How to carry ‘stuff’

Getting the bike was only the beginning.  Once I got the bike, I had to get it ready to carry all of my ‘stuff’, i.e. camping gear, clothes, tools, etc, etc.  I ordered and installed Tubus racks front and back.  And then I had to figure out what kind of bags (panniers) that I was going to use.  After a little on line research I opted for Ortlieb panniers.  Ortlieb is a German company and they have a reputation for making good, durable waterproof panniers.   I was considering Arkel panniers as they are well known but ultimately went with the Ortlieb bags.  Once the racks and bags were installed – now what?