I find this so interesting! I’m a minimalist, but I still have ‘stuff’ and I couldn’t pack my life up in 1 hour, I’m sure of it, although I’ve never tried.
But, if I think of the example of what I’d grab if there was a fire, honestly, just my family and dogs. Everything else can be replaced can’t it. Most of our memories are now stored on a hard drive or somewhere in the Cloud, so physically, there’s nothing much I’d risk my life to save.
That was off topic, but your post got me thinking about what I would pack and what I’d truly miss if I didn’t have it 😊
Not quite the same topic, but I thought I would share here as it's on a similar theme ... I travel quite a bit for work and leisure, and used to find packing for all these trips a real drain on my energy and time. However this year I've been trying to apply simple living principles to it, guided by your wonderful writing. I'm using a much smaller bag, focusing on only taking exactly what I need, assessing after each trip what I didn't use so I pack less next time, having fewer clothes in my wardrobe to choose between and mostly taking the same things each time etc etc. It's a learning journey in living more simply in one specific area of my life, and I love it! It's so freeing! I don't dread packing any more and am able to focus on pleasantly anticipating and planning each trip as I look ahead to it, rather than trying to decide what I'm going to take. I was never a 'big suitcase person', but even so these small steps have made a huge difference to me. Thank you for the inspiring content. Please keep it coming! 😊
I am enjoying reading your experiences and adventures. Reading about living in the one large suitcase, a question came to mind. A large suitcase often needs to be checked and, as such, possibly subject to misplacement or loss by the airline or handler. Have you had that happen? How would you recover, as you are carrying your world with you? Even for a few days this could be difficult and part of the reason I chose to use a carryon size piece of luggage. Thanks for sharing your world.
Hey Mike, very good question. I've actually only ever had my checked bag be lost once and it turned up 2 days later. But what I do have is a backpack to take on the plane that has all the most important things. My laptop, kindle, headphones, always a spare change of clothes, things like that. My checked bag is largely old clothes, electronics and a few kitchen bits, nothing that can't be replaced easily and inexpensively.
Appreciate the feedback and insights. In a few days we will have a 2 week trip and are trying to look at the luggage from a different angle and this was helpful. Especially because this will be the first trip in retirement where we will try using a backpack in addition to the piece of luggage, much like you describe. I have been curious as to what everyone is carrying in their backpacks and with your help I now can see how to make it an advantage while traveling in case your luggage gets separated. Thanks!
I find this so interesting! I’m a minimalist, but I still have ‘stuff’ and I couldn’t pack my life up in 1 hour, I’m sure of it, although I’ve never tried.
But, if I think of the example of what I’d grab if there was a fire, honestly, just my family and dogs. Everything else can be replaced can’t it. Most of our memories are now stored on a hard drive or somewhere in the Cloud, so physically, there’s nothing much I’d risk my life to save.
That was off topic, but your post got me thinking about what I would pack and what I’d truly miss if I didn’t have it 😊
You're totally right, family and dogs (for me, cats!) is the main thing.
Not quite the same topic, but I thought I would share here as it's on a similar theme ... I travel quite a bit for work and leisure, and used to find packing for all these trips a real drain on my energy and time. However this year I've been trying to apply simple living principles to it, guided by your wonderful writing. I'm using a much smaller bag, focusing on only taking exactly what I need, assessing after each trip what I didn't use so I pack less next time, having fewer clothes in my wardrobe to choose between and mostly taking the same things each time etc etc. It's a learning journey in living more simply in one specific area of my life, and I love it! It's so freeing! I don't dread packing any more and am able to focus on pleasantly anticipating and planning each trip as I look ahead to it, rather than trying to decide what I'm going to take. I was never a 'big suitcase person', but even so these small steps have made a huge difference to me. Thank you for the inspiring content. Please keep it coming! 😊
Cathy, this is amazing! I'm so pleased for you, and rather honoured I've been a small part of your new freedom-based packing :-)
I am enjoying reading your experiences and adventures. Reading about living in the one large suitcase, a question came to mind. A large suitcase often needs to be checked and, as such, possibly subject to misplacement or loss by the airline or handler. Have you had that happen? How would you recover, as you are carrying your world with you? Even for a few days this could be difficult and part of the reason I chose to use a carryon size piece of luggage. Thanks for sharing your world.
Hey Mike, very good question. I've actually only ever had my checked bag be lost once and it turned up 2 days later. But what I do have is a backpack to take on the plane that has all the most important things. My laptop, kindle, headphones, always a spare change of clothes, things like that. My checked bag is largely old clothes, electronics and a few kitchen bits, nothing that can't be replaced easily and inexpensively.
Appreciate the feedback and insights. In a few days we will have a 2 week trip and are trying to look at the luggage from a different angle and this was helpful. Especially because this will be the first trip in retirement where we will try using a backpack in addition to the piece of luggage, much like you describe. I have been curious as to what everyone is carrying in their backpacks and with your help I now can see how to make it an advantage while traveling in case your luggage gets separated. Thanks!