Confucius said that life is simple but we insist on making it complicated. I am about to head back to Italy next week and I’ve vowed that I am absolutely, positively NOT going to overpack this time! I’ve made a master list. Travel experts advise that I cut my list in half. These so-called “experts” claim that one can travel across the European continent with only two pair of pants, one sweater, two tee shirts and a Swiss Army knife?
Traveling Light is For Backpackers and Beach Bums
I’ll have you know I am no stranger to the minimalist philosophy. A few years ago I moved into a charming but tiny apartment near San Francisco with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bath, den, office and walk-in closet all rolled-into-one. It’s compact, efficient and very cozy: 300 square feet of heaven! Living in a studio apartment is very much like living on a boat except that the room doesn’t rock during storms. The view is spectacular, I can clean it from top to bottom in 45 minutes flat, and living this way keeps me feeling unencumbered, carefree and liberated.
In preparing for my journey I’ve piled everything I’d like to take with me on the dining table (better known these days as “the staging area”). My things are separated into three categories: 1) Yes, definitely taking, 2) Maybe taking, and 3) Taking, if I have the room. As someone who preaches the virtues of living beneath your means and with only the bare necessities, why do I have so many shoes? I am seriously packing-challenged. I think I need an intervention!
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I will come and intervene for you. I am one of the ruthless ones. You can travel with almost nothing! I do it all the time.
Unfortunately, it is minus 19 in Helsinki just now and I am stopping there for 2 days. I had to buy an extra coat to take with me.
You only need a couple of pairs of shoes, you really do.
Debra,
I know you’re right, I don’t need more than a couple of shoes, especially since it’s winter and I will be wearing my boots everyday. I am staying 3 months so that actually frees me up since I don’t have to pack shampoo, etc. (will buy there). I am really, really trying to change…going to take a page from your book and be “ruthless”. Wish me luck. Stay warm and enjoy your travels. Hugs. toni
Love, love, love this post Toni. Brava! Like Debra, I wish I were there to help you be ruthless. I love packing light! It’s an art form… Just remember the 80/20 rule. We wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time…. Might help.;-)??? The best shoes I’ve found are Rucoline – made in Umbria. In a little town just outside Perugia but all over Italy ormai… You might know them. High heeled sneakers really. Walk all day in heels, super warm, super super comfortable. Chic to boot! They take you everywhere….Try them and you’ll be a disciple just like me!!!
Thanks Janine. Girls looking out for one another. Love it. Now, about those shoes…you say “chic” AND “comfortable”? – that’s an oxymoron! I will check them out, although I hope I wouldn’t turn an ankle on the uneven cobblestones! Hugs. Toni
You’ll be fine Toni!! Perugia is so much more vertical than Orvieto – you’ve got it soooo easy by Umbria standards. But you know that!! No, Rucoline’s are indeed the most comfortable shoes ever made. Got a summer pair on as I write. 8cm heels and ‘si camina divinamente’ to quote the salesgirl!!!
BTW huge congratulations on being mentioned on the IR expat bloggers list!!! Brava!!! Jxx
Thanks Janine. It means a lot to me that there are people like you in the world who are so generous and supportive. Honestly, all my life I have been very competitive and like to “win”, but also I have learned that there is room in the world for all of us to shine and contribute. It makes me proud to know that you are out there cheering me on and I am doing the same for you. See you in Umbria soon I know. Ci prendiamo caffe’ insieme, presto. hugs. t
I would like to have this problem-it would mean I was going to Italy!! I imagine winter clothes would be harder than summer-they are so much bigger!
How about….wear a sweater and boots, carry a coat. Pack 2 pants, additional sweater, 6 tshirts, lots of scarves and a pair of walking shoes. I packed a carry on for my last month long trip and it was so liberating! Does your apartment have a washer/dryer?
This ended too soon! Please write part two! Just remember you end up wearing the same 3 outfits over and over again. Add a sundress, flip flops and bikini to the expert’s list of things to bring and I can happily say I fall under the backpacker & beach bum category! Safe travels my friend! xoxoxo
Thank you my beach bum beauty! toni
Oh yeah forgot the boots. Definitely need a pair of knee high boots!
Shoes are the hardest for me when I am packing. I always want to bring so many pairs but they take up so much space!! What to do!!
Yeah, shoes are important and have put me over the weight limit many a time! Toni
OMG Love the Rucoline’s! Sexy lil sneakers! Going to try and buy some ! Toni, pack one less pair of shoes and buy some there!
Just pack warm clothes as it is still freezing here with more snow forecast . I am now following you by email subscription as GFC is ceasing for non blogspot bloggers shortly.
Ciao. Yes, thanks, I was hoping the snow would melt but I looked at the 10 day forecast…oh dear, chilly. The weather is going to be a shock to my California system, since it has been like spring in San Francisco – winter has yet to arrive. But of course, it doesn’t matter the temperature…I will be back in Italia. Hugs. toni
I just love your apartment! I lived in a bedsit once in my single days. It was great, I can’t imagine living in a huge house. I am a ruthless packer, and fortunately shoes are not my downfall….ciao love lisa
I know this might be silly, but I heard a suggestion, take a few items you could throw away, like old underwear you were going to donate. Of course, my most important item is a comfortable pair of shoes that look good. Have lots of fun. I only get to travel in the USA.
Hi Caroline. I made it here and I did pretty good. Since I am hear for 3 months, there is this thing called “doing laundry” which helps a lot. You are right, comfortable shoes are like gold! Thanks for writing. toni