When you're heading for a third world country to pick up a child, there's something that kicks in and makes you want to be prepared for every eventuality. But watch out-- on most airlines each traveler is allowed to check only two 50-pound bags, and you can't use your new child's luggage allowance until the way home. Here are some tips for making the most of that precious luggage space.

Start a list at least a month ahead of time. Every time you think of something you might want to bring, jot it down on the list. You can start your list with this automated tool and then get some good ideas here and here and here. One Bag is another awesome resource.

Bring fewer clothes than you think you'll need. In most cases thanks to readily available laundry service you can probably get by on three pairs of lightweight pants and half a dozen shirts, even if you are planning to stay a week or longer. I do like to pack enough underwear for each day, just because it takes so little space. The trick to minimizing wrinkles in clothing is to minimize folds. Try bundle-wrapping your clothing around a central item, such as a pair of shoes. (Diagram here.)

Pack densely. At least a week before you're ready to go, go over your list, think carefully about what you'll need, and start loading suitcases. Vacuum bags will save you lots of space, and they come in many sizes. Remember to fill anything hollow: I tuck socks into my extra pair of shoes and granola bars into my hot pot.

Jettison extra packaging materials. Remember to remove new items from their packaging whenever possible. For example, once I brought over a few dozen boxes of ziplocks at the request of our orphanage. I saved tons of space by removing the ziplocks from their boxes and putting them into another larger bag instead.

Watch that weight limit (but don't be obvious about it!) If you think you are close to the weight limit, it may be worth it to your peace of mind to have your bag weighed at a package-shipping store a day or two before you leave. One seasoned traveler mentioned that if you suspect at the airport that your suitcase is a bit overweight, look away casually while the bag is being weighed. Sometimes the check-in person will have mercy and let you on through even if the bag is a pound or two over.

Finally, keep in mind that you can buy many, many things in Ethiopia. Plenty of people have lost their luggage and been amazed to discover that between their carry-on bag and what they could buy in Ethiopia,they survived just fine. Happy packing!

Other posts about packing:
Packing for baby
Tale of two Rubbermaids
Top ten reasons to bring a laptop