Applying KonMari to Your Peace Corps Packing List
- Stephanie Estrera
- Jan 29, 2019
- 15 min read
Currently listening to: Songs: “Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend, “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” by December Avenue, “The Knife” by Maggie Rogers, “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridges, and “Juice” by Lizzo
Last spring was a hectic chapter of my life. As a graduating senior at UT Austin, I was wrapping up my senior thesis (which, btw, the data is being used for a publication currently in-review. I’m throwing in that little brag because that project took up so much of my time!), saying goodbye to close friends, and savoring every boutique fitness class and fancy coffee drink with oat milk possible. I packed up an apartment I lived in for two years, while also packing for two more years in the Philippines. My family moved out of my childhood neighborhood in the middle of my college career, and while I had the ability to keep a few boxes at Mamayet (my lola – my paternal, Filipina grandmother) and Papalolo’s (my lolo – my paternal, Filipino grandfather) house, I didn’t really intend on keeping most of what I’ve acquired in college. Let me tell you, if there is ever a time to pair down, it’s right after you end college and choose to move to the other side of the world. It’s difficult deciding what is worth being part of you 100 lbs Peace Corps allows you to bring, especially since you have no idea what your site will be like until you’re almost done with your 10 weeks of training (spoiler alert – there ARE volunteers that live in the mountains and actually wear long sleeves! Being in the Philippines does not guarantee you a beach and humidity all the time).
I have to admit, I did not pack as mindfully as I wish I could’ve, but I also did not have Marie Kondo in my life yet! I’m a ball of anxiety most of the time and I feel paralyzed with huge daunting tasks. The KonMari method breaks down the art of tidying up, and I believe that if I was aware of KonMari last year, I would’ve brought less useless stuff to the Philippines, and more things that “spark joy”. For those of you who are interested in learning more about KonMari, look into her books and Netflix Show. In this post, I will give you a run-down of the basic rules of KonMari, then apply it to a Peace Corps Philippines packing list. In each category, I’ll talk about the items I brought (or bought in the Philippines) that “spark joy”, why it “sparks joy” for me. I’ll also discuss the items I brought that I could’ve left in the States in storage, or even discarded of completely.
This post is not meant to tell you exactly what you should buy, because everyone’s needs are different. Peace Corps will give you a packing list suggestion, but again, I highly encourage you to use your own judgement and possibly this method to determine what you’ll really need. At the end of the day, if you need clothes, you’ll have access to ukay-ukays (second hand stores). If you need toiletries, there are stores. You may not have all the comforts and brands from home, but you’ll be able to survive and definitely thrive!
Marie Kondo’s six basic rules of tidying
1. Commit yourself to tidying up – This one is necessary because you need to pack something for your service
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle – which requires a lot of honesty. You may imagine yourself as a Peace Corps volunteer rocking adventure gear at all times, hair-wild and free. Maybe that’s you now! For me though, I’m someone who cares about skincare, loves glossier, likes to wear recreational wear (jargon for fancy, cute, sustainable athleisure), and nice brush pens. I like adventure, but I’m also someone whose parents immigrated to America, and climbed the socio-economic ladder in Dallas, Texas to give me a life of comfort, and that includes a lot of things unnecessary, expensive things. I’m also someone who is aiming to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
3. Finish discarding first – it’s hard to let go of our things, especially since we live in a society that encourages us to buy more, not less.
4. Tidy by category, not by location – when you’re going through your home to pack (for Peace Corps or just in general), rather than going room by room, go in this order:
Clothes – which includes underwear, shoes, accessories
Books – references, textbooks, fiction, cookbooks, etc.
Papers – important documents, notes, warranties, taxes, etc.
Komono (Miscellaneous) – entertainment (craft supplies, games, electronics), kitchen supplies, bathroom supplies (medicine, skin care, make up, toiletries, towels, sheets, hair supplies), and decor
Sentimental items – Photo albums, journals, personal letters, souvenirs
5. Follow the right order – Marie Kondo suggests that as you go through the process, you become more sensitive to what truly “sparks joy” in you. Ending with sentimental items allows you to be acutely aware of what photos, heirlooms, etc. really bring you joy
6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy – This concept has become a straight up meme, but I think it’s a good tool to use when trying to assess what gives your own life meaning. It’s allows you to practice intentionality, and reflect on what you truly care about. This varies from person to person, and what may spark joy for me may not spark joy for you. I also think this is important to reflect on when packing for Peace Corps, because while there are certain elements of living in such a tropical environment you should take into consideration, you shouldn’t feel afraid to bring things that make you feel grounded, or at home.
DISCLAIMER! DON’T FORGET, YOU’RE MOVING TO THE PHILIPPINES
Let’s discuss humidity and ants. Okay, you’re moving to the Philippines, a country prone to natural disasters (Typhoons, earthquakes, landslides), in 2019 or later. Again, you don’t know if your site will be the hottest, most humid place you’ve ever been, or in the dry mountains. My first few weeks in Bataan, our Community-Based Training (CBT) site, were spent indoors because it rained so hard. Humidity and water killed my Birkenstocks, and they straight up looked like a petri dish (if I had a photo to attach, I would). Ants get into everything. It’s just a way of life. Apple products are hard to fix here, and moisture gets into your electronics. I just felt like all of that has to be said, because while I’m going to encourage you to bring things that bring you joy, you should also use discretion when packing. You may lose things, and you have to be okay with that. I didn’t bring any of my valuable jewelry (even if it did spark joy for me!) because I knew I could return to it in the future.
Sige, moving on…
These Things Sparked Joy
Clothes I'm Glad I Invested In
_Bandanas
I’ve been a bandana girl for years now because they’re a FUNctional accessory. Emphasis on FUN! You can wear it in your hair, on your neck, around your wrist! They add a pop of color and interest to your outfit. Oh, and you can wipe your sweat with them. My favorite bandanas are the cotton bandanas from Madewell, because they’re soft, stylish, and often can be found on sale. You can also buy them at plenty of ukay-ukays (second hand shops) in the Philippines.
_A Waterproof, Digital Watch
I’ve never been a watch wearer before, but I understand the appeal of it now. Other than it being a funky, cute thing to accessorize with, it’s really handy. I also wear a water-resistant, silicone Swatch, but I think I’m a touch too rough with it and the face is already a little more scratched than I want it to be (and sometimes I’m too tired to read an analog clock. There. I said it. Sometimes I feel too dumb to not have a digital watch!) There are so many water-proof, digital watches for every budget, but I love my Freesyle Shark Clip because it has a night-mode button, the option to set two alarms, a stopwatch, a timer, the option to set two different times and dates, and it’s waterproof up to 300 ft.
_Fast Drying, No Wrinkle Blouses
I purchased these shirts from Uniqlo in white and black when I arrived in the Philippines (there is an opportunity for you to go to the mall during training), and they’re some of the best purchases I’ve made here. They’re quick drying, wrinkle-resistant, and perfect for wearing to the school I volunteer in or Peace Corps Training sessions.
_a Long, Drapey Cardigan (or a hoodie, jacket, something to layer with)
Even though it’s extremely hot and humid in most parts of the Philippines, I still brought this long, knit cardigan I was gifted a few years ago from American Apparel. I’m so thankful that I did, because the places that may have AirCon (such as long bus rides, malls, conference rooms) are COLD, and you’ll likely be thankful for a layer of warmth.📷
_Kids’ Chacos (or just Adult Chacos…)
If you have small feet like me (I’m a 6.5 in womens) , I am so serious, check out the Kids Chacos selection. They’re way cheaper. I’ve had my Chacos for over 5 years, and it’s probably time for me to find something new… but that’s just a little life hack if you’re my sole-sister. Chacos are on plenty of PCV checklist, but they’re comfortable, fun to adventure in, and sometimes you can get away with wearing them to work…
Honorable mention: Tevas. I don’t personally own a pair, but everyone I know loves them! They’re a little softer than Chacos, and serve a similar purpose. Linked here are some Tevas my friend Ragan owns.
_Croc Flats
I didn’t think I’d every be back on the Croc train, but I really do wear these flats almost every day to school. I own the Kadee Work Flat, which go with everything because they’re black and will never mold. This probably won’t spark joy for me when I go back to the States, but they spark joy for me for where I am now. If I could go back in time, I would order the Eve Slingback, because they are the same price, and are a touch chicer in design (I’m a sucker for a pointed toe and slingback)
_my go-to uniform in the states
One of my go-to outfits in the States was a white button-down shirt and denim bottoms (jeans, jean skirts, jean shorts, jean everything). It something that made me feel like me, and I’m really glad I brought these elements of this outfit. Another benefit is that this outfit is that I can wear the top to work, or style it in a myriad of ways! And denim, as we know, is very versatile. But most importantly, putting on an outfit like this makes me feel like me.
_Literally all my Outdoor Voices Athleisure
As I said before… I love fancy athleisure. Specifically, I’m a huge fan of Outdoor Voices, a brand whose headquarters are in Austin, Texas (my college town!), and whose store smells so good that I bought the perfume. This section is an ode to OV, because they’re a company that wants people to get active and have fun doing it. They have collections that are built around being eco-friendly, kits (a sports bra and leggings) that are the same quality as other high-end athletic companies (such as Lululemon) for a reduced price, and a discount for college students. I’m only including this because every single item I’ve brought (my leggings, crops, skorts, even a dress with built in shorts) has brought me so much comfort and joy here. So yeah. I brought all of that and more, and I wear it all the time during my service.
Books that sparked enough joy to bring with me
_Kindle
Truthfully, I did not bring any books with me (except for the book I have below). I’ve read more than ever here though, and read on my Kindle constantly. The Kindle Paperwhite is nice because the screen is backlit, which allows you to read even if there’s a brownout. If you don’t have any ebooks and you’re about to serve, don’t worry, you can do media exchanges with your batchmates!
_Cora Cooks Pancit
Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore is a children’s story about a Filipina-American girl named Cora who… you guessed it… cooks pancit with her mother. My Filipina aunt gifted this to me, and I’ve read it countless times to my students and host siblings. Not a necessity for service, but it was a way for me to bond with the children I interact with in my community. Other ways you can build bonds with children in your community: Uno cards are a hit (and one of the ways my CBT host sister/cousins taught me my colors and numbers in Tagalog). Handclapping games are also a great way to bond!
_Insurrecto
I actually bought a paperback version of Insurrecto by Gina Apostel last week in Manila, because it’s a book that analyzes the relationship between the US and the Philippines. I bought it in paperback so I could share it with other PCVs (if you’re in an incoming batch and reading this before I COS in September 2020, let me know if you want to be added to the list).
Paper and other important documents
I have a small accordion folder of all of my health documents (such as glasses prescriptions, passports, etc.) to keep my life in check.
Konomo or Everything else
A lot of things fall into the Konomo list, but the things you will most likely bring to a new country with you will probably be entertainment, maybe a few kitchen items, and bathroom toiletries. So let’s dive into it:
_Skincare
My skincare routine is something that brings me a lot of joy (ahem… sparks joy), because it’s become a nightly routine that allows me to unwind. I go through my steps of cleansing, toner, masks, serums, and moisturizing, and this is a form of self-care. I brought most of my skin care, and don’t regret it one bit. My products take up space, but there’s nothing I look forward to more than getting unready at the end of the day.
_Make Up
I wasn’t really one to wear a lot of make up in the States, and that stands here. Two products that continue to be my go-to though are Glossier’s lash stick and boy brow. I’ve been told that I look… uhhhh… haggard when I don’t wear at least those two things. Some of my friends who love make up and experimenting with make up wear less here because for the most part, we sweat it off. That being said, if it’s something you love, don’t ditch your holy grail products just yet!
_Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Living sustainably requires effort on your part, and also requires you to acknowledge there's an inherent privilege being able to do certain, eco-friendly alternatives. Being mindful of this, I recently invested in Lush shampoo bars and conditioner bars, which reduces the amount of plastic one uses for their daily activities. You can also reduce your waste by seeing if you have the materials for making your own shampoo and conditioner! Also, if you end up in the Western Visayas, there is a new zero-waste store in Bacolod, Negros Occidental called Wala Usik, which sells shampoo bars. I have a friend who lives on a very isolated island, and she even uses Lush shampoo bars! It's an investment for sure, but a worthwhile one if you can afford to swing it.
_Packing Cubes
Packing cubes make packing for vacation, training, and unexpected consolidations (hello, remember how the Philippines is prone to natural disasters?) a breeze! I have these Eagle Creek packing cubes, but there are tons of options out there.
_Eagle Creek Gear Hauler
So this bag gets an honorable mention because I’ve used it three times already in the six months I’ve been in the Philippines (being on travel ban between July-December too!). I used it on my 10 day trip over Christmas and New Years to Hawaii and Bohol, a weekend Girl Scout trip, and a 9 day consolidation in Manila for a tropical Cyclone. I’m pretty sure I bought this bag because I saw it on another blog at one point, and one of my other friends (Jacob or Shakey Jakey as we call him) ALSO bought it because of that blogpost. It has a compartment for your shoes, and can either be worn as a shoulder bag or backpack.
_Diva Cup
Ah yes, the menstrul cup. Some people are intimidated by it, others swear by it. I have an IUD so I no longer use it (a divacup can suck out your IUD! Scary!), but prior to my IUD insertion, I used mine all the time. It’s made of silicone so you don’t have to worry about Toxic Shock Syndrome, and it’s environmentally/economically friendly! The cost up front is more expensive than a box of tampons or pads, but after a few months, a divacup is way more cost effective.
_Bullet Journal and Stationary
I’ve been keeping a bullet journal since my junior year of college, and it’s a tool that keeps me present and productive. There are plenty of affordable journal and pen options in the Philippines (for example, National Bookstores are in most major cities), which fuels my love for the handwritten method.
_Insulated Water Bottle
A classic PC water bottle is the Hydroflask, and the company offers a discount for PCVs. It keeps everything insulated, and ensures you’ll never ever go thirsty. I also use my Yeti almost everyday (yet another fancy gift for myself in college…) because I make tea or coffee for myself in the morning, and sip on it in school. If I could change anything, I would have the 10 oz Lowball rather than my 20 oz Tumbler, but that’s simply because the 10 oz cup is better for controlling the amount of coffee I drink…
_Contacts and Glasses
Peace Corps discourages you from bringing contacts, but I brought 150 pairs of daily contacts and 6 months of monthly contacts. I sweat a lot and it’s a point of comfort. That being said, you do risk eye infection here, and I have a friend do switched soley to his glasses because of an eye problem in training. Peace Corps will help you out if your glasses break!
_Matcha and Matcha Whisk
I’m a huge fan of matcha because it gives you the benefits of a caffeine boost minus the crash of a cup of coffee. That being said, my bamboo matcha whisk did not survive the humidity of CBT and molded in our staff house. RIP. I’m still a tea girl though, I just have to be thorough about mixing my matcha powder.
_Medicine and Bug Spray: Don’t bring it (unless you’re really particular)
The Peace Corps Medical Kit has plenty for you to use, and if you have a prescription of anything, Peace Corps will cover it. That is, of course, unless you really want something specific!
_External Hard Drive
I’ve had a Seagate External Hard Drive since my senior year of high school, but I’ve definitely used it more than ever in these last 6 months in the Philippines. There is time during training to do media exchanges with your batchmates, so go seek the people who have all the files. They’re out there, I promise. Oh and if anyone has Season 2 of Westworld or Season 7 of Game of Thrones, HMU.
_Bluetooth speaker
Music is so important in the Philippines, and in my own personal life. I bought a small Bluetooth speaker, which I’ve used in classes to play Moana for Grade 2 students, to project the audio of Yoga with Adriene videos for my host mom to follow along to, and for my own personal use when hanging out at in my room.
_Hammock
I’ve always been a hammock girl, and my Eno has served me so much over so many lazy summer days in Texas. I also used it plenty during training with other volunteers, and a few times when the opportunity has come up at site. These hammocks are nice because all you need are two trees to hang out. Though my eno is tried and true, I recommend investing in a Kammock because they give you a lifetime warranty.
Sentimental Items
While I kept most of my sentimental items at home, my friends back home did make me the sweetest little scrapbook filled with pictures and personal memories. It’s something I genuinely love to leaf through when I’m feeling sad or lonely.
This did NOT Spark Joy (and that's okay)
Clothes that wouldn’t make the cut if I could do it all over again
_a Black Blazer
I mentioned this before, but Business Casual means something completely different in Peace Corps Philippines. One of the things I don’t necessarily regret buying, but do regret bringing, is this black blazer from Everlane. I bought it my senior year of college, and truly a black blazer is a practical thing to own! That being said, I never wear it here because 1) it’s very hot where I live and 2) I can get away wearing a blouse or collared shirt with pants (sometimes even jeans!) I’m in the Education sector, but from what I can tell, a similar dress code is applied to Costal Resource Management and Children, Youth, and Family.
_my Birkenstocks
I read on another Peace Corps blog that someone brought their Birks and it was fine (though most blogs and advice suggests otherwise). I’m here to tell you that if you bring your Birks, they will most likely mold and you will most likely be sad. On the brightside, I bought them 5 years ago and wore them all the time (I’m talking to class, to bars, in the wintertime!) so I got plenty of good use out of them. If you are in love with your Birks but don’t want to brave your current pair, I suggest looking into their waterproof sandals. They’re even cheaper than the leather/cork ones!
_Slightly sheer blouses
This seems like a no-brainer, but for some reason, I own so many airy see-through tops that I would wear in college. You can’t tell from this photo (sorry, I don’t have a better example), but this top in every aspect but the sheerness of it would fit the bill for wearing to school. I still wear it on my off time, but truthfully it’s not my favorite thing to reach for. Also, I get comments on the sheerness from other teachers when I wear it to school, which is not the type of attention I want to bring to myself.
Books I kept in the bookshelf at home
Well, I kept a lot of books in a box rather than a bookshelf. While I love my copy of Mari Andrew’s Am I There Yet?, I could not justify bringing it to the Philippines. That, along with plenty of other books that passed my test, will be in a box to furnish my future home (and may be subject to the KonMari method). I was also given a few Tagalog dictionaries that were fun to leaf through before I left, and I wish I kept the smallest one with me. That being said, Peace Corps gives you ample language learning materials, so don’t sweat studying too hard before you get there. Just enjoy your time with family and friends!
Paper I could've shredded (charot)
I left my college notebooks (or at least the ones with notes that interested me, which was mostly my psychology classes) at home.
If you made it this far...
Congrats! This was… a long post. Pero I remember obsessively reading these posts when I was preparing for service. Keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong thing to bring (except drugs. Don’t even think about bringing that.)
Comments