No More Pack Mule

Last time I move abroad I seriously over packed. Way too much. Two big 50 pound suitcases and a backpack (which I thought was not enough) that I lugged to LA to hang with Marley, and then all the way to American Samoa. I ended up with tons of clothes I barely wore and lots of things I thought that I might need, but never did. And there were things that once I got there I still wish I had brought. Since then I have started embrassing a less is more, vaguely Buddist minimalist attitue towards my posstions in general, and I was excited to use this move as an opportunity to really pare down my possesions. And I hate manuvering suitcases (thats why it's called luggage).

As I was pondering this minimalist move at the store where I was buying my one and only suitcase I decided to really commit and bought a carry-on sized suitcase. Everyone who I talked to about this carry-on sized move thought I was being a bit over the top, and I have to admit that as I sat down to pack I was beginning to get concerned myself. I don't really need to take much besides the basic necessties, but clothes were the most difficult. However, I reminded myself how even though I had tons of cloths with me in Samoa, I endedup wearing my favorites most of the time - so this time I decided to take only a few clothes, but those that I really liked. I sorted what clothes to take, and then I went through a couple more times and culled out the least necisarry. Here is my final list in the end:

• 1 netbook, charger and case
• a mouse
• camera/charger
• a couple plug adapters and a converter
• iPod/cord
• Notebook to write down German I learn through the day
• couple pens and pencils
• A few meds/bandaids
• brush/hairties 
• face wash
• face lotion
• toothbrush
• deotorant
• razor
• tweezers
• travel sized shampoo/ conditioner
• Bird of Europe field guide (duh!)
• 2 more books
• Frye boots
• Old faux ugg boots
• Chuck taylors
• black flats
• old navy flip flops
• winter coat
• rain jacket
• northface fleece
• hat/gloves/scarf
• 4 dresses of varying degrees of dressiness
• 3 pairs jeans
• 1 pair black pants
• 1 black skirt
• 1 pair mesh shorts
• 1 pair leggings
• 5 tank tops
• 5 short sleve shirts
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• 5 sweaters
• some underthings and socks
• 3 packing cubes
• reusable shopping bag
• tote bag
• purse/wristlet
• travel towel
• bathing suit
• small jar of extra chunky peanut butter

I was actually pretty proud of myself. I was packed to move to Europe (hopefully for a year or more) with little enough stuff that I could carry it all on the plane (but I won’t cause I don’t want to lug it around – but I could, and that’s the cool bit). I feel so free already!