Everything I Packed to Live Out of a Suitcase for a Year

A decision to travel for a year is easy to come. After sorting out the logistics of sublease my New York City apartment, selling off excess property, and lined up enough freelancers to work remotely, my executive ducks entered continuously. but Package Travel for a year? Simplicity is not the term I use to describe efforts. How even how to put the capsule wardrobe together for such a long time away from home? The idea seems humorous and ambitious.

One thing I prepared for me was that I carefully planned my trip in such a way. My first stop was Los Angeles in Southeast Asia for a few months, heading to a pit stop in Hawaii and New Zealand, India and South Africa, and then Europe late spring and early summer. Escape from cold weather means lighter layers, so the suitcase is lighter. But this still cannot be solved What Pack.

At the request of my husband, I resisted the urge to carry multiple large suitcases and settle in a trunk and carry around. Unlike him, I don’t worship on the altar of minimalism, but a simplified approach is necessary for maneuvering at airports, train stations and ferries. Neutral colors and classic silhouettes I won’t get tired of the foundation of my travel uniform, which are some dopamine-induced accessories and statement pieces to make people’s sake. I allowed myself some different handbags and footwear options to suit a variety of occasions, all of which fit neatly with the packaging cubes and various organizers.

Almost a year and eight countries later, I learned that a ruthless packaging list is the secret to a successful trip. If you have everything you need (and that’s all) assembled together in a neat environment, you’ll leave more time on the road. Don’t get me wrong: Sometimes, I want to light a shot of the suitcase and kick it into the river, and when I’m happy with the polished look, I manage to piece it together. But, by no means the best clothes on the adventure.

So if you are starting a similar long trip, the following items (from luggage essentials to wardrobe heroes) are worth the place on your packing list.

My Travel MVP

trunk

One of the best packaging decisions I made was choosing a travel suitcase, not just a large checkout bag (or two). I have always admired the romantic relics of 19th-century ship or train trips, but nostalgia for the golden age of travel, extended shapes and deep compartments made my suitcase life even less. The trunk I chose was from Paravel, sadly no longer available, but there are several options on the market, from legacy brands to DTC favorites.

Packaging cubes (with labels!)

While the use of packaging cubes is by no means revolutionary, one detail that changed my experience was using labels for each cube. I have different designations as lingerie, gowns, sportswear, etc., which makes it easy for me to grab the specific item I’m looking for without breaking the homeostasis of the suitcase.

Passport holder

I’ve never lost my passport before…but I can imagine it’s not pleasant. To avoid having to track my nearest embassy, ​​I invited a holder to neatly hold my passport, foreign currency and boarding pass. I used the “Airport Dad” passport case by Claire V. X Jimmy Kimmel, which sold out immediately after release, but any well-made holder should fix the problem.

Jewelry box

Their perception of accessories is: they can completely transform a tired wardrobe. Entering this trip, I knew I was relying more on earrings and necklaces than usual, thus bringing a larger organizer that keeps everything and is accessible.

With all handbags

When you are traveling in a warm climate and need a bag that can be converted into an airplane cocktail as easily as possible, a braided tote bag is a trusted option. I prefer leather iterations because they are more durable; by size, I tend to be something that fits my MacBook Air, but not so It’s big and feels like a commuter bag.

Cosmetics Organizer

From someone who doesn’t even wear makeup I am Surprised to include this, but my cosmetic organizer is one of the most valuable items I have to pack. It’s a bit extravagant to mix with a simple makeup bag, and it’s a long way to have boxes with specific attractions on my various brushes and products.

Just spliced ​​sweater

I’m a knitting fanatic, so choosing only one sweater to pack for a year is torture. But this black goat’s black, oversized cable braid is a godsend. It’s lazy enough to scrape almost everything and can easily tie knots or waist around my shoulders on a little hot day.

Crispy white buttons

No matter where I am, I embrace the fun of a crisp white button-up shirt, but classics like this do take big steps when you’re on the go. It is regularly spinning in my airplane uniform and is a favorite layer to match with silk pajama pants and printed skirts.

Relaxed trousers

Somehow I only had a pair of jeans throughout the trip and that was A-Okay! Instead, I rely on lightweight linen pants, most of which are designed with a relaxed, pull-out waistline (in addition, the lighter material is easier to roll up and pack than rigid denim).

A dress

When you work with limited rotation clothes, it is important to wear staples and feel good immediately, like a relaxing piece of clothing. I had a customization (a common practice in the country!) while in Vietnam and then put it on during my trip.

I picked me up surprisingly

I regret packaging

Cable organizer

In more than once, my various ropes and charging cubes resemble the noodles tangle at the bottom of my travel bag. Wise words: Investing in technology organizers are investing in your mental health.

A light weekend

I bought a leather weekend from Cuyana for airplanes and any quick side trips, but while the bag is beautiful, the weight and size are not good for my unique situation. If you travel for weeks or months at a time, a smaller, easier tote bag or suitcase is a safer choice for personal belongings.

Suitcase lid

Not surprisingly, after a year of luggage carousel, car trunks and countless wheel miles, my suitcase was brought with it. If I could go back and do it again, I would get a cover.