Reading about the next two groups of PCTs scheduled to arrive in Ukraine this fall got me thinking about my own packing list and what I decided to bring to Ukraine.  As I packed I already had a pretty good idea of what I would or would not bring with me, but I still found some of the current PCV’s blog posts to be helpful.  So, in the case that this can help anyone still in the process of packing I’ve decided to leave this post public.

What I’m Glad I Packed or Purchased

• Kindle Software– I downloaded this free software from Amazon and purchased several books before I left (many of the classics are free).
• Surge Protector – You can buy this in country, but I was glad to start charging things right away, worry free.
• Kitchen Items – especially a can opener
• Lonely Planet phrase book – This was more of a “security blanket” than anything else.  It’s small and because most Ukrainians are literate, I could just point at the printed Ukrainian phrase if I was really having trouble communicating.
• Laundry Soap (bar) – I did almost all my wash by hand for the first five months; this was easier to pack and travel with than laundry powder.
• Sleeping Bag – I didn’t use it during training, but I’ve already put it to use multiple times at site.
• Headlamp – Good for spotting pot-holes in the dark, reading at night, or finding your way to the bathroom at night without waking your whole host-family up.
• Running Shoes – Just wished I’d packed a new pair
• Cell Phone – I had one that was compatible with Ukraine’s cell system, which saved me a little money during training.
• Hairdryer and Flat Iron – both purchased in-country
• Sentimental Items – They’re small and on a crummy day can be a nice reminder that someone back home is rooting for you.
• A photo album of my home, family and friends – During training my host-family members would come into my room and grab the album off my bookshelf to share with anyone who came over to visit.  I’ve also put it to use at site.

What I Wish I’d Brought

• iTouch and/or external hard-drive
• A nice pair of flats or flat sandals – I usually wear heels or really casual shoes.  I wish I’d brought something in between that was good for gravel and uneven streets.
• A second pair of jeans or more casual clothes
• Waxed dental floss – What can I say, I like my floss.  Peace Corps provides floss in your med kit, but it’s not waxed.
• Skincare products, including any favorite brands of insect repellent – Peace Corps provides bug spray, but if there’s something you really like just bring it.  My skin breaks out more here than it ever did at home and skincare products here are not budget friendly. I’ve had some things shipped, but I wish I would have tossed in an extra tube/jar of some of my favorite products when I had the chance.
• Vegetable peeler – I have seen for sale in-country
• Oven thermometer – I have not seen for sale in-country…yet.

What I Didn’t Really Need to Pack

• International Phone Card
• Extra Skirt – A fairly modest cut and made out of technical fabric, it just looks frumpy here.
• Ones less pair of casual shoes
• Books – Being a CD volunteer, I thought I’d want access to at least some of the library I’d amassed over the years.  In hindsight I really didn’t need as many books as I packed.  What I also didn’t know was that Peace Corps has a number of great resource guides that you can borrow anytime.

Luggage Weight & Dimensions

I came in nearly thirty pounds underweight.  However, my luggage was bulky (one hiking backpack, one carry-on, one rolling suitcase), so I came in just under the size limitations.  By the time I finished training I’d purchased another bag.

Hopefully you will know your needs better than any recommended packing list.  Having heard that almost anything you want is available in Ukraine (for a price), I subscribed to the theory that if I really needed it, I could buy it once I arrived.  Thus far that approach has worked for me (along with a few packages from home).  The downside is that I’ll sometimes wish I had specific items from home – shoes that were already broken in or pants that were already hemmed.  The upside is that finding the second hand stores in my community has been a fun cultural experience.  I love a good bargain and the thrill of finding one comes only second to the day I found a package with my favorite running pants in my post office box.