It is understood that the Tiny life is one of minimal possessions and a dynamic understanding of need -vs- want. That extends, of course, to traveling as well. It is also essential to anyone renting a tiny house and wanting to thoroughly enjoy the downsized experience. One of your best tools in staying tiny on-the-go is understanding how to pack tiny and these packing tips will help you travel light, save money, and make your experience comfortable.
CLOTHING
By now we’ve all heard of a “capsule wardrobe” in which your entire wardrobe consists of staple pieces in coordinating colors that number 30 items or fewer, including shoes and even accessories. This sort of clothing allows you to layer and create multiple outfits with minimal pieces. An example travel capsule wardrobe for men might include:
- One pair denim jeans
- One pair khakis/chinos
- One pair flat-front shorts
- One Oxford button down
- One patterned button-up
- Two neutral colored t-shirts
- One graphic tee
- One neutral color, lightweight sweater
- One light jacket
- One pair of casual boots
- One pair of athletic sneakers
- One pair of flip-flops or sandals
- One navy blazer (wrinkle-free)
- Seven pairs of boxer briefs (wicking)
- Seven pairs of cotton socks
- One reversible belt
DRINKING WATER
This may sound like a luxury but traveling overseas or even in some remote, off-grid locations, clean water can be at a minimum. Packing something like a SteriPEN Ultra Water Purifier can make a huge difference in your comfort and your global footprint. Powered by an internal battery that’s recharged from any USB power source this SteriPEN purifies 16 fl.oz. of water (cold or warm) in less than a minute. It is also advisable to carry along a good water container such as the 27-ounce Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Bottle.
READING MATERIAL
A number of tiny houses don’t have DirecTV or even a television set. Entertainment is the great outdoors. If it rains though that can make for a long, dull day. Carrying books, a journal, CDs, and DVDs, can completely negate your tiny on-the-go ideals. To battle that, carry along a well-stocked iPad Mini or iPhone. A 128 Gb iPad Mini or even a 64 Gb iPhone can do a lot to stave off boredom. From books to movies to concert recordings to notepad apps, either of these devices can provide functionality and entertainment at the push of a button. Did we mention they are pretty adept cameras as well?
PORTABLE POWER
With so much of our daily life depending on wired technology, it has become almost necessary to pack portable power as well. The Tzumi – PocketJuice Endurance 12000 mAh Portable Charger is perfect for charging your mobile device when you are on-the-go! The Endurance 12000 delivers up to four full cell phone charged or two iPad mini charges. It is also equipped with two USB ports for multiple device charging.
HYGIENE
While you could take a laundry soap bar, some waterless shampoo, and a travel bottle of body wash, a good, locking bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap will resolve all of your cleaning needs; face, body, hair, dishes, laundry, and more. And because it is so highly concentrated it only takes a small amount for any application. Carry along a travel pack of wet wipes and you can stay bacteria-free and be smelling fresh in a number of situations.
HEADLAMP
There is nothing worse than having to run out to your car at night with only the light of the moon or trying to read next to a sleeping partner or roommate. The correct response to these issues is a reliable headlamp like the Black Diamond Spot. Weighing just 3 oz. but with 300 lumens of adjustable power, this headlamp is perfect for your traveling needs. It can easily be stuffed into a corner of your backpack or carry-on and functions as a great light source as well as an emergency tool. Lighting features include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night-vision and lock mode.
STUFF SACK
There are so many occasions that call for a bag or sack. Whether it be grocery shopping or carrying a few trinkets home or even just hauling some clothes to the laundry mat, a good stuff sack is essential. A cloth sack is preferred as they are better for the environment and no matter what size they are usually more than capable of just being forced into an open nook or cranny in your backpack.
LEATHERMAN TOOL
This is an item that really needs no introduction. It is the grandfather of multi-use and fits a number of devices into its small casing. The downside is that it cannot be carried on your person or in a carry-on bag if you are flying. If you are driving to your tiny house destination you should have the Leatherman Surge, to be sure! A 21-took arsenal, the Surge houses a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, pliers, a serrated saw blade, a can opener, scissors, a knife blade, and more!
PERSONAL PAPERWORK
Aside from a Driver’s License or a Passport, there are documents that should be carried with you in all traveling situations. A photo ID, a ‘next of kin’ card, a health insurance card, a medical card, a recent photograph, and a travel itinerary should be with you. Two methods of carrying should be employed: digital and analog. The digital version should be a simple USB flash drive kept in a waterproof bag while the analog version is just paper copies of the aforementioned documents, also kept in a waterproof bag. These are simple items to overlook but per weight capita, could prove to be the most important.
A SENSE OF ADVENTURE
Amidst all this packing and keeping up with your things while not sacrificing your personal values, you should remember to carry with you a sense of adventure. Be willing to try new foods, see new sights, and talk to new people. Enjoy your travels. The world is your living room. Get comfortable!
