Living Out of a Suitcase

While spending most of the last year travelling, usually for weeks at a time, living out of a suitcase almost became second nature for me. Here are some of the tips which kept me sane!

Pack Wisely
Of course the number one tip when living out of a suitcase is to really think about what you need to take with you. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you start packing:

• How long are you going to be away?
• What is the weather expected to be like?
• Is it cheaper to buy any items at the location you're visiting?
• What activities are you planning?
• If you never use it at home will you really use it while you're on holiday?
• What are the weight restrictions if you're travelling by plane?
• What size bags are you willing to carry?

It's easy to get a bit carried away while packing, but the key is to make a plan and stick to it. Do your research: talk to people who've already been to your holiday destination, search the internet for packing tips, find travel guides detailing the climate, cultural considerations, and activities on offer.

Evaluate each item of clothing you're thinking about taking. How practical is it really? Do you really need two (or more)? Can it be worn multiple ways and/or in multiple situations? If you're clear on what you need before you start trying to fit everything into a suitcase, the whole process is so much easier!

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The Right Suitcase
Choosing the right type and size of bag is incredibly important! This is especially true if you will be spending a lot of time carrying it yourself, or if you're bringing bulky or oddly shaped items which need to fit into your bag.

A suitcase is much more practical if it has wheels, although if you're going to be traversing some rough terrain with your bag then a backpack may be better. Another option is a combination suitcase/backpack with wheels plus shoulder straps which can be zipped away. Each type of bag has advantages and disadvantages, so take your time when making a decision about which to take.

Practicalities
Being the travel nerd that I am, I always packed my clothes in large ziplock plastic bags. It protected them from getting wet (from rain or from leaking shampoo bottles), made it easier to find what I was looking for, and made it easier to retrieve things from the bottom of my bag.

Laundry
It is an excellent idea to do laundry whenever you get the chance, especially if it's not too expensive, and especially if you're in a humid climate which makes drying clothes quickly difficult.

One In, One Out
If you are planning on living out of a suitcase for weeks or even months it is likely that you will end up buying a few extra things on your travels. One strategy to keep the number of possessions manageable is to adopt the "one in, one out" rule and every time you buy something new you leave something old behind.

Donate your old clothes to a local charity, give away items you no longer need to other travellers, or take part in Book Crossing and you can significantly lighten your load!


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