In that sudden rush, I remembered all the clutters in my room or the things I suddenly owned that weighed me down a bit. I used to know how many things I owned down to its name and numbers but since I created this little nest, God knows how many things are there now.

“ Should I bring my mechanical keyboard too?” - I kid you not, this what pops up into my head.

This isn’t going to be just one of those week trips. It's full blown on the road that I used to do for months and end. I used to master packing very light and survived on a few items. But this is an art, the less you practice, the worse you become. So, since it had been a while, even my trip to Malaysia for Hive fest, I realized I carried too much.

I was only learning this art again from Walter who inspired me to travel light again and fit whatever we could in some 60lt bag or less The inspiration!

Honestly, I started thinking more about what to ditch and what to bring and I started re-evaluating the things I owned that weighed me down too. I used to be so mobile until I wasn’t.

I was a minimalist through and through but funny how our environment can quietly shape us, like what happened to me hanging out around hoarders. It’s slowly pulling you in and once I have my own space and live on my own terms, this is really all I need, in some 30L bag.

When I packed this bag, I was so overjoyed that it felt good. It felt like I was back being myself and not losing the art of my minimalist packing. So, I deserve a good pat, I guess.

I know, it’s tempting to bring more and I even want to bring my coffee maker as a coffee snob but those have to stay at home. While I am dying inside, I have to let it all go and besides, now I am less snobby about my coffee 🤣as long as it’s coffee, I’d be good now.

Oh and as a woman, make up & toiletries can be its own baggage. When I was “nesting”, I had that habit of collecting shades and such. But now, I have to let them all go and stick to what’s truly essential. From quite a bit of things to this is quite an achievement on its own. I know, I’ll manage anyway.

Before and After Packing Progression

There seems to be progression on the way I pack too. Now, it’s all neater and less chaotic than before. I know what I’d need, what I’ll truly wear and I stop buying things I won’t wear. So, that frees up a lot of spaces in my bag.

Recently, I got a Voyager Tote Bag from Eiger. This bag fits every electronic and accessories I have. It even has a space for a water bottle compartment that is great when you move around. While it cost a bit more than my other totebag, it was a great investment I made because it’s durable and fits everything I have from camera to my laptop. It’s also low-key hobo-like and classic. This bag made me donate all the other bags that I used to have and will only stick to this one.

And surprisingly, unlike before where I was still scrambling to fit things like puzzles, these days I don’t have to. I can pack my things within an hour and just go with it.

A week ago, I’ve been rearranging the things I will bring like a puzzle. It was like playing a puzzle game where I have to make sure every piece fits and has its place

Now, I no longer ask myself or done all that. I was simply following what I like & my institution. I guess now, I am truly experienced in packing light?

For details of my previous experience, you can check out this post Can You Pack Months of Adventure into a 30L Bag?