Last August, Leandra packed enough clothes for eight days, seven nights into a carry-on suitcase. (If you’re a proud over-packer who thinks it can’t be done, hello, welcome.) Because the concept sounds nice in theory but proves harder than you’d expect in execution, we’re re-sharing her method just in case you’re currently reading this when you should instead be packing.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who pack and those who free-ball. That is, those who pack few to none of their belongings before setting sail. The irony of those who free-ball is that in spite of what seems like spontaneity — a sort of laissez-faire attitude that enables the free-baller to seamlessly transport himself from point A to point B — this traveler is meticulous. Calculated. Planned.
I know this because I have taken to heart advice my dad once gave me — that stuff ruins trips — and turned it into a life goal I consistently try to re-achieve. No matter the destination, the time span for which I will be away and the enumerable and profound Instagram opportunities that might be presented, I take a carry-on. Because here’s the thing: if you master the art of free-balling, you don’t actually have to compromise anything. On the contrary, what you’re left with is a newfangled understanding (or perhaps appreciation) for those who hail from the Camp of Marie Kondo.
My dad was marginally correct when he said that stuff ruins trips, Kondo, however was downright enlightened to declare that one should eliminate any object that does not give them joy from their lives.
What you’ll find above is a slideshow cataloging 15 of the outfits that emerged from the small rolley-bag pictured in slide 1. Granted, I had an advantage (a trip requiring mostly bathing suits, zero pants, and no real need for shoes beyond those of the slipper variety), but this brings up another question that’s really worth asking yourself: do you ever need shoes beyond those of the slipper variety?
While you attempt to answer that, enjoy the slideshow, read the captions, and ask me any questions that might be lingering with regards to the Clown Car Suitcase That Could. I have one question for you, by the way: are you headed somewhere?
