I just finished the 100 Thing Challenge, and it made me think. About 3 weeks into the project, I realized that I hadn’t used a lot of the items on my list. There might be enough room on the list that I could follow the examples of others and have only 100 things, period.
Even though I don’t see this actually happening, I think that it will be a good exercise for me as I continue to examine what I really need in my life. Also, a version of this list may end up being my packing list for some of the goals that I mentioned here.
Recently I realized that I still had a number of items on my list that I hadn’t used yet. I was only keeping them for special occasions, which don’t come up very frequently. In essence, then, they were “just in case” items. As such, I’m sure that I could get by without them. And so I decided to see what my list would look like if I only owned the 100 things that on it (similar to the 10 Things list).
Only 100 Things
-
Clothes
- jeans
- jeans
- zip-off pants
- swim trunks
- pj pants, silk
- pj pants, fleece
- sanuks
- dress shoes, brown other
- belt, leather
- belt, fabric
- watch
- bandanna
- handkerchief, white
- underwear, group counted as 1 item
- socks, group counted as 1 item
- dress shirt
- dress shirt
- dress shirt
- dress shirt
- button shirt
- polo shirt
- polo shirt
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- running shirt, black
- running shirt, gray
- sweater
- sweater
- hoodie
- beanie
- glasses, prescription
- wedding ring
- pillow
- pillow case
- wallet
- chapstick
- keys
- sticky-note pad
- cell phone (incl: charger)
- razor (incl: brush, soap, stand)
- washcloth
- towel
- deodorant
- toothbrush
- electric clippers
- nail file
- backpack
- laptop (incl: mouse, power cord, headphones)
- camera (incl: case, charger, mini-tripod)
- Moleskine planner
- writing instruments, primarily fountain pen (incl: bottle of ink, needle for refill)
- 3-ring binder
- books, 2
- sketchbooks, 2
- cardboard tube – for transporting work from home to school on motorcycle
- art supplies, drawing
- art supplies, painting
- motorcycle (incl: saddle bags, t-bag)
- helmet
- boots, slip-on
- boots, lace-up
- doo rag
- jacket, leather flight
- gloves, leather
- gloves, neoprene
- rain suit
- polypro pants
- polypro shirt
- tools
- shoe box of mementos
- hammock
- tarp
- bug net
- sleeping bag
- sleeping pad
- stove – either JetBoil or home-made alcohol stove
- sauce pan and lid
- headlamp
- water filter
- spork
- stainless steel water bottle
- tupperware bowl
- pocketknife
Daily Use
Hygiene
Work
School
Transportation
Other
Camping Gear
Eat
One thing that I’ve always noticed about other people’s lists that I’ve found, is that they never take into account things like shelter and food. I feel that if you list everything that you own, but use a whole lot of other things on a regular basis, some might consider that “cheating”.
The above list tries to take this into account. Using the motorcycle as my base, I can travel just about anywhere that I wish to. The camping gear provides me with shelter and the ability to prepare food for myself. It might only provide a minimal life, but one of ultimate mobility. I would be able to sleep anywhere I could lay down or hang my hammock (which includes parks and under bridges in a pinch, or a friend’s porch.)
Well, I’m surprised. Even after adding basic camping gear, I still have extra room on my list. I’m sure that there are things I’m forgetting, and I know that more items would add to my comfort level. What do you think that I’m missing?
You make it sound so easy.
My question is, what about your wife? Would she like to hop on the back of your motorcycle and sleep wherever? Would you feel that she is as safe as you feel you are in the open like that?
What if you added kids to the mix?
My wife would enjoy a trip. We’ve gone camping lots of times, so she would be willing to do that, and we would be able to find places where we would be comfortable. She wouldn’t be up for this as a lifestyle, however, which is why this will remain a theoretical exercise.
It’s funny. I sold most of what I owned a few months ago in preparation for my future departure. But I still have WAY more than 100 things!
It’s interesting to look at your packing list because come next summer, I’m going to have to fit it all on the back of a bike as well.
Best of luck mate!