About a month ago, I sold almost everything that I owned, moved out of my apartment, and started living out of a single backpack on friends’ couches, extra beds, sleeping bags, etc. It’s been a humbling experience, to say the least, but I wanted to get some practice living this way so I’d be ready for my trip around the world.

I wanted the ability to be able to go anywhere on a moment’s notice, which necessitated that I take only what I can carry in a single carry-on backpack. Not having to deal with checked luggage on flights dramatically simplifies my life. Since I’ll also be in Europe in wintertime for only a week or so, I needed some cheap, warm clothing that I could donate to somebody who needs it before I left for warmer weather. This is a picture of everything that I’m taking (and yes, it all does fit into the backpack):

Here’s a list of the things that I’m bringing, by category:

Storage

Clothing

Shoes: Rockport waterproof leather cap toe oxfords

Sandals

Blazer

Vest

Tie

Bow tie

2 pairs of jeans – 1 black, 1 blue

1 pair of pants

Belt

3 pairs of shorts – 2 workout, 1 regular

2 wrinkle-free shirts

3 undershirts

4 t-shirts

Wool sweater

Down jacket

Down vest

4 pairs of Uniqlo Airism underwear

4 pairs of no-odor light wool socks

Pair of thick socks

Unbranded watch

Electronics

Bathroom

Other

I’m only packing one pair of shoes because I feel that the Rockport waterproof leather oxfords that I bought look classy enough, but are also able to handle pretty much anything. The down jacket and vest from Uniqlo should keep me warm enough, and if not I have a few extra layers to help me out.

I thought for a long time about whether I should or should not bring a DSLR (or even mirrorless camera). I decided that the DSLR would be too large, conspicuous, and heavy, and would be more of a burden than anything. I ended up selling my Fuji X-E1 setup and picked up a Sony RX100 Mk3 instead, which can shoot photos that are just about as good as a DSLR + kit lens, but is infinitely more compact and discreet.

Over the past month that I’ve lived with this minimal amount of stuff, I’ve felt extremely liberated. The real challenge, however, is seeing if I’m able to do this for an extended period. By living with so little, it’s easy to see all the things I’ve taken for granted all throughout my life, and I’m already infinitely more thankful for everything that I have.