The Less-Is-More Stuff That Travel Dreams Are Made of

Summary

The provided content offers practical advice on decluttering and minimizing personal belongings to facilitate a year abroad, emphasizing the benefits of a simpler lifestyle aligned with the mindset of travel.

Abstract

The article "The Less-Is-More Stuff That Travel Dreams Are Made of" from the book "Let’s Leave the Country! A Guide to Your Family Year Abroad" by Jacqueline Jannotta, discusses the importance of reducing physical and metaphorical "stuff" to make international travel and living abroad more feasible. It suggests a gradual approach to decluttering, recommending that readers limit the acquisition of unnecessary items and time major purchases to coincide with their return from abroad. The author reflects on their own experience of downsizing before a year in Genoa, noting the emotional challenges and eventual liberation of letting go of possessions. The piece advocates for a minimalist mindset, drawing a parallel between traveling light and living with essential items, and encourages readers to be inspired by those who can pack efficiently for long journeys. The article is part of a series sharing tips from Jannotta's book, aiming to prepare families for the adventure of living abroad.

Opinions

The author believes that consumer culture burdens individuals with excess possessions, which can hinder the desire to travel and live abroad.
Decluttering is presented as a process that, while emotionally taxing, ultimately leads to a sense of freedom and ease, particularly when preparing a home for renters.
The article suggests that delaying big purchases can be financially strategic, allowing for better investments upon returning from a year abroad without the worry of wear and tear from renters.
The author implies that the act of decluttering is not only practical for travel preparation but also a valuable life skill that promotes simplicity and minimalism.
There is an appreciation for the efficiency and wisdom of travelers who can pack lightly for extended periods, viewing them as role models for managing personal belongings.

Tips from my book “Let’s Leave the Country! A Guide to Your Family Year Abroad”

Photo by ©jondpatton from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com

Wanderlust is seductive. It mixes the musings of the mind, the excitement of the heart, and the willful desire to move in a perfect fusion that translates to “Let’s go see the world!”

But for many of us who were conditioned by Western culture, that desire to explore the world is hampered by a ball and chain. And the ball at the end of that chain is “stuff.” Sure, stuff could be metaphorical: the responsibilities and relationships in life. But it’s also literal:

The consumer-driven culture we live in weighs us down with too much physical stuff.

And for anyone who entertains the dreamy possibility of doing a year abroad while renting out their native-land home, getting a handle on excess stuff is key. Offloading and minimizing one’s stuff will make it so much easier when it comes time to take flight for that adventure abroad.

This week’s “Save It for Someday” tip to nudge you toward your wanderlust is something you can do over time. And it will feel good no matter when, how, or even if you decide to pursue a year abroad:

Gradually cull excess stuff in your home and limit the further acquisition of unnecessary items. This will spare you a bigger headache down the road when you prepare your house for renters.

and

If you have a sense for how far in the future your adventure will be, make big purchases accordingly. If you hold on to your old computer, car, or couch for just another year or two, then you can spend your money on a better, newer model when you return from the year abroad. (And you won’t care so much about wear and tear from renters.)

When we were in “decluttering” mode in the months before we left for our year in Genoa, Marie Kondos books had not come out yet and we didn’t know to ask whether something “sparks joy.” Instead, we followed other practical questions when deciding what to get rid of.

To be honest, culling one’s crap is a mixed bag. It takes time and effort. And when you re-examine some of the stuff you’ve held on to — out of guilt, obligation, or laziness — it forces you to face some unpleasant truths. But once those boxes are loaded up and off to the recycle bin or the donation center, it feels FANTASTIC as this blog post from our adventure attests to.

You might think a prompt to declutter one’s home is unrelated to the subject of travel. Far from it. Paring down to the essential items in life — good food, shelter over one’s head, and the simple tools to help you function better — is a foundational mindset for travel.

Those who know the secret of traveling light are masters at fitting what they need for a three-month adventure into a single, small suitcase. May they be an inspiration to us all. Because once we embrace the simplicity and minimalism of the stuff in our lives, packing becomes a breeze and life gets so much easier.

And I write about other “stuff” too;-)

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