10 ITEMS TO BUY NOW (before your LDS mission call arrives)

If you are a future missionary (or parent) who likes to be prepared like I do, the thought of waiting until your mission call arrives to start making purchases is pretty unnerving. I am the kind of person who starts planning out & purchasing Christmas presents in the Spring! I've learned that a careful plan and spending $ over time (instead of panic-purchases & spending a large amount at once) is the way to go! 

If you haven't seen my posts about buying missionary clothes before your mission call even arrives, you can find those here:  Why you should buy all MOST of your mission clothes before your call arrives and How exactly do I plan out purchasing my mission clothes before my call arrives? 

Clothes are an important part of your packing list, but there are also MANY other non-clothes items that you will definitely need as a missionary. How can you start buying before you know where you will be assigned to serve? Easy! These 10 items will be pretty much exactly the same, no matter where you are called to serve. 

Whether you are still in the early stages of preparation, or you have already submitted your mission papers and you are just waiting for that white envelope to arrive, here are 10 things that you can consider buying now, before your mission call even arrives!


#1- LUGGAGE
If you have (or can borrow) luggage that is in decent shape already, you might be able to go without purchasing new luggage. You might even be able to find a used set that is in good condition on Craigslist, etc. But you will definitely need luggage, no matter which mission you go to. 
Our daughter asked for "mission things" for Christmas, so one of her gifts was a set of luggage. Even if she decided not to go on a mission or something preventing her from serving, most people need luggage eventually, so I thought this was a pretty practical gift. 

You don't need the fanciest luggage in the world, you just need something functional that will hold up. When I went on my mission I was given a set of used luggage (from one of my roommates) and I was so grateful to have it, but the zippers started breaking sometime between the MTC and the mission field, so I spent the rest of my mission trying to keep everything secured together using safety pins (if you're wondering, it didn't work well). Keep in mind that you need to travel to the MTC, from the MTC to your mission, between areas throughout your mission when you transfer (which may include more flights, or long train, boat, or bus rides), then your travel home after your mission. Your suitcases will likely hold many of your belongings during the mission also (I often used mine as a dresser because I sometimes didn't have one).

After reading a lot of blog posts about luggage (and reading a lot of reviews) we bought a set of hard-shell rolling suitcases in a bold color (for easier visibility) online through Amazon. Using the dimensions in the description, these suitcases fit the guidelines that the Missionary Travel Office give: "Generally missionaries are allowed to bring two bags at 50 lbs. each measuring 62 total dimensional inches. Dimensional inches are height plus width plus length. Most airlines will allow one carry-on bag (check airline website for carry-on weight restrictions) and one personal item like a laptop case, purse, scripture bag, or a jacket that can fit under the seat"

By the way, the 50 lb weight limit they are talking about is with your stuff in it, not weighing the suitcase when it is empty. You will have to pay extra (on the spot, out of pocket) each time you fly if you are over the weight. I've heard of many missionaries dumping items they had carefully selected for their mission at the MTC or the airport because they have to "make weight". Plan ahead to pack as light as possible! You will be given more stuff to put in your luggage at the MTC (books, etc) and if you pack it, that will contribute to your luggage weight as well.

While luggage restrictions for air travel are pretty standard, there are just a handful of missions that have different rules because of the airline regulations of that specific country. Of course you won't know if you are going to one of those specific missions until you get your mission call. These restrictions seem to be mostly about weight instead of size (for example, only allowing 40 lbs instead of 50 lbs), but there are several missions where they only allow one checked bag. If you purchase a set like we did, you usually get a better deal overall, and if you aren't allowed to bring the whole set because you happen to be called to one of those few missions, you can always leave the extra suitcase at home.

You can see complete information about luggage on the Church's Missionary Travel page (part of lds.org)- HERE. 


#2- CHEAP CAMERA
Ok, so back in the 90's when I served my mission, I didn't have a camera. (Guess how many mission photos I have? Not many!). If I knew I had something important coming up I would buy a disposable camera (classy!) like they sell at gas stations. Also, digital cameras weren't really a "thing," so even a missionary had their own camera, it was one of those you have to buy film for and take it in to be developed before you can see the pictures. Yikes. Thank goodness we have better technology now and you will probably be able to use your camera upload your photos to send home every week. No matter where you are called to serve, you will want a camera to document everything you do - your companions, your apartments, your ward members, your area/mission, your investigators, etc.

Digital cameras are widely available and pretty cheap now. And that is what you are needing for your mission - CHEAP. First of all, it might get stolen (highly likely, especially in missions where theft is a big problem). We didn't have theft problems in our mission, but we did have a lot of rain and it was hard to keep anything dry in our bags (especially cameras). Today, digital cameras are about $40 at our local Walmart. If you bring your fancy camera and its lost/broken, you will have to buy another camera (or just not have one, which I don't recommend!). If you bring a cheaper digital camera and it's lost, broken, or stolen, you will still have to buy another one, but at least you won't be out the cost of your expensive camera! You probably also want to get an inexpensive case for it so that you can keep it clean (crumb-free) in your bag and that will also help to keep it dry if rain is an issue.

#3- JEWELRY
In some missions jewelry is discouraged because it might attract attention from muggers/thieves. Even watches should be inexpensive, because in some countries missionaries are "held up" regularly and have their watches stolen. This would not be the time to be wearing your great-grandfather's watch or super expensive diamond earrings. Really, no matter where you serve, your jewelry and other accessories should be conservative and low cost. Even if you are never robbed, you could lose an earring or another item of jewelry at any time, just walking down the street. 

That said, it can be hard to find jewelry that is both conservative and low cost, while also being something that you want to wear and can give you some variety. You will also want to avoid jewelry that is too trendy, because (besides possibly being consider "faddish", which is discouraged), you might also find yourself getting tired of an outdated look after a few months... Classic pieces are best. I think its a good idea to start looking for items that you like now, because it might take a while to find things that will work for a mission. 

Cheap jewelry can turn your skin different colors, but there are some things you can do to prevent that. See my post on "how to keep inexpensive jewelry from turning your skin green" here

#4- MISSION BAG(S)
Every missionary needs a bag for proselyting (work). The messenger style bags are popular now, though sisters often have several bags (like a purse and a messenger bag) to use depending on the situation. It can get old lugging around a whole bag when you're on your way to a dinner appointment and only need a couple of things. At the beginning of your mission you will probably be packing around every thing you might ever need all over town (like 2 sets of highlighters) in every possible scenario, but after a while you will probably get more comfortable and get by with less. 

You will need something sturdy and preferably with a lot of pockets for your stuff (you don't want to reach in to pull out your scriptures and have a bunch of kleenex and post-it notes go flying everywhere). Most missions do not allow backpacks anymore (though those used to be the standard thing to have back in my mission days!).

#5- SCRIPTURE CASE - ZIPPERED!
The Missionary Handbook of Instructions (In the "Missionary Conduct" section, under "Study") says, "Show your respect for the word of the Lord by taking good care of your scriptures (for example, by keeping them in a protective case)"

I've definitely recommended that my daughter get a zippered scripture case. I know a lot of people just use tablets or smartphones now, but you are going to have your book scriptures also, and if you are taking them in your messenger bag to appointments and whatnot, you will want them to be protected. From rain, getting the pages smashed by other stuff in your bag, and most importantly you want to protect your scriptures from the graham cracker crumbs that are all over the bottom of your bag (from the crumbled-up graham crackers that you brought for a snack and didn't get a chance to eat). Nothing is less classy than pulling out your scriptures and having a bunch of crumbs fall out of the pages.... Get a case. A zippered one (leather or fabric, whatever). Yes, the old-fashioned kind that old people use. You can find them at Deseret Bookstores and also at other places online, but make sure you get the right size for your scriptures. Maybe even check a local Deseret Industries thrift store if you have one in your area, to see if they have some good used scripture cases. They've sort of gone out of fashion, since most people used smartphones or tablets now, so you might be able to find something used but in great condition at a low price.

#6- ALARM CLOCK
Another thing you are definitely going to need, no matter where you go. A clock that can use batteries is best (since you won't know what the electrical-outlet situation will be in your mission until you get your mission call). This should be a simple alarm clock without a radio. 
This is the one we bought (on Amazon) for $12.99

#7- TOWELS
You may have seen those super thin missionary towels that are microfiber? I bought some of those for my future missionary daughter. They're supposed to be really great for hot/humid missions because they dry quickly. But those specific types of towels aren't required, so since you might not know where you will be serving your mission yet, you may be tempted to buy regular towels (or just bring your old regular towels). I would absolutely advise against "regular" towels for this one reason, no matter where you will serve - regular towels are bigger, so they will take up a lot more room in your luggage. Personally I brought 2 regular bath towels with me on mymission and I wished I didn't have them taking up so much precious room in my suitcases! (I could have brought more shoes!!!) When you only have a couple of bags, space is precious! 

#8- ADDRESS BOOK 
Go ahead and buy an address book now. You may think you're going to remember Grandma's home address and your best friend's email address, but after a while you will not. Or what if your parents move while you are gone and you can't remember where you wrote the new address to send home souvenirs to? Even if you think you will only communicate by email, you need one decent place to have your important phone numbers and addresses written down. And you will also want to keep track of contact information of members, investigators, and companions that you would like to stay in touch with. If you think you are going to have time to mess with an address book once your mission call comes, you are mistaken my friend! Buy it now and start filling it out now, while you have a little more free time!

#9- PHOTO BOOK
Missionaries are asked to bring a photo album with photos of their family, their baptism photos, their  home, etc. One of the reasons to have a photo book like this is to show people when they ask you questions about where you are from. Its a sort of teaching tool that personalizes the experience when you talk about family, baptism, etc. An inexpensive photo book is something that you can purchase (now) and start having photos printed (now) to fill it up with. These do not need to be fancy - the thin ones are around $1 (check the dollar store and places like that), they don't need to be expensive. Some people suggest having one photo book to show ward members/investigators and another one that is more for your personal use (to show companions and to look at when you're homesick!). I would put more family photos in the book for investigators/members and more of friends/fun (like your prom photos) in your personal photo book. Remember that while its okay to show your individually and personality as a missionary, you do want to present a professional image as well. 

#10- BRAS AND SLIPS (SISTERS)
This applies to future Sister missionaries only (sorry future Elders!) You are going to need some good quality bras and some good quality slips in neutral colors. These are sort of a clothing item, but you will need the exact same bras and slips no matter where you are called to serve, so I'm including them in my list. See my post on planning ahead for purchasing mission clothes on a budget HERE.


WAIT- DON'T BUY THIS!
And finally, something that I would recommend that you DON'T BUY YET... it's bedding! I think I've read every single blog post about what to pack for a mission and many of them recommend bringing bedsheets, blankets, electric blankets (in addition to a regular blanket),  pillows, and comfort items like stuffed animals from home. Initially, I was shocked by this...and I still am! 

Some missions will ask that you bring your own bedsheets or even a blanket. You will not know this until you get your mission-specific information. Some missions do not require that you bring your own bedsheets, but missionaries sometimes still want to bring their own sheets...because if you use the sheets that are in your missionary apartment, they will have been used by the previous missionaries. Maybe that's an issue for you, but personally, I don't think its that big of a deal. In my mission, we had multiple sheet sets in every apartment. Members would donate them or missionaries would leave them behind when they went home. When a new missionary was coming to the apartment, we would put on a clean set of sheets for them before they arrived. I never thought it was a big deal. I would suggest waiting until you find out if you actually need to bring your own sheets before you buy new sheets for this purpose. A set of sheets might not seem like much, but it is one more additional expense and they will take up room in your luggage that you could use for something else. 

Ok, the taking your own sheets part didn't shock me, but what did shock me was reading that Sisters were bringing their own blanket, electric blanket, pillow, and/or stuffed animals. These were also often the same Sisters that recommended bring more clothes than recommended by the Packing List. Hey- if you can fit more clothes in your suitcase without going overweight, then go for it! But, please remember that most of these packing lists that you see on Pinterest are being made by future missionaries before they actually enter the mission field. So they may know what they are talking about, or they may not. Talk to someone who is currently serving a full-time mission or has just returned from a full-time mission and ask them if they would have/had room for a pillow and electric blanket in their suitcases. I honestly don't know how you could bring all of those extra things unless you bring less clothes than recommended. Even if you bring a super thin blanket, you would pretty much need a separate suitcase if you are bringing a blanket, pillow, toys, and (as many future missionaries seem to have done) bring additional outfits. Maybe these Sisters just went ahead and paid to bring extra luggage every time they flew? Because I definitely would not have had any extra room for blankets, etc - especially near the end of my mission as I'd accumulated more things.  Would it be comforting to have your own blanket and pillow and stuffed unicorn on your mission? Sure! But in my opinion, its not realistic to do so, unless you plan on paying extra fees. You will likely have to send things home ($$$$) or leave them behind. You could buy those items when you're in the field, but remember that you will still have to lug everything from area to area every time you transfer. In some missions you transfer from area to area by van and maybe you can just carry extra items, but in other missions you travel by bus or train (or even plane) when you transfer, and extra items will be a big problem. 

PS- I've seen several people suggest those vacuum storage bags for making your pillows, clothes, etc smaller for travel. Thats a great idea, but keep in mind that those bags tend to rip easily and you may not always have access to a vacuum!

Well, there you have it, 10 things you can go ahead and purchase now, before you receive your mission call. Even if you decide not to serve a mission, you will still probably be able to use most  these items in your everyday life, anyhow!