What I packed: three months living from a duffle bag

Mar 19

Previously living in 240 square feet with my husband already qualified me as a minimalist. But when I left my job to pursue creative work and relocated from San Francisco to New York City, all the change in the air had me very cautious about signing a long-term lease. Instead, we put our belongings in storage and became digital nomads for the summer—staying in Airbnbs and living out of our duffle bags. Here's what I packed:

Travel bags

These containers from the Spacepak system are perfect for frequent travelers because you can stay organized and find what you need without disturbing everything and having to re-fold. The big bag for clothes has two compartments so you can keep your dirty laundry separate and then easily carry it to the laundromat. You can even throw them in with the wash (but probably don't dry them).

Duffle bag—Everlane

Spacepak System:

Flight 001: clothes, toiletries, undies, makeup
Amazon (exact styles not available): clothes in dots or stripes, toiletries, undies, makeup

Clothing + shoes + accessories

Packing a single duffel bag for this 3-month trip took forever because I needed to meet with business clients, survive the NYC summer heat, and attend two weddings—all without easy access to laundry or an iron. The hardest part: choosing only two pairs of shoes.

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I didn't intend for this post to be an Everlane ad, but alas I love their mission, style, and pricing so 80% of my wardrobe is from there. Essentially the clothing I packed is a capsule wardrobe—very basic, interchangeable items that are well fitted and avoid fashion trends.

Everlane also has a men's shop→

Psst: Use my referral link to sign up for Airbnb and get $55 off your first trip!

Airbnb

Toiletries + makeup

TOILETRIES MOSTLY FROM AESOP

My husband and I share a few of these items. Soap does not need to be gendered!

Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Masque
Classic Shampoo
Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste
In Two Minds Facial Cleaners
Parsley Seed Antioxidant Facial Toner
Aveda Smoothing Fluid
Lucent Facial Concentrate
Fabulous Face Oil
Control
Body Shop wooden comb and scrub brush
Dollar Shave Club razor

MAKEUP

ILIA foundation
NU Evolution concealer
Urban Decay eyeliner + mascara
YSL Couture Brow
Bite Beauty primer + lipstick

Purged items

Let's just say the first few moves between Airbnbs were brutal. I smartened up and off-loaded a bunch of things as I went that seemed essential at the start.

Sneakers—I was wearing them less than once a week which wasn't enough to justify the bulk.
Yoga mat—I found a great studio that provided them.
Dress for anniversary—we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary and I left the dress in our storage unit afterwards.
Camera tripod—per usual I was too ambitious for my own good.
Travel mug—I'm trying to live slower and not eat or drink on the go.
Sweats—when I arrived in NYC in June there were some chilly nights but that ended abruptly!