Downsizing

Built into my master plan for traveling light was the idea of having less stuff as we make it through the months of travel. This served two purposes: 1) to make room for the unavoidable items we're sure to collect along the way, and 2) for that rewarding feeling when the packing and re-packing actually gets easier over time. I know that second one is a little silly, but I was confident it would matter, and I have already proven myself right. (Self-fulfilling prophecy FTW!)

There's the obvious stuff, like using up toiletries. I went ahead and packed enough soap and deodorant to last us quite a while despite knowing we could buy it anywhere. And all those random hotel lotion bottles we've gathered over the years? Well, I've already gone through a few. BAM! Bonus room in my bag, just like that. Yes, I am easily amused. Why do you ask?

The same goes for homeschooling items. We'll be doing a lot online, but some physical books and papers really needed to come with us. And already, Story and I read a fun book set in London, and that book is now nestled in a little free library next to our Edinburgh AirBnB, waiting for the next kid to come along and read it.

We've also lost a couple of things unintentionally. RIP dark blue water bottle. Your time with us was too brief. I hope some rando on the train between York and Edinburgh is treating you well. And goodbye also to my Wallet Ninja, which is acceptable to the TSA but evidently not to the Scottish equivalent.

I'll tell you what, though. It sure is easy to not get too frustrated about losing things when there's also a sense of relief that you no longer have to carry it!