Why embrace minimalism?
The last time I went abroad, I only had a personal item and a carry-on, and returning from that trip, I realized even that was too much. My carry-on was already stuffed before the trip, so where was I supposed to fit the souvenirs? I had to buy an overpriced bag to check in; never again. ☹️ If this sounds familiar, you're in good company. I embraced a minimalist mindset because I don't want my freedom to nomad to be weighed down by insignificant immaterial nor material $#!+.
KISS 💋
Keep it simple, stupid!, is a design paradigm that states that systems should be as simple as possible wherever possible, and complexity should be avoided. In software development, simplicity in design guarantees the best UX (User Experience). As a minimalist nomad, simplicity in packing guarantees the most happiness. Less is more uncomplicated, but there are no rules about the number of items you can own. The number 33 was an arbitrary decision, as valuing less doesn't make you any more minimalist than, those who value more. Minimalism is not merely about owning fewer things; it's a lifestyle centered around prioritizing what truly adds value. Keep the simple, and discard the complicated, this applies to both people and things. By simplifying our $#!+, we can have more space for experiences and relationships that matter.
33 & Me
I chose to limit myself to 33 items because of Project 333's minimalist fashion challenge blog post and Samurai Matcha's extreme minimalist challenge YouTube video. Project333 is about thoughtfully curating a capsule wardrobe of 33 items for 3 months, and the extreme minimalist challenge is about carefully selecting 1 item a day for 30 days starting with 0. If I ever attempt the extreme minimalist challenge, I will pre-start the challenge with 3 freebie items, instead of 0 and naked. If you're wondering, I'd pre-start the challenge with a dress, sandals, and a towel, and select DO on day 1. 😊
The Rules
- Underwear, socks, and medical necessities are not included in the 33.
- Tools for remote work and productivity are counted as 1 bundle item (i.e. photo gear for photographers).
- Items part of a kit are counted as one (i.e. a first aid kit, or nail care kit).
Clothing
From the 33 clothing pieces I have in this season's capsule wardrobe, I selected 15 using the 5-4-3-2-1 method. 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses, and 1 blazer.
- graphic t-shirt
- sweatshirt/hoodie
- button down shirt
- dressy blouse
- plain t-shirt
- joggers
- convertible pants
- skirt
- blue jean leggings (jeggings)
- dressy shoes
- sandals
- sneakers
- loose dress
- jean dress
- linen blazer
Tech & Productivity
No dreary gray cubicles for this nomad, the world is my office. Warning: I'm deep in the Apple ecosystem.
- Remote work bundle (12)
- phone (Apple iPhone 11)
- watch (Apple iWatch Series 4)
- laptop (Apple M2 MBA 13")
- earbuds (Apple’s AirPod Pro gen2)
- tablet (Apple iPad Pro 11")
- USB C Hub port hub
- Apple Air Tags (x4)
- keyboard (Logitech 😱 no Apple Magic Keyboard... yet)
- mouse (Apple Magic Mouse)
- case
- stand
- charging (cable & brick)
- power bank (NITECORE Carbo 10,000 mAh)
- Photography gear bundle (6)
- main camera (Sony A7c)
- lens(x2: 28-60 & 24)
- action camera (Insta360 go3)
- memory cards
- batteries
- Nintendo Switch & games
- Travel Journal kit
Toiletries
I know some minimalists out there count each of the items below individually, but I'm not one. If it fits into a kit, I will count it as 1 bundled Item.
- Oral hygiene Kit (5)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Tongue scraper
- whitening strips
- Skin Care Kit (9)
- Jade roller
- Gua Sha
- Tweezers
- Razor (because alopecia only struck my scalp ☹️)
- Eye cream (😱 wrinkles)
- Deodorant
- Bar soap
- Solid perfume
- Face/Body Sunblock
- Makeup Bag (7)
- Lip balm/oil/stain
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Concealer
- Highlighter/Bronzer stick
- Blush
- Brow Gel/Pencil
- Microfiber Beach/Body Towel
- Nail Care Kit (clippers x2, scissors, file, ear cleaner)
- Hair Kit.. or lack thereof in my case (5)
- Wig
- Comb
- Edge/Detangle Brush
- Hair Pins/Clips/Ties/Band
- Gel
Misc
- First Aid Kit & Pharmacy
- Rain Jacket/Umbrella/Bag Cover
- Waterbottle (Larq with UV & filter tops)
- Bags
- purse
- sling
- mini backpack
- packable day bag
- packable tote
- Swimsuit
- UPF 50+ top/bottom
- Jewelry Pouch
- Vintage watch
- Bracelets x3
- Necklace (x2: casual/dressy)
- Rings (x3)
- #FAT cutlery set
Not counted
- Mask 😷
- Transition glasses
- Retainer
- Compression socks
- Socks (x4)
- Underwear (x4 tops/bottoms)
Freedom of Simplicity
Embracing minimalism offers freedom and liberation from the burden of excess. By letting go of unnecessary possessions, we create space for what truly matters, allowing us to live an intentional simplicity. I hope my packing list gave you inspiration or confidence to building your own minimalist packing list.