The New York Times recently posted a review and reflection of the “6 Items or Less Project” that almost 250 people around the country and world are taking part in. The project is simple- pick 6 items out of your closet and wear only those for one whole month (The challenge didn’t limit accessories or shoes). After the project was over, many participants noted changes to the way they felt about their out of control closets, how others preceived them, and a common relaxation that set in over not agonizing about what to wear every morning.
While I’m not sold on the whole pairing down my wardrobe to only 6 items for my every day life, I am interested in how it relates to packing and traveling.
It seems that everyone is fixated on how much they can shove into their carry on. And I’ll admit, I too was impressed with Heather Poole and her 10 days in a carry on. So much so, that before my RTW trip, I rolled and stuffed and squeezed the air out of my travel bags so I could fit more, more and even more into my carry on. I also was in constant deliberation with myself- going back and forth about what to bring, what not to bring, how many times could I wear something, was it “too special”, would I be upset if it got ruined, and so on and so on.
6 travel lessons learned from the “6 Items or Less Project”:
1.) Less (Back) Problems. The effects of carrying such a heavy bag on your back, posture and mood are reasons enough to pack lighter.
2.) Less Weight. Traveling around the world and now in the U.S. as well, different airlines have different weight limits for their carry on and checked bags. These weight limits were a costly experience for us, and I would have much rather had a nice dinner or snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef again for the same price as some of these charges.
3.) Less Laundry. Technically you might have to do laundry more often, but with fewer clothes the overall time spent washing will be far less. No one wants to spend a day in Italy doing laundry- trust me, we had to do it! Which brings me to my next point…
4.) More time. Sightsee, spend an extra hour over coffee and a pastry in a cafe or rest up! Since you only have a few items to choose from, getting ready every morning should be a breeze; some of the participants created a uniform of 6-10 looks that they could always put on, taking the question out of what to wear.
5.) More room for souvieners. (Maybe the most fun of all the lessons!) You’ll need accessories to wear with your small selection of clothes, so buy a sarong in Mexico or a beanie in Iceland. Personally, I have always loved the idea of buying jewelry whenever I travel. It’s special and tells a story and someone will always ask you where you got it, allowing you to relive your travels.
6.) More Money. Almost all the particapants noted that they saved a significant amount of money during their month of the project because there was no need to shop for what might happen in the future, only to shop for the necessities of the moment. I think a lot of the time, travelers who are on an extended backpacking trip feel like they need to pack specific clothes best suited for only one or two activities (ie a rash guard or a fancy dress), but, since the majority of the trip these items will not be utilized, they can be bought on an as needed basis. This technique stresses not to buy for the unexpected- buy for the right now. The unexpected might not happen and then you’ll have spent money for nothing.
What do you think about the project? Would you limit your suitcase to only 6 items?
(photo via.)
