I'm a longtime minimalist.
The beauty of minimalism is to simply own only that what adds value to your life and to cut out what doesn't.
By choosing voluntary simplicity, you’re extracting yourself from the consumerist hamster wheel.
You only need to own what you use every single day, what makes you money, or what you absolutely love.
I don't believe there's a formula or a certain number of items to have, but it can be a fun experiment to see how low you can go, like taking the 100 things challenge, so I've joined the fun, counted my belongings and, give or take, it's 40 things.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.”
capsule wardrobe
I travel and live ultralight, carry-on only, with a monochromatic capsule wardrobe, and one bag.
I only own my favorite things that I need.
Everything totals about 11 pounds (5 kgs) so I can always stay under any airlines' carry-on allowance, never check my bag, never use overhead bins, and my bag is never out of my sight or reach.
Traveling light is easier on your body and your mind.
You're free to walk around, to explore, to get immersed in your surroundings, without a suitcase ball and chain.
Traveling light gives you freedom.
In my first two packing list articles, Travel in 11 Pounds and Minimalist Packing List, I've gone into detail about each with photos and descriptions, so check those for more info.
I've since swapped out some clothes and changed bags.
I now carry a cabin zero bag because it opens up flat so everything in it can stay organized and accessible without ever having to unpack!
This is a straight-up list of what I currently own that I have tried and tested, that have proved their value, space and weight many times over, and have ultimately allowed me to easily and comfortably dress, travel, work and live in any climate, season or country, year round.
“I travel light; as light, that is, as a man can travel who will still carry his body around because of its sentimental value.”
things i own:
- bag
- tablet
- charger
- earbuds
- international adaptor
- passport
- bank cards
- boots
- shoes
- flip flops
- jacket
- hoodie
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- dress
- leggings
- jeans
- pants
- swimsuit
- underwear
- socks
- scarf
- hat
- buff
- glasses
- sunglasses
- nail clipper
- reusable qtip
- toothbrush
- toothpaste tabs
- crystal deodorant
- solid perfume
- floss
- lunette cup
- re-usable bag
- shampoo bar
- facial soap bar
- facial oil bar
things i don't own:
Since I house sit full-time, there are several things I don't need to carry:
- I don't carry liquid toiletries because I travel carry-on only, liquid-free, and zero waste, plus I can find my favorite products anywhere or make my own products.
- I don't carry any cooking or camping gear because I love dining out and always have a full kitchen in any house I'm living in.
- I don't carry physical or digital media since it can all be streamed, and homes always have plenty of entertainment, pets to love, and nature to be in.
- I don't carry workout gear because I walk instead and for that I only need my body, which I usually have on me.
- I don't carry anything that I don't need because I value being happy so I choose experiences over things.
“Everything you own must be able to fit inside one suitcase; then your mind might be free.”
