Packout Blackout

Today was my first pack out and I am thrilled that it's over.  For almost a month, since I received the exciting job offer, I have been hearing about the pack out process and honestly dreading it.  Organization is key, they said.  I consider myself a semi-organized person, but halfway through the process, I felt like I threw it all to the wind and said OH WELL!  Initially torn about whether or not to take this week off, after a week full of days and nights and in between spent running errands, organizing, checking lists, researching, I now know there is no way I could have been ready for the pack out had I worked this week. We were advised to make 3 piles: 1 HHE (household effects), 1 for UAB (unaccompanied air baggage) and 1 for luggage.  At first I was like this isn't hard at all.  That is until I started realizing that I'm traveling to D.C. for an unknown amount of time at the end of summer/beginning of Fall and will be then traveling somewhere completely random in November/December, depending on if I need more training which is based on my first post.  Since I've been in Florida for the last 3 years, it is safe to say that my "fall/winter" clothes are a joke b/c my wardrobe involves 3/4 sleeve fake flannel shirts that I wear just to look the part. Hey, but I have an amazing collection of sandals and sundresses! I am lucky, because I made the decision to drive to D.C. for orientation which makes the initial packing process easier.  Before I leave for my first post, I will receive a 2nd pack out where I can return things to storage that I may not need (such as the giant down coat that I bought in Spain and left out of storage "just in case").  Also, it's hard to plan ahead thinking okay, it could take a minimum of 6 weeks for my belongings to arrive at post so what do I need and what are my must-haves to "get by"? After throwing random shoes and clothes in my suitcases and having brand-new professional wardrobe hanging in my closet, I thought I was ready for the pack out. With minutes to spare - literally, minutes -two to be exact (I finished packing at 11:58 and the movers were set to arrive at 12) - I thought, hey I can do this! Until I realized OH MY GOD WHEN I FLY TO POST I WILL ONLY HAVE TWO SUITCASES AND A CARRY-ON.  I then threw the suitcases back on my bed and tried to figure out what I can cut and what were must-haves, before I remembered that I will have 250 glorious pounds of unaccompanied air baggage that will arrive at post around 10 days after I arrive.  I took a long sigh of relief.  Whatever I can't fit in my luggage can surely be mailed in my UAB along with the few (very few) possessions that I deemed as "must-have" including, but not limited to: a blender, a foreman grill, a pair of scissors, two pillows, one blanket, and now, a crap load of clothes that won't fit in my suitcases from D.C. I can't imagine what entire families go through during this process, especially those with young children.  The movers arrived at my house 3 hours late and even with my few belongings, the process took 3 hours.  But, I am proud to say that I successfully navigated my way through my first pack out and am ready for orientation and what's next! But first, I am ready for a few days left of rest and relaxation with family and friends.