Lessons Learned from Living Out of a Suitcase for Years
The Suitcase Life
As a female seafarer, I’ve spent years living out of one large suitcase (and a trusty backpack, because a girl has got to have her essentials).
Most of my crew mates manage with two suitcases – one large and one medium or small. Then there are the outliers who somehow manage to have more, often relying on friends or family to bring extra belongings to the ship.
I’m not one of those people. I’ve learned to make do with what I can carry. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, frustration, and the occasional fashion meltdown.
Packing for this kind of lifestyle is no joke. Imagine trying to fit lightweight, breathable clothes for sweltering tropical days, while also making room for sweaters, jackets, and layers for an office that could double as a meat locker.
Oh, and let’s not forget the required formal attire or unexpected hike. It’s enough to make anyone want to throw their hands up and live in a potato sack.
Over time, I’ve learned to navigate this bizarre temperature rollercoaster with a little creativity, a lot of layering, and a healthy dose of trial and error.
Why Living Out of a Suitcase is More Than Just Packing Light
Living out of a suitcase isn’t just about packing – it’s about embracing a new mindset.
It’s about letting go of the idea that you need a lot of stuff to feel prepared or stylish. It’s about embracing simplicity and focusing on what truly matters.
For me, it was a crash course in intentional living. I had to think carefully about every item I packed, asking myself, “Do I really need this? Will I actually wear it? Can I live without it?”
This mindset shift didn’t just apply to my wardrobe. It spilled over into other areas of my life.
I started to question why I owned so much stuff in the first place. Did I really need five pairs of footwear? (Answer: I did not.)
Living out of a suitcase forced me to confront my consumer habits and rethink my wardrobe.
There are also practical benefits to travelling light. It’s better for the environment – less stuff means less waste.
It’s also easier on your wallet. When you’re not constantly buying new clothes or gadgets, you save money.
And not to mention the sheer convenience of not having to lug around heavy bags.
The Golden Rules of Packing for Long-Term Travel
Rule 1: Everything Should Go Together
One of the most important lessons I learned is that everything in your suitcase should go together.
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of packing outfits instead of individual pieces. You might think, “I’ll pack this blouse because it goes perfectly with this skirt.”
But what happens when you want to wear that blouse with something else? If it doesn’t go with anything else in your suitcase, you’re out of luck.
Pack interchangeable pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Think of your wardrobe as a capsule collection. Every top should go with every bottom, and every pair of shoes should work with multiple outfits.
Because of my work, I also choose tops that can be dressed up or down.
This approach not only saves space but also makes getting dressed a lot easier. No more standing in front of your wardrobe for 20 minutes trying to figure out what to wear.
Rule 2: Stick to a Simple Silhouette
Ah, the early 2000s. Cropped tops, fit and flare denim pants, tube tops… fashion choices that make me cringe now but felt so cool back then. As a millennial, I was firmly planted in the Y2K era during my early twenties.
I didn’t get many chances to experiment with fashion. I wasn’t the type to try on outfits at home for fun.
When I left home, I thought, This is it. I’m going to be adventurous with fashion! Spoiler: it didn’t go well. With a stick-thin frame and a curved back, most trends just don’t work for me.
Baby tees? Protruding right shoulder blade from the curved back. Skinny jeans? A posture nightmare. Dresses? Always too short, leaving me feeling awkward.
After a few fashion disasters (enough to fill a cringe-worthy album), I gave up on trends. Now, it’s oversized tees and shorts for casual wear, and button-up shirts with trousers for formal occasions. It’s not groundbreaking, but it works. Comfortable, flattering, and practical – perfect for life out of a suitcase.
Rule 3: Develop Colour Discipline
Colour is just as important as shape when it comes to creating a cohesive wardrobe. If your suitcase is a rainbow of clashing colours, it’s going to be hard to mix and match.
Take a good look at your wardrobe and identify the colours that work well together. If you tend to gravitate toward bright colours like red and yellow, but your brown cords never seem to go with anything, it might be time to let them go.
Limiting yourself to a few neutral colours can make packing a lot easier. Neutrals like black, white, grey, and beige are versatile. Plus, they’re less likely to clash with other pieces in your wardrobe.
Black dominates my wardrobe.
Layering for All Seasons
Layering is your best friend when you’re living out of a suitcase. It allows you to get more use out of your clothes, no matter the season.
In the past, I’d pack separate clothes for summer, autumn, and winter – T-shirts for the heat, sweaters for the chill, and so on.
But when you’re living out of a suitcase, you don’t have the luxury of packing multiple sweater weights. Instead, I’ve learned to layer.
A simple white/black tee can be worn on its own in the summer, layered under a lightweight bomber jacket in the autumn, or paired with a sleeveless puffer vest and trench coat in the winter.
Choose season-neutral fabrics that can be layered easily. I’m all about cotton. It’s lightweight enough for summer but layers beautifully for warmth in winter. Plus, it’s easy to care for and doesn’t require special washing instructions – perfect for life on the go.
Shoes
Shoes are the bane of every traveller’s existence. They take up space but are essential for different occasions.
Over the years, I’ve learned to be ruthless when it comes to packing shoes. In the end, I only need three pairs: black boots, loafers, and slippers. My boots are perfect for city strolls or outdoor adventures.
Choose versatile shoes that can be dressed up or down. Black boots are a must – they go with everything from jeans to dresses. Loafers are great for a more polished look. And of course, slippers because we live in hot and humid climates.
Shopping While Living Out of a Suitcase
Learning to shop thoughtfully has helped me manage the emotional challenges of living with less.
I want to be open to new experiences and discoveries.
I don’t want to end up with a suitcase full of stuff I don’t need.
Be thoughtful about your purchases. Before buying something, ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Will it go with the rest of my wardrobe? Do I have room for it?”
It’s also important to leave some room in your suitcase for new finds. You never know when you’ll stumble upon a pristine vintage blazer and skirt set at a secondhand shop in Japan (true story).
Having a little extra space allows you to take advantage of these unexpected treasures without having to sacrifice something else.
Laundry and Maintenance
Doing laundry while travelling can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Most ships have laundry facilities, but if you’re on the road, you might have to get creative.
Handwashing is always an option. I usually pack a small bottle of laundry detergent.
Choose clothes that are easy to care for. Avoid dry-clean-only items – they’re a hassle and expensive to maintain. As mentioned earlier, cotton works.
Onboard ships, our laundry goes through tumble dry, so I have to avoid delicate fabrics and fabrics with stretch.
It’s also important to take care of your clothes to extend their lifespan. This means washing them properly, storing them correctly, and repairing them when necessary.
A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in keeping your wardrobe in good shape.
The Emotional Side of Living Out of a Suitcase
While mastering the practical side of living out of a suitcase is important, there’s also an emotional journey that comes with it.
There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with having so few possessions.
What if I need something I didn’t pack? What if I get tired of wearing the same things over and over? These are the kinds of thoughts that kept me up at night in the beginning.
But over time, I’ve learned to embrace the simplicity of living with less. There’s a certain freedom that comes with not being weighed down by stuff.
I’ve also learned to let go of the fear of missing out. Sure, I might not have the perfect outfit for every occasion, but I’ve learned to make do with what I have. And you know what? It’s been liberating.
I don’t even follow fashion trend anymore.
Embracing the Suitcase Lifestyle
Living out of a suitcase isn’t for everyone, but it’s been a rewarding experience for me. It’s taught me to be more intentional about what I own and how I live my life. It’s also taught me to appreciate the things I have and make the most of them.
If you’re thinking about trying the suitcase lifestyle, even if it’s just for a short trip, I encourage you to give it a go.
You might just find that it’s exactly what you need to simplify your life and focus on what truly matters.
If you’re looking for a detailed packing list tailored for long-term travel, read…
