Once you've signed on the dotted line confirming your travel therapy or allied contract and housing, it's time to tackle the daunting task of packing. Deciding what and how much to bring on your 13-week assignment can feel more stressful than moving itself. You need more than just a few suitcases but you don't need to fill a moving truck either. In this blog, we'll share essential packing tips tailored specifically for therapy and allied travelers, ensuring you have everything you need:
Find What's Provided and What You Need
Travelers typically stay in accommodations that are fully furnished- whether that's through a company-paid lodging or housing you find on your own. Connect with your recruiter or landlord to ask what furniture and amenities are provided. Beyond the basics like living room furniture, dressers, a sofa, etc. many traveler housing solutions also includes items like kitchen utensils, bedding, or towels. Finding out what is included makes sure you don't bring duplicate items to your assignment. You can pick up furniture in your new location from Ikea or thrift stores if you're in need. Don't forget to check on what is needed for your assignment, from a specific dress code you'll need to be prepared for, to anything you need to perform your job duties.
Knowing what kind of weather you'll be living with will greatly impact what you need to bring on assignment. A summer travel assignment in Florida requires vastly different clothes than a winter contract in Washington state. Plan your wardrobe accordingly to ensure you're not packing bulky clothes you won't need or left without layers you want. If you're traveling through multiple seasons or taking a quick trip during your assignment, you'll want to be prepared for the weather to come.
It's natural to over-pack for your travel healthcare or allied assignment. You'd rather be prepared, right? Consider what you really need while you're packing to make moving again in 13-weeks as easy as possible. What items will bring you joy on your assignment and what will stress you out as clutter? Packing minimally is one of the biggest of the biggest tips seasoned travelers have for newbies. This doesn't mean you can't bring any creature comforts, bring your family photos, materials for your hobbies, or favorite coffee mug to make your temporary housing feel more like home- without overwhelming yourself with extra items.
Consider How You'll Get There
How you're going to get to your new assignment plays a big part in how much you'll be able to bring on your assignment. If you have to fly to your new location, you'll probably need to ship items ahead of you or pick them up when you get there. Driving allows you to bring your items with you, but what you can bring is still determined by the size of your car. Consider a rooftop carrier to add extra space to your vehicle. If you find you need to rent a trailer to tow for just yourself, you're probably over packing!
Every travel healthcare or allied assignment is different, but that doesn't mean you can't use a checklist tailored for travelers. Travel SLP Julia from The Traveling Traveler has created a tailored packing list for travel therapy and allied jobs. This list will help keep you focused and organized while packing for an assignment.
When packing for your assignment, consider packing items in more than just a suitcase. If you're driving to your assignment, keep an overnight bag handy so you don't have to lug your suitcase in and out a hotel every night. You can also pack items in storage bins, baskets, or organizers that you can utilize while in your new city. Don't miss out on vacuum-sealed packs that save on space in your bins or suitcases.