Packing: Any Suggestions On What To Take?

Hi again ladies,

I'm leaving for training in less than a week. I have a 28 in. suitcase and a large tote and I've just about packed them to the max. I'm torn because I always overpack for trips, but I want to make sure I will have enough room for my luggage/clothes, etc. on the truck. Assuming I will pass all requirements to get on one!

Questions:

Is there enough space on the truck for luggage this size?

Any suggestions on what to take, especially for women and feminine hygeine OTR?

Any do's and dont's?

I was told I'd go home for a week or so after school. I took a cooler to keep food in so I didn't have to eat out all the time. We did not have a refrigerator in our room until the third day. I took my coffee pot because I hate hotel in room coffee. I took tea bags to make hot tea or iced tea. I took my ready-set-go to cook stuff, a handy little device. I took cereal, milk, a bowl, and plastic spoons/forks just in case the breakfast that the hotel provided was not available. I took a cooler with drinks and ice for at school breaks, also snacks. It will save you money if you buy whatever at a grocery store instead of at a convience store or fastfood place. I took a power strip so I'd have enough outlets for my use. I took 4 pr of jeans and twice that many blouses, socks and underwear because wasn't sure where I'd have to go to do laundry. Two pr of boots, tennis shoes, flip flops for the room because I'm not walking around barefoot on that carpet. I hope this helps.

Theres a packing list the guys came up with....but the most important thing is....DON"T TAKE SO MUCH THAT YOU CRAMP YOUR TRAINER !!!! That alone will get you off to a really bad start. and you REALLY don't want that. Usually you will need 4-6 pair of jeans/shorts(I'd mix em), 8-10 blouses/tee shirts( I'd mix em). LOTS of underwear !!! 10 or so pair of sox, flipflops (for the shower), tennies ( for comfort) work boots( if you can stand them, I always wore tennies). Basic bathroom/shower stuff,. Depending on the amenities at the hotel you will be staying at, you might want to take a cooler...BUT REMEMBER...You MAY NOT go home before going out with a trainer...do you really want to cram all that stuff in someone's truck ?? Roomies are fine...but you and your trainer are going to be spending 24/7 in an overrated closet.....FYI.....go light on ANY fragrances....just sayin'. Here's the guy's packing list.... Items To Pack

Starcar nailed it and let me add this food for thought. My truck is so small and I have no space so anything a trainee brings in here they sleep with in the bunk. So just remember that. My packing list for you. 10 shirts, 5 pants, socks bras undies. A sleeping bag, pillow and a towel. Flip flops (shower shoes), tennis shoes 8 work boots if ya want cause I dont wear them. Plus your shower gear. Thats all you need. You will be too tired to do anything but sleep and drive and maybe eat. Put it in a duffle bag. Remember your trainers truck is super small.

I would think about packing as if I were going backpacking. Multi-use items, and layered clothing. Some quick-dry clothes. You could look for sites like Sierra Trading Post, or backcountrygear.com. & shop the closeouts. When I get to be a "guest" in someone's truck for weeks, I want to be darn sure I respect her space!

Thank you everyone for the tips! I think I will be going to buy a duffle bag since my very "stylish" luggage may be too big. But I do want to respect the trainers space, so I will scale down. Also, the items to pack list is very helpful.

Cynthia, I wish I could bring my own coffee pot and slow cooker...I'll keep that in mind for when I finally get my own truck! That is a great idea to be able to cook every now and then, especially since I'm a foodie (I love food lol). I sure will miss home cooked meals...:-(

Thanks again!

Sorry I was talking about while in class, I believe you'll be there 3 or 4 weeks. I always load the trunk of my car with things from home. I even have my motorcycle helmet, jacket, glasses, gloves, and gator for cold rides. You never know when a friend will offer you his back seat. I ride my own but enjoy riding with someone. I believe in being prepared.

Sorry I was talking about while in class, I believe you'll be there 3 or 4 weeks. I always load the trunk of my car with things from home. I even have my motorcycle helmet, jacket, glasses, gloves, and gator for cold rides. You never know when a friend will offer you his back seat. I ride my own but enjoy riding with someone. I believe in being prepared.

There is no guarantee you will go home between the end of school and beginning of getting in a trainer truck. In fact its pretty much slim to none. You most likely will be going out right away. In the meantime there will be nowhere for you to stash the stuff you brought. Im all for being over preparred but as I stated before be prepared to sleep with everything you brought with you. I had too. Trainees in my truck do and almost all the guys I know had to too.

Sorry I was talking about while in class, I believe you'll be there 3 or 4 weeks. I always load the trunk of my car with things from home. I even have my motorcycle helmet, jacket, glasses, gloves, and gator for cold rides. You never know when a friend will offer you his back seat. I ride my own but enjoy riding with someone. I believe in being prepared.

There is no guarantee you will go home between the end of school and beginning of getting in a trainer truck. In fact its pretty much slim to none. You most likely will be going out right away. In the meantime there will be nowhere for you to stash the stuff you brought. Im all for being over preparred but as I stated before be prepared to sleep with everything you brought with you. I had too. Trainees in my truck do and almost all the guys I know had to too.

i might not go home after i get my own truck after school i was told. so i brought two bags. army style back packs. with a weeks worth of clothes, hoodies, jeans and shorts, flip flop tennis shoes, socks 2 towels. a light blanket, boots, sweats, tons of underwear, bc powder(amazing)!!!! and razors shampoo and conditioner. will be kinda disapointed that i cant get my dog as soon as i go solo, he goes everywhere with me

Depending on where they dispatch you, you may get home before you think. but atleast they told you the worst scenario, rather than making promises they won't or can't keep....speaks well of the company you have chosen. I hope you packed a pillow...those packs don't do much when you have to use them as one.... Keep us pudated on your schooling...we love to follow along, and help where we can.....