Your Pre-Departure To Do List

FiercestCalm · June 30th, 2009, 02:31

For those of you leaving in the next month or so (less than a month, AAAH), what are your to-do lists? I figured if we all shared we might be reminded of things that we've forgotten.

So mine:

- Get International Driver's License
- Get new clothes tailored
- Shop for any remaining clothes I might need (too big to buy clothes in Japan)
- Get a will drawn up and take care of other legal stuff (power of attorney)
- Paaaaaaaack for moving out of my apartment, then clean the apartment
- Spend lots of time with family and friends, obv

capn jazz · June 30th, 2009, 02:35

Wait are you seriously getting a will and setting up a power of attorney???

FiercestCalm · June 30th, 2009, 02:37

Yeop. Atlanta consulate recommended it and I think it isn't a half-bad idea.

gingerbread · June 30th, 2009, 02:38

Ugh I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about The List.
-Sell car
-Put anything we're not taking with us in a storage unit
-Buy some more nice shirts and hose/tights (sob) and another suitcase
-Do the will/power of attorney thing (I'm married, we should prepare rough wills anyway)
-Go to Texas
-Go to New Mexico
-Acquire gifty/award stuff for school
-Exchange money

elleohelle · June 30th, 2009, 02:56

I'm debating how much money to exchange. The dollar is WEAK

I had an easy time getting money out of the Japanese post office ATM to exchange, so I guess I'll do most of it in Shinjuku. I have most everything else done,except cleaning my car and apartment out. Ick.

wicket · June 30th, 2009, 03:08

power of attorney is a good idea. it's going to be a major pain in the arse if you have anything financial to deal with and you have to physically fly home.
a will is also an excellent idea. JET deaths are rare but they have happened and it's one less stress you don't want your family to have to deal with.
might i also suggest listing anything you don't want but is too good to throw away on The Freecycle Network
and get copies of important documents [passport, glasses' prescriptions etc.]

Lydscl · June 30th, 2009, 04:36

mine is currently:
- panic a bit
- panic some more
- have a rational 5 minutes
- panic one last time

QuiGGs · June 30th, 2009, 05:06

1. Buy business casual clothes (khakis, polos, button-downs -- my pred said after the first few weeks I could dress down, but track suits were too casual)
2. Buy another suit (I have 2, several people suggested bringing at least 3)
3. Buy new shoes (I wear a US 12 and need some fresh kicks, including indoor shoes and winter boots)
4. Figure out how I am going to afford aforementioned items while attempting to save the 2 G's that I need to bring with me
5. Decide if I'm bringing my snowboard or shipping my snowboard (or bringing the boots and bindings and just buying a new deck)
6. Decide if I'm bringing my skateboard
7. Beg family members for "donations"
8. Get a new Phillies hat/jersey (Gotta represent)
9. Clean out and sell car
10. Clean out/box up bedroom
11. Prostitute myself because there is no way in hell I'll have the 2 grand... (the HBO premiere of Hung last night inspired me)
12. Pack
13. EPIC going away party in Atlantic City
14. Have sex with an NFL cheerleader

ohheythere · June 30th, 2009, 05:43

Shit, Quigly -- when you goin' to AC? LOVE IT.

elleohelle · June 30th, 2009, 05:46

You are going to Atlantic city. Just gamble like the rain man and you're golden.

Wanderlust King · June 30th, 2009, 05:59

1. Lose another inch off waist.
2. Buy 2 or 3 suits once I lose said inch.
3. Buy dress clothes.. pref wrinkle-resistant stuff.
4. International Driver's License, even though I doubt I'll be getting a car.
5. Compile as many lesson-plans / games / ideas before I leave, print out some visual aids
6. Gather things for an introductory lesson
7. Send Visa application (tomorrow!)
8. Move my entire apartment into storage (aghghghghg)
9. Buy a suitcase, pack
10. Get my camping gear together (will prob. take my day pack as my carry-on bag)
11. Omiyage stuff (doing it. screw the naysayers)
12. Buy a Maryland hat, maybe a college sweatshirt
13. Panic, throw up

cm2jr4 · June 30th, 2009, 06:09

Buy omiyage
See if I can renew my drivers license early
Get future shipments packed
Make some money
Exchange said money
Decide how to get my skateboard to Japan, or if I want to take it
Find out how to ship my ps3 safely
Finish my 3kyu vocab list
Meet American girls

Kitsune · June 30th, 2009, 06:18

Yeh... there's still so much to do it seems. Luckily I have a lot of time on my hands before I leave...

Things I have to get done

Get International Driver's License
Shop for business attire, and increase my current wardrobe a little (I think it will be a little hard to find clothing in my size)
Stock up on a few toiletries to bring with
Grab a few nice gifts for the major people I meet, and helpful people
Cash in my Canadian savings bonds for a little extra cash
Clean up my room and pack some stuff in boxes
Graduation/Sayounara/Birthday party on the 25th (hoping for many donations )
Exchange some moola

Things I'd like to get done...

Renew my Japanese skill level to what it was 5 months ago
Find a way to pack my dog into one of my suitcases
Ship over a box with skates and camping gear (I really wonder whether I should bother... I love that tent, and it's pretty compact; guess this will be decided when I'm packing)

Midorigaoka · June 30th, 2009, 07:13

-Buy clothes
-Buy a suit
-Buy presents
-Get new bank cards
-Stave off boredom

Sugar SMAP Peas · June 30th, 2009, 07:16

To all of you buying suitcases ...

If it falls in your price range, I suggest you get the "spinner" suitcases --- the kind with four wheels on the bottom instead of two.

Makes it much easier to roll around ... though it won't help you on stairs, it is MUCH easier to roll than the standard two-wheel rolling suitcases =)

patjs · June 30th, 2009, 07:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by elleohelle

I'm debating how much money to exchange. The dollar is WEAK

I had an easy time getting money out of the Japanese post office ATM to exchange, so I guess I'll do most of it in Shinjuku. I have most everything else done,except cleaning my car and apartment out. Ick.

Don't let crazy people try to convince you that withdrawing from the postal ATM is going to be difficult (some will).

I brought less than 10man in cash and withdrew some more once I arrived from the post office. Very simple!

Leon · June 30th, 2009, 08:02

In order of priority:

Meet up with friends, get fucked up, say drunken goodbyes - This is happening already, scary,
Fix up my wardrobe.
Learn some more Japanese.
Buy a new laptop.
Figure a way to pack everything everything with a measly 20kg allowance.
Win my basketball Summerleague and fuck off to Tokyo with my share of 2,000 Cash Euro billz.
Get some yenz.

tenderRondo · June 30th, 2009, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar SMAP Peas

To all of you buying suitcases ...

If it falls in your price range, I suggest you get the "spinner" suitcases --- the kind with four wheels on the bottom instead of two.

Makes it much easier to roll around ... though it won't help you on stairs, it is MUCH easier to roll than the standard two-wheel rolling suitcases =)

The bad thing about these are that they are usually heavier then regular suitcases. So for the brits, and whoever else has a small weight allowance it could make a tiny difference. No problem for Americans though. I have 2 of them, they are awesome.

ten_of_spades · June 30th, 2009, 08:31

- Bringing flashcards (Wal-Mart sells some good ones) is a good idea, but if you're going to print stuff, just do it at school. Even my little inaka school has a colour printer (which can handle card-stock too) for that kind of thing.
- Three suits is a good idea. A heavy one for winter, a lighter summer one and the third can be medium-weight. I'd recommend getting a few of those Febreze sheets...they're flat scented boards that you can hang inside your suit in the closet (and they take up very little suitcase room since they're flat).
- As for omiyage though...two things to note:

You probably won't see a full staffroom until Sept. 1, or roughly one month after you arrive.
They don't give gifts when they first arrive somewhere. Omiyage is for when one returns from a trip.

Nothing wrong with bringing a little thank-you gift for the poor BoE guy who will be helping you get your life in order once you arrive though.

AnruiUkimi · June 30th, 2009, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by gingerbread

Ugh I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about The List.
-Sell car

Ebay works wonders for a quick sale.

June 30th, 2009, 02:38	#4 (permalink)
gingerbread let's talk about socks Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hyogo-ken Posts: 983	Ugh I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about The List. -Sell car -Put anything we're not taking with us in a storage unit -Buy some more nice shirts and hose/tights (sob) and another suitcase -Do the will/power of attorney thing (I'm married, we should prepare rough wills anyway) -Go to Texas -Go to New Mexico -Acquire gifty/award stuff for school -Exchange money Last edited by gingerbread; June 30th, 2009 at 02:38.

June 30th, 2009, 03:08	#6 (permalink)
wicket Resident ewok Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Melbourne - Osaka - Felixstowe Posts: 7,600	power of attorney is a good idea. it's going to be a major pain in the arse if you have anything financial to deal with and you have to physically fly home. a will is also an excellent idea. JET deaths are rare but they have happened and it's one less stress you don't want your family to have to deal with. might i also suggest listing anything you don't want but is too good to throw away on The Freecycle Network and get copies of important documents [passport, glasses' prescriptions etc.] __________________ "Like anyone with a sliver of honesty in them I believe what I find I believe when I wake up each morning." Stephen Fry, The stars' tennis balls

June 30th, 2009, 05:06	#8 (permalink)
QuiGGs Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 142	1. Buy business casual clothes (khakis, polos, button-downs -- my pred said after the first few weeks I could dress down, but track suits were too casual) 2. Buy another suit (I have 2, several people suggested bringing at least 3) 3. Buy new shoes (I wear a US 12 and need some fresh kicks, including indoor shoes and winter boots) 4. Figure out how I am going to afford aforementioned items while attempting to save the 2 G's that I need to bring with me 5. Decide if I'm bringing my snowboard or shipping my snowboard (or bringing the boots and bindings and just buying a new deck) 6. Decide if I'm bringing my skateboard 7. Beg family members for "donations" 8. Get a new Phillies hat/jersey (Gotta represent) 9. Clean out and sell car 10. Clean out/box up bedroom 11. Prostitute myself because there is no way in hell I'll have the 2 grand... (the HBO premiere of Hung last night inspired me) 12. Pack 13. EPIC going away party in Atlantic City 14. Have sex with an NFL cheerleader Last edited by QuiGGs; June 30th, 2009 at 05:09.

June 30th, 2009, 07:16	#15 (permalink)
Sugar SMAP Peas Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 422	To all of you buying suitcases ... If it falls in your price range, I suggest you get the "spinner" suitcases --- the kind with four wheels on the bottom instead of two. Makes it much easier to roll around ... though it won't help you on stairs, it is MUCH easier to roll than the standard two-wheel rolling suitcases =) __________________ バカにつける薬はない。

June 30th, 2009, 08:31	#19 (permalink)
ten_of_spades Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 9,000	- Bringing flashcards (Wal-Mart sells some good ones) is a good idea, but if you're going to print stuff, just do it at school. Even my little inaka school has a colour printer (which can handle card-stock too) for that kind of thing. - Three suits is a good idea. A heavy one for winter, a lighter summer one and the third can be medium-weight. I'd recommend getting a few of those Febreze sheets...they're flat scented boards that you can hang inside your suit in the closet (and they take up very little suitcase room since they're flat). - As for omiyage though...two things to note: You probably won't see a full staffroom until Sept. 1, or roughly one month after you arrive. They don't give gifts when they first arrive somewhere. Omiyage is for when one returns from a trip. Nothing wrong with bringing a little thank-you gift for the poor BoE guy who will be helping you get your life in order once you arrive though. __________________ "In his heart of hearts, he knows that you're on your own at this level..of big nose monkey snooker"

June 30th, 2009, 02:35	#2 (permalink)
capn jazz Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 523	Wait are you seriously getting a will and setting up a power of attorney???

June 30th, 2009, 04:36	#7 (permalink)
Lydscl Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,073	mine is currently: - panic a bit - panic some more - have a rational 5 minutes - panic one last time

June 30th, 2009, 05:43	#9 (permalink)
ohheythere Willickers! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 929	Shit, Quigly -- when you goin' to AC? LOVE IT.

June 30th, 2009, 05:59	#11 (permalink)
Wanderlust King it's genki time! Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,138	1. Lose another inch off waist. 2. Buy 2 or 3 suits once I lose said inch. 3. Buy dress clothes.. pref wrinkle-resistant stuff. 4. International Driver's License, even though I doubt I'll be getting a car. 5. Compile as many lesson-plans / games / ideas before I leave, print out some visual aids 6. Gather things for an introductory lesson 7. Send Visa application (tomorrow!) 8. Move my entire apartment into storage (aghghghghg) 9. Buy a suitcase, pack 10. Get my camping gear together (will prob. take my day pack as my carry-on bag) 11. Omiyage stuff (doing it. screw the naysayers) 12. Buy a Maryland hat, maybe a college sweatshirt 13. Panic, throw up

June 30th, 2009, 06:09	#12 (permalink)
cm2jr4 Undeleted by request Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Niigata. Posts: 2,842	Buy omiyage See if I can renew my drivers license early Get future shipments packed Make some money Exchange said money Decide how to get my skateboard to Japan, or if I want to take it Find out how to ship my ps3 safely Finish my 3kyu vocab list Meet American girls

June 30th, 2009, 07:13	#14 (permalink)
Midorigaoka Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 75	-Buy clothes -Buy a suit -Buy presents -Get new bank cards -Stave off boredom

June 30th, 2009, 08:02	#17 (permalink)
Leon Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 80	In order of priority: Meet up with friends, get fucked up, say drunken goodbyes - This is happening already, scary, Fix up my wardrobe. Learn some more Japanese. Buy a new laptop. Figure a way to pack everything everything with a measly 20kg allowance. Win my basketball Summerleague and fuck off to Tokyo with my share of 2,000 Cash Euro billz. Get some yenz.

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