Episode Summary: "We're sharing what it's REALLY like to live out of a suitcase (travel capsule packing tips!)"

In this engaging episode of Sustain This!, hosts Alyssa Beltempo, Christina Mychas, and Signe Hansen delve deep into the realities of living out of a suitcase. They explore effective travel capsule packing strategies, share personal experiences, and offer valuable tips for maintaining a versatile and intentional wardrobe while on the move.

1. Living Out of a Suitcase: Personal Experiences

Alyssa Beltempo shares her extensive experience of living abroad in Italy for seven and a half months. Unlike typical short-term travelers, Alyssa navigated varying seasons and the complexities of traveling with her cat. She explains, “[...] I brought one medium suitcase and a carry-on, and we're good with that” (02:35).

Christina Mychas contrasts her approach by being a "carry-on only gal," emphasizing the challenges and benefits of minimalist packing. The hosts discuss the necessity of balancing personal needs with practical travel requirements, especially when factoring in elements like traveling with pets.

2. Core Capsule vs. Outfits Planning

The conversation highlights the core capsule approach versus traditional outfit planning. Alyssa emphasizes starting with versatile core pieces that can be mixed and matched throughout the trip. She states, “I started by packing a core set of items that I knew would carry me from December all the way to June” (02:53).

Christina adds her strategy of packing individual items rather than complete outfits to enhance flexibility and reduce the likelihood of overpacking. She explains, “I found that always made me overpack like without fail because it's like, oh, now I need like four or five different tops rather than having three or four really good ones that can interchange and mix and match” (07:05).

3. Maximizing Versatility with Clothing Pieces

Both hosts discuss the importance of selecting versatile clothing items. Alyssa’s core capsule included two pairs of jeans, a button-up shirt, long-sleeve merino tops, and running shoes. She highlights the value of choosing pieces that serve multiple purposes: “I've worn everything and I've brought with me. Like there was nothing that didn't serve a purpose” (06:11).

Christina emphasizes versatility further by selecting items that can be dressed up or down, such as a blazer that transitions seamlessly from casual daywear to evening attire. She shares, “I like to do something that can kind of dress up and dress down” (11:10).

4. Prioritizing Footwear in Packing

Footwear plays a crucial role in the hosts’ packing strategies. Alyssa admits, “my footwear to clothing ratio is usually pretty high because shoes are like the biggest game changer in switching up your vibe” (14:49). She prioritizes shoes that can enhance different looks, even if they take up more space in her suitcase.

Christina echoes this sentiment, noting that a good pair of shoes can add significant interest and versatility to simple outfits. She mentions her love for playing with shoe styles to create varied looks: “I really do like to play with the shoe... to add a lot of interest” (28:24).

5. Avoiding Overpacking: Strategies and Mindset

To combat the temptation of overpacking, Alyssa introduces the “play it out strategy,” which involves envisioning worst-case scenarios to assess the actual necessity of each item. She explains, “playing it out as you're packing... is very helpful to avoid overpacking” (08:06).

Christina reinforces the idea by focusing on packing items that are essential and versatile, thereby mitigating the urge to fill every available space in her suitcase: “Laundry is the secret hack” (33:25).

6. Handling Seasonal Changes and Collaboration with Friends/Family

Alyssa discusses the logistical challenges of packing for multiple seasons, especially during extended travel periods. To manage this, she shipped heavy winter items home and utilized the support of friends and family. “[...] utilize your friends and family as often as possible, if that's possible” (04:59).

This collaborative approach allowed her to maintain a minimalist suitcase while still having access to necessary seasonal clothing when needed.

7. Dealing with Boredom in a Capsule Wardrobe

Living with a limited wardrobe can lead to boredom, but the hosts share creative solutions to keep outfits fresh. Alyssa found that repeating outfits with slight variations, such as changing belts or shoes, helped mitigate monotony. She notes, “the more I outfit repeated, the less bored I was” (25:38).

Christina adds that experimenting with different pairings and accessories can breathe new life into basic pieces, ensuring that the capsule remains exciting and functional.

8. Practical Packing Tips for Successful Capsule Wardrobe

Alyssa’s Top Three Tips:

1. Avoid New or Unfamiliar Items: “Don't pack anything that is new to you or that you don't know how to style” (31:48).

2. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette: “Choosing a color palette is key, because then everything really does work together” (31:48).

3. Do Laundry on the Go: Bringing eco-friendly laundry strips allows for washing clothes in sinks, extending the usability of the packed items. “Laundry is the secret hack” (33:25).

Christina emphasizes the importance of versatile pieces and suggests prioritizing items that can be mixed and matched easily to maximize outfit options without overpacking.

9. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the benefits of living out of a suitcase, such as increased resourcefulness and a deeper appreciation for versatile clothing. Alyssa shares her anticipation to return to her full wardrobe, particularly missing items like sandals and structured trousers that she found highly functional and enjoyable.

Christina highlights the joy of playing with accessories and shoes once the weather warms up, reinforcing the idea that thoughtful packing can enhance both travel experiences and personal style.

Notable Quotes

• Alyssa Beltempo: “I started by packing a core set of items that I knew would carry me from December all the way to June” (02:53).

• Christina Mychas: “Laundry is the secret hack” (33:25).

• Alyssa Beltempo: “Don't pack anything that is new to you or that you don't know how to style” (31:48).

This episode provides a comprehensive look into the practicalities and philosophies behind minimalist packing for long-term travel. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first extended trip, Alyssa, Christina, and Signe offer actionable insights to help you create a functional and stylish travel capsule wardrobe.