Have you ever had overweight luggage? Like the feeling that you have more than you need but somehow still not enough?
So much you can’t even figure out what’s actually important and what’s there just…weighing you down?
I swear I’m still talking about luggage and not my life…. kind of.
I think we can all relate with packing like it’s the end of the world: a pair of extra shoes just in case the first ones get stolen; a ski jacket just in case it snows at the beach; a MET Gala-level outfit just in case the bar down the street decides to host the Middle-Of-Nowhere Fashion Week.
It’s basically human nature: stockpile for survival, even if survival is just getting through the airport without looking suspiciously sweaty. But there’s a cost to carrying everything, especially when traveling, when EVERY extra item matters.
If you’ve ever hiked, or even just walked around with a heavy backpack long enough, you’re well aware that weight multiplies with distance. And if you’ve ever attempted something like the Camino de Santiago, you REALLY know that every unnecessary shirt, every “just in case” gadget becomes a personal vendetta against your shoulders.
You start to ask yourself “Do I need this?”, “Do I even WANT this?”, “What was I thinking?” Turns out, those questions don’t just apply to backpacks. I ask myself the same things in life, too.
I feel like we carry a lot: plans, expectations, doubts, memories, half-finished dreams we keep lugging around “just in case.” And sure… everything we pack (emotionally) probably once had a purpose…some old survival instinct, a lesson learned, a warning not to get hurt again.
(If you like thinking too much about the invisible stuff we carry, you might enjoy this post about feeling homesick even when you’re home. Different luggage, same weird weight.)
But let’s be real: we’re carrying way more than we need to be happy.
Minimalism gets a bad reputation sometimes, like you have to live with three shirts, a fork, and meditate on a rock to be enlightened.
But traveling has taught me it’s not about living with nothing. It’s about choosing what stays and make sure we’re carrying it on purpose. For me, it shifts the focus from everything I don’t have, to everything I do (and how ridiculously lucky I already am.)
On a personal note, moving between countries has made me even more selective about what (and who) I bring along.
There are several ways to look at miNImaLiSm… for me, it was never about a Pinterest board of neutrals, but more like realising that lightness isn’t emptiness, it’s freedom.
PS: If you want to see what actually survived my “overpacking years” and now makes it into my minimalist travel backpack (don’t expect the MET Gala outfit), I made a little video with some simple packing tips. Enjoy it!
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Warning: Following may result in spontaneous one-way ticket purchases and an irrational fear of itineraries.
So if the backpack is an important and personal item that has to carry your survival items etc., your body is the backpack for ones emotions, soul and mind! Since we can’t just buy a new body or change it like we can do with a backpack (for stylish or functional reasons) it’s super important to take care of and preserve it. Interesting thought you brought me to!
I love that analogy, it’s super important to take good care of both backpacks 🙂
Overweight luggage is the bane of my existence 🫠🫠 why do books need to weigh so much?
I know the struggle very well, especially for those of us who still prefer paper books (the old school)
I swear by carrying around baby wipes while traveling and as soon as I run out of them I buy a new pack, use those bad boys multiple times a day
Oh yes, they’re like the Swiss knife of the improvised hygiene!! Can’t leave without them either!
Letting go sounds great… until you realise you let go of your charger and now your phone’s dead.
But seriously, love how you turned something as everyday as packing into such a thoughtful reflection — it really made me pause and rethink what I’m carrying too. Great job!!!
Thank you so much!! While I’m in favour of letting some things behind, I agree with you that the phone charger should NOT be one of them ahah
Loved this! A great reminder that letting go doesn’t mean losing, it means choosing.
Really appreciate how you made minimalism feel human and relatable — not about having less, but about living with intention.
And the video is amazing! Keep going
“Letting go doesn’t mean losing, it means choosing! WOW that’s definitely going to be carved in my mind from now on! Such a good take, thank you!
Packing like you’re going to survive the apocalypse! Saudades 🫂🫀
I meannnnn. I feel like we’re not that far from one. And I know for sure that I can’t run from them with a heavy backpack!!
great topic! love the insight. don’t like minimalism tho and i will still BE packing the met gala outfit. <3
Well… you should definitely pack ONE… but no need to be like Lady Gaga and do several reveals 🙂
Some cool tips you gave! Will make use of them 🙂
I hope you find them as valuable as I do. Thank you!
it’s also just way easier to travel to hot countries – less emotional baggage and lighter clothes 🙂
Except for the constant sweat, i do love a warm country ahah
Fogo, desculpe la, mas o menino escreve bem e é um gatxinho 🦁🦁
So I’ve heard 🙂
I think the way you exposed this subject was chef’s kiss! And really enjoyed the tips you gave on your video, will for sure make use of them
Thank you, I’m happy you found them useful!!