I've been thinking through what items I might want to take back to the UK with me, and for 99% of them it comes down to size to weight ratio...
There are certain things are just priceless that I MUST take - like my laptop, desktop, essential car items, important documents, but for everything else, what makes the cut depends on how much they would cost me to replace back in the UK compared to how much space they take up.
I've done this very roughly, setting 1 MUG as 1 UNIT of space which I could replace easily enough (from Poundland) for £1, and then I've based my approximate measurements on that.
For example, a box file is about 8 units of measurement, while a desktop is slightly larger at 12.
While a medium storage tub comes out at about 40 units in size.
It's not a perfect assessment, just a rough one to help me organise what I have to prioritise...
The lap top comes in at number one - which is pretty much where it is anyway, in terms of items I pack (not counting keys and phone) and I've included ONE box file in there as 'priceless' which would contain essential docs.
I guess with the Tubs it's flexible in terms of what value I put in them as to whether they are worth taking - when I pack them up I suppose I'll do a micro version of this analysis to determine what's in and what's out.
The Wheelbarrow comes in last place - of course you can use it's bucket and store things around it, but it's so damned bulky in a car I couldn't reduce the size that much.
Surprises included how worth it the battery is, and now not worth it the TV is - modern TVs can be got for cheap, but even slimline TVs are bulky for what they are!
Sorting Items by Size: FINAL THOUGHTS...
It's been an interesting one this - but very helpful in making me less attached to some items - like those solar panels, they were a 'must come item', but now they are a 'maybe come item'.
Of course anything that doesn't make the grade I will either gift or sell but I guess I may as well maximise the VALUE in my car as well as the utility of the items - which also has to be factored in - some things my just be SO USEFUL as soon as I get back I can't live without them - although I can't really think of anything other than the lap top ATM which fits this category!!!