The Art Of Packing To Go Home

With 10 days left before heading home, the packing has finally begun.

I consider packing to be an art, whether it's for a weekend trip or a long study abroad experience, although both ends are completely opposite as I have not yet mastered the short trip packing.
Start packing early! I am a procrastinator but will not procrastinate on packing. I like to have everything ready to go about 3 days in advance so you can enjoy your last days with friends. I have so many friends who complain they can't go out with the rest of us because they have to pack.... don't be that person! Live your life to the fullest for the last couple of days! (well the entire time, but especially before you leave! You're going to miss this place!)
Roll everything! Even your underwear, bras, and bathing suits! Rolling clothes provides much more space, however, if you're like me, space is not the problem; weight is the real problem. Airlines like to limit us to 50 pounds which is one of the horrible restrictions travelers must abide by. We try to stick everything heavy including shoes, hair dryers, and anything else into our carry on while trying to keep it pretty light to make our lives less difficult when walking from one end of the airport to the next for connections.
So how do we keep the check-in under 50 pounds, the carry-on light, all the while bringing back all of the souvenirs we've accumulated?

We throw stuff out! Yes, it's horrible but must be done. No shampoos, conditioners, lotions, toothpaste, or anything of the sort is coming back with us. Those 10 pairs of shoes you brought and wore 3 pairs the entire time? Yes, unless you didn't walk much, those 3 pairs are probably completely ruined and should be thrown out (This is where the crying starts). While crying, you might as well get rid of those nail polishes, stained, ripped, or torn up T-shirts, and anything else that needs to go. Don't be a pack-rat, your souvenirs are much more important than those nasty things you will most likely throw out when you get home anyways.
Check the expiration dates on all the medications you brought and didn't use. If they are bad, toss those out as well.
Now that you've made some extra room for additional "pounds", wrap all those shot glasses and valuables in plastic bags. Once they're in plastic bags, wrap them individually in different clothes so that they don't break.
Try to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes so you don't have to rewash everything when you get back.
Shoes go in the carry on bag to save weight in the check-in bag. Medications that you don't need on the plane should go in your check-in. Clothes, bras, underwear, swim suites, and sleepwear should all go in your check in (pack one outfit in your carry on if you don't have clothes at the place you are going in case luggage is lost).
Bring a pen (in case you have to fill something out), motion sickness meds, or any important meds with you in the carry on.
Reading books should also go in the carry on (if you've already read them, leave those at your "home" so that the next person living or staying there can enjoy them and it will be less added weight).
A sweatshirt and pillow are nice to have in your carry on so that you don't freeze on the airplane and can sleep more comfortably. (SMALL pillow)
Don't buy alcohols or your favorite foods before you go through security to take home to your friends! Buy those at the duty free and then you can carry them on and not have to worry about the 5 pound bottle of vodka you're bringing back.
Pack your computer in an easily accessible part of your carry on. You will have to take this out at least once to go through security and nobody likes to wait on the person who packed their computer in the bottom part of their carry on.
DO NOT BUY ANY LIQUIDS TO TAKE THROUGH SECURITY!! Don't bring wine and make sure your water bottle is empty! I've had so many people complain about not being allowed to take these things through security and the officers throwing them out in front of them... it may sound stupid but the officers will have no mercy on you and will yell at you (security officers don't mess around).
You can, however, bring an EMPTY water bottle to fill up AFTER you go through security to save money on water. With the cabin pressure on the airplane it is extremely important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight!
For the carry on, make sure it is a backpack or a rolling bag as it will be much easier to drag around the airport. You can also have a smaller handbag that can fit under the seat in front of you. An over the shoulder bag or smaller backpack is perfect for this. This would also be a good place to pack your laptop so it is easy to get out and you can also ensure that it is not getting tossed around in the cabin of the airplane.
Check in before you go to the airport to save time & bring your passport and a copy of your itinerary!
Finally, if all else fails: SIT ON YOUR SUITCASE!!! (it will eventually close... hopefully)

& I'm totally ready to come back to the states!!!
Chipotle, here I come!!