My Minimalist Life Fits Into a Suitcase ~ Extreme Minimalism

What things do you consider to be essential? If you lived out of a suitcase, what would you bring?

I find the older I get, 65 now, the more certain things mean to me. I am German and brought my thrifted old furniture and household items from my Mom and Grandparents with me. It makes me feel close to them when I use a vase that belonged to my Grandmother or use a plate my mother gave me. Sometimes a memory comes out of the blue when I was a child. I regret having moved to the US 23+ yrs ago but cannot return because of financial reasons and my kids are here. All I own are things that really mean something to me and the furniture I have are 90+ years old. When I was young I loved the idea to live here and there, but not now. I could not live just traveling and not have a place that I have surrounded with things meaningful to me. Love my plants, my dog. I need to have a spot that is mine and makes me feel save. Everyone is different ;). Your vlogs are very calming, thought provoking and I enjoy them a lot even though I cannot imagine for me to live that way. Also friends are so very important for well being. They are not made easy and my true friendships are decades old. Looking forward to the vlogs. Smooth travels.

Inspiring vlog, thank you! I have met a gentleman who lives as a nomad retirement and stays in hostels, he takes bicycles that a locked on telephone poles with wheels, seat and chains stolen. He works everyday rebuilding these bikes and gives them away free to local children.

I was a nomad for two years out of college and was so freeing. I had a pair of jeans, a pair of light cotton pants, two tshirts, one long sleeve shirt, a heavyweight tshirt tunic that doubled as a dress, a wool challis floral scarf that I used as a hip wrap, head covering, cowl. a large gauzy scarf that doubled as a beachcoverup and a beach towel. Undergarments and a swimsuit and a windbreaker/rainjacket. I did have to buy a warmer coat as I ran into snow, but did so at a flea market and gave away when it warmed up. I did find after time my nesting instinct kicked in and I missed making and entertaining and hosting friends and family and I moved home and began acquiring things. I have moved alot so try to only have meaningful and useful items that I find beautiful. But the number is beginning to feel like too much. Its interesting to see how our possessions expand and contract over the seasons of our lives. I am ready for a contraction again, but not ready to give up some of my treasured items that bring me joy. I also enjoy crocheting and quilting but keep my stash to two bins worth of materials. What helped me immensely in letting go of stuff was looking at potential health hazards (my grandmothers china and crystal high in lead, my mothers things came from her house full of mold/mycotoxins,etc).

It’s so easy to fill up our homes with possessions and incredibly difficult to part with them, or actually choose those few things to be kept. I have been downsizing forever. Amazing how much energy and stress it involves as well as expenses moving and storing them. Unless you have to move you can’t even fathom the burden. And if you have to move many times then it’s almost an unbearable burden. I admire your courage. Have a wonderful freedom you’ve acquired through your dedication to the essential you. ❤

same size suitcase i took to Cuenca, Ecuador when i escaped the madness i also had a large "daypack" (or small backpack w/belt support) with my laptop and camera gear and extra pairs of shoes and sandals (i have wide feet - bought extra before moving) moved in to fully furnished efficiency with queen size bed, wifi, cable TV, full kitchen (with all utensils), and a courtyard and upper deck with fabulous view . $420 a month all utilities included

My Bible. That was the first thing that I thought of when you asked what I would bring ❤

I’m 72 and although I cannot afford world travel, I became a minimalist, and have lived in Baja Mexico for five years. I live without any modern conveniences including no running water, and I now enjoy kayaking on the sea of Cortez and camping/ exploring this land and it’s people and food! I don’t regret letting go of all the “things”🙂

I just love this! Not having to bring kitchen gear and furniture makes it all possible. I hope you will start sharing about your destinations and temporary dwellings and teach us all the ins and outs you are discovering, as well as a sharing your adventures.

It would be a nightmare for me to not have a “base”. I need an anchor, I need roots. I need my things (although I have very few). I looove travelling and return home. A home which is all mine and always there. I suppose we’re all different on this subject😊

Hi Connie! I shared this vlog with my brother and sister in-law who have two small boys. Considering he works from home, and the eldest nephew does remote learning, they have been spending more and more time on the road, living in their RV. and have truly been enjoying it! A yr. ago we lost our mom, and i think this had an impact on my brother. He realized life is short and one never knows when our time will come, so if you are able, get out there and see life.

I've done the same as I left Brazil and came to Italy. My whole life in a suit case. It was amazing what I learned, thanks for sharing your life! I absolutely love!

Connie, I've been following you for a few years now. Thank you for being such an inspiration on my minimalist journey over these last few years, I am in absolute awe of your latest adventure. After reading the book 'You Might Die Tomorrow' recently and watching your journey to being a digital nomad, I'm currently entertaining the idea of downsizing to a camper van from my studio apt in order to travel the U.S. for a year or so. I'm just beginning my research phase and still have a way to go before I could make it happen, if I decide to do so. Heck even this phase is kind of exciting. 😊

Beautiful and inspiring! Having spent the day cleaning out just one part of our parent's garage and sending three truck loads to trash and donation center, living with less stuff is the way to go! PS-care to share that sweater, looks like a lovely multi use piece!

I am in the middle of moving and I didn’t realize how much stuff I’ve accumulated :( I’m having trouble letting go of many items 😢. I miss the days where I had little but was much happier

We are getting there 😎💗 We have been decluttering the house now for over a month and I can’t believe how good it makes me feel a lot less clutter so easy to clean now. We are heading to Alaska in June.

I love your thoughtful process. The hardest things for me to part with would be sentimental family items. Great grandparents clocks and furniture. Though if I really minimalized I would let them go. Give family the option to have 1st. I have things because I live in a stable household but I only really need the basics of life.

I'm an artist, so I would need a trunk for my art supplies but my clothes and other worldly possessions, 1 medium size suitcase, I'm good. LOL

I am thrilled to follow your journey,love how you were able to Downsize with just meaningful possessions, we truly carry most Things inside ourselves, and need very little.🌹

This lifestyle can work when you're young, healthy, and adapt to radical change quickly. The older you get the more difficult it becomes to the point of next to impossible as your health declines and it will eventually. I'm 77 lived what you are years ago and got it out of my system. How much or how little stuff you has is unimportant, your attachment to it is what's important.