How I Evolved from Minimalist Traveler to Overpacker

Once upon a time, you could call me a minimalist traveler. I went places with practically one bag and the shirt on my back.

Some people say that less stuff will make you happier, as you don’t have things to worry about. It was easier, so why don’t I do it today?

You might be thinking of embracing a lifestyle with less stuff, or are on the fence. I’ll tell you all about my experience and how I evolved to having more. 

From Minimalist Traveler to Overpacker

I actually started a life with less. Fast forward to when I graduated from college, and I had just enough to get by. 

Everything I owned fit into my Honda Civic, which suited me just fine. 

I basically had one plate, one bowl, and one set of silverware. At that time, I didn’t even know about minimalist living, but I was practicing it.

I had no bulky furniture, no TV. All my clothes fit in one large laundry basket. 

I had nothing else except for a Caboodles makeup case and beauty items, some painting and drafting tools, a sewing machine and fabric, reading books, and a couple of pots and pans—basic stuff. 

Road Trips with Less

So as you can imagine, hitting the road was pretty easy. I could load up everything I owned and just go. No worrying about stuff holding me down.

I went on road trips, bounced from place to place, and slept in my car if needed. 

I’d use my uncle’s duffel bag, which he used while in the military. It was quite large and fit more than I needed.

Plus, I had the whole trunk that I’d throw my laundry basket with items in. I also had two other suitcases that I used, but they didn’t have much.

I carried two camping chairs that folded out, a few blankets, and maps.

When I needed something, I’d just buy it, but it had to be a need. Food, for example, was something I’d replenish often.

Clothes could be washed over and over. I had over enough to last a week, but that’s all I needed.

Staying Places

Like I mentioned, I slept in my car a few times. This was for a couple of reasons.

The first was that I used to drive until I got tired back then. Whether it was 200 miles or 500, I kept going until I could no longer go.

This wasn’t smart, but I was young. And I’d never recommend it. But treating my car like my house, I thought I’d just sleep anywhere.

So when I was traveling this way, a hotel might not even be around when I had to pull over and sleep. Plus, I was trying to save money.

For some reason, I felt that having less stuff gave me some kind of freedom. Meaning, I didn’t have to worry about anyone stealing my few things.

And when I did stay in hotels, I just had a bag. I didn’t have much to lug around, and that felt great.

Being Spontaneous

I don’t know if it had to do with my youth or lack of things. When my friends suggested we’d take a road trip, we’d just do it.

We’d plan very little, and I could pack very quickly. I didn’t have a lot to pack, so I could just throw it in a bag and go.

I didn’t have to worry about bringing so much stuff. And back then, you didn’t really need reservations for hotels and campgrounds. 

When you travel with just the bag on your back, it’s freeing. I felt a sense of not being tied down by anything.

And I’d say many of my friends were the same way. When I look back at how many road trips I took spontaneously, I shake my head.

It’s funny to think I actually traveled that way, compared to all the stuff I bring today.

The Why Behind It All

Some people embrace a life with less for religious or cultural reasons. They might seek a simple life.

Although I loved the simplicity of it all, one of the reasons I had less stuff at the time was that I really didn’t have the money to buy anything. I could only afford the basics.

And much of that was given to me by family. Plus, I was raised with not many things.

Sure, we had toys and things, but we never got spoiled with everything we wanted. So I got used to living with just enough and nothing more.

Plus, stuff had to be on sale or on discount, and buying things at full price was a sin in our household.

As you can imagine, I got used to this lifestyle. Once I left the house to go to college, I continued to live like this until I started making good money many years later.

Today I Live Differently

As the fruits of my labor started paying off, I started to buy more. I got a house, and of course, I needed to furnish it.

I could actually afford to buy things, and this was strange to me. Plus, I had friends who spent lavishly whether they had money or not.

But it’s hard to change after so many years. It actually took me several months before I furnished my house, as I didn’t see it necessary.

Also, I had this fear that the money would disappear for some reason. Again, conditioning from childhood…

Friends would come over and wonder why I lived in a house with nothing inside. It was so empty you could hear the echoes of your voice.

But after some time, I finally felt comfortable to buy things. I started buying furniture, more clothes, fancy shoes, and tons of books. 

Then all sorts of gadgets, accessories, office supplies, sewing stuff, gardening tools, sheet music, and instruments filled my house. 

I Do Not Travel Lightly

The days of traveling like a minimalist are deep in my past now. I have acquired too many things, and my needs have changed.

My mindset has changed. I suppose I’ve been listening to too many people who have corrupted me.

Well, you only live once. You might as well enjoy!

And I finally have the money to buy things I need and want without debating if I’ll need to save it to eat instead. 

Although it was much easier to travel lightly, with one suitcase or backpack, I have evolved. And that’s okay.

I like overpacking and bringing my just-in-case things. And it’s fun to buy shiny new objects and souvenirs that collect dust. 

Will I Go Back to Having Less?

First off, I wouldn’t say I have a house full of unnecessary things. I do a lot of sewing and crafting, so I use or backstock much of what I buy.

And now we have a camper van with everything we need to survive off the grid. I don’t believe we overdo it, but we could comfortably live out there.

I do have a lot of clothes and accessories. But a girl has got to live a little. 

And as far as packing goes, I’ll bring all the clothes I want to bring on a trip now. Yes, I’ll bring my extra-large suitcases and all the shoes I want!

That’s because I can. Before, I couldn’t afford more than a couple of outfits, even if I did sew.

And trust me, I’m thankful for it all. What a blessing to be able to buy more than the necessities without counting every dime! 

Final Thoughts

Although I lived and traveled as a minimalist at one time in my life, I’ve evolved. I loved the simplicity and freedom of it all.

However, I do love filling my bags to the brim with all the fun things I’ve bought. This helps my trips go better and puts a smile on my face, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

More About Travel

I have other related posts on my blog. You might want to check them out.

• I got an unconventional travel education after my elementary school teacher quit midyear.

• I’ll give you good reasons why you should take time off to travel.

• Do you want to know why I travel? I’ll give you my complicated answer.

I’d love to hear about your travel adventures.

Originally published: November 17, 2025