Why you don’t need everything in your suitcase
It’s Summer, and all I am thinking is holidays and going away (did you read my latest post Little Storage, Long Journey?).
But also thinking about the amount of times I’ve come back from a trip and realised I only used about 70% of the clothes I brought with me… let’s just say, it’s a lot.
Sometimes, I’m glad I packed that extra jumper. Yes, it was bulky, but it’s still my favourite and I wore it one chilly evening. Other times, I wonder why I brought enough socks for twice as many days. One thing is certain: I never wear every single item in my suitcase (nor I have more than two feet).
And that’s okay. Because sometimes packing is as much about comfort and peace of mind as it is about practicality. Still, I try to keep things light wherever I can.
Shops exist everywhere (even on holiday)
The temptation to overpack is often driven by “just in case” thinking. But we forget that shops exist everywhere! Even in the middle of a holiday town (sometimes too many shops, let’s be honest).
Travelling with only the essentials can free up space in your luggage and your mind. Ask yourself: do I really need three pairs of sandals? If you forget something, chances are you can pick it up locally. And often, the local version is better suited to the climate or culture anyway, plus it might make a lovely, useful souvenir.
Embracing this mindset helps keep your trip lighter, more spontaneous, and less about lugging things around that you’ll never use.
In the end? It's about trusting yourself
Travelling light doesn’t mean travelling without. It means trusting that you’ll manage, that you know what you need—and if something’s missing, you’ll figure it out.
Packing less is a quiet confidence: in your ability to adapt, in your understanding of your needs, and in the knowledge that holidays are for living, not lugging.
Travelling with only the essentials can free up space in your luggage and your mind.
