just have discovered that I have a dormant witch deep inside. Hi there, bitch!

Top 5 tips what (not) to do when packing:

• Do not take your shampoo/conditioner/shower gel/body lotion home. Well, unless it was freaking expensive and you have enough space. Otherwise, you can always buy some home. Or make your parents buy it for you. Same with food. Leave it behind, you won't be starving at home, I promise you.
• Try to fill in all spaces. A glass or mug is perfect for socks or souvenirs while you would also be surprised by how much less space souvenirs require if unpacked from the original package. (You can still make your friends and family believe you when you say it is brand new. They might not even notice a thing if you wrap the stuff up nicely.)
• Wear double socks, the thickest and bigggest hoodie you happen to have, and maybe two T-shirts. Saves you a lot of space.
• Get rid of stuff you haven't used or overused. I left in Limerick my boots that had holes in them and two pairs of socks that I wouldn't have been able to use much longer here at home anyways.
• Don't stress! If your suitcase ends up being too heavy and you REALLY need all the stuff inside, you just have to pay some at the airport or ask your friends to take your slippers, for example, if they still have some hidden space left. Or just post a box home with some of your things. Whatever the solution, stressing over it is definitely not worth it as it won't help just make you itchy and sweaty and you will forget something.