benefit #15 – less luggage

it’s no small secret among those who know me best that when it comes to trips, i am a lousy packer.  i pack too much (and still manage to forget something).  our family of two adults and two small children (5 & 1 at the time) once took six large suitcases for a christmas vacation to family – and all six were delayed by the airline. 

but one of the unforseen benefits of becoming minimalist is that it has made packing for trips much easier and much lighter.  plainly stated, we just don’t pack as much stuff.  and surprisingly, our vacation wasn’t ruined by taking less items – it became more enjoyable.  less luggage to the car and through the airport, more room in the hotel rooms, and less time repacking to come home were just some of the things that made this summer’s vacation better by packing lighter.  and now that the airlines are charging extra for the second bag (and sometimes the first), it has also become cheaper as well.

related posts:

• benefit #10 – possessions do not equal joy
• benefit #11 – easier souvenir shopping 
• full list of minimalism benefits

more related posts:

1. benefit #12 – easier to entertain
2. benefit #26 – drop-by guests, no sweat
3. benefit #14 – visually appealing
4. benefit #11 – easier souvenir shopping