One suitcase or bust

Why ‘does it spark joy?’ doesn’t necessarily work.

Listening to a friend’s interview on ABC Radio about how she and her family moved from Canada to Tasmania with just one suitcase each, I thought to myself, ‘No way I could do that!’ But as I listened, I realised I have done exactly that—and more than once.

From my sudden departure from Dubai after building a life there for over 7 years (read that story here), to setting off to teach in South Korea with only a suitcase, and then landing in Australia in 2022 with just two suitcases (and a carry-on), my life has been a series of “resets”. Not all were planned either. 

Was it easy? Absolutely not. 

I am the first to admit I love my ‘stuff’. And I really love my clothes (as evidenced here by my endless journey to declutter my closest and life!). 

Despite the fact that I have, not once but thrice, moved overseas with only a few suitcases, it’s not something I actually enjoy doing. Each time, it’s been a struggle and battle of emotions of what to bring and what to leave behind. 

And each time I do it, I simultaneously feel the trauma of leaving behind so much of what I have lived with and loved, and horrified at just how much stuff I have (and that I cling to). 

Listening to other peoples’ stories of leaving their home country for a new start (like Eagranie’s story), I often find myself reacting with some envy. How do others seem so willing and able to just walk away from their things? How can they so easily discard items and feel okay about it?

Does the fact that I hate the idea of parting ways with all my stuff make me a terrible and shallow person?

Research and studies have shown that too much physical clutter can actually be bad for our mental health. While physically feeling like it can weigh us down, it can do the same mentally. 

Living in a calming, clutter free environment can result in a calm and clutter free mind. When our spaces are orderly and filled with things we love, it can result in a person feeling happier and lighter. 

So why do I resist getting rid of more of my ‘stuff’? 

Is it possible to discuss decluttering and getting rid of things without referencing Marie Kondo? It would seem not, as I’m about to quote the famous organiser who developed the KonMari Method®. 

Rule 6 of her Tidying Rules is “Ask Yourself if it Sparks Joy”. According to the KonMari Method®:

“… Your feelings are the standard for decision-making—specifically, knowing what sparks joy. To determine this when tidying, the key is to pick up each object one at a time and ask yourself quietly, “Does this spark joy?”

But what if your answer to every object is ‘YES!’?

What if I think that all of my things bring me joy? (I mean, isn’t that why I have them?) 

Let’s take some examples:

This $2 decorative plate from Kmart – does this bring me joy?

You’re damn right it does! This little piece of ceramic joy is the perfect size to hold my rings and spare safety pins. And its dusty pink colour fits right in with the other items in my room. 

What about the old sweatshirt that I have had since … I don’t know when and that I only wear in the winter to bed?

Can I get a hell yeah this brings me joy? Talk about the most perfect combination of comfort and warmth. It’s just the right weight so as not to be too warm to wear to bed and the perfect level of worn-in that makes it so comfortable to wear as winter pj’s. 

What about this french market basket that has pride of place on my closet shelf?

Joy! Joy! Joy! Every time I imagine myself living as a Parisian woman visiting a market at le weekend, this basket is exactly what I picture myself holding. How could that not bring me joy?

You see? Joy all around. 

So how could I possibly choose what to fit into just one suitcase?

I suppose the question now comes down to: If I was facing another ‘life reset’ in which I could only take with me one suitcase of items, what would I choose? 

Or, is the question, could I choose?

Could I look at my beloved items with joy, thank them and only pack the necessary items?

Well, maybe this story will answer that question.

Not long ago, our neighbourhood and home were threatened with a bushfire. When we were told we had to evacuate, the panic was real. Looking around our house and running from room to room, grabbing what we could – did I feel a sense of confidence that this was just ‘stuff’ and all replaceable?

No. No, my dear reader, I did not. 

I feel that this should be the part of the story where I feel a bit ashamed that my natural reaction to “Get out! Save yourself!” was to wonder how many pairs of shoes I could get in the backseat of my car. 

So, back to my original question. Am I just a shallow, selfish person who finds joy in things rather than in experiences and people? 

Well, despite the fact that I made an honest effort at getting as much stuff into the vehicle as I could and safe from impending fire (by the way our home and neighbourhood were spared from the flames), in the end, I knew that just my partner and passport would’ve been enough. 

Having done a ‘life reset’ three times now, I know that had everything gone up in flames, I would be able to start over. 

If it came to it, I could rebuild and move on without my worldly possessions. I’ll never be a monk in the woods with nothing but my joy, and I’m okay with that. 

If I had to do a “one-suitcase-life-rest” again, I’d probably find a spot for my Kmart dish and old sweatshirt. To misquote Marie Kondo, if it sparks joy, you gotta put it in the suitcase. 

Hey, I’m Heather! A part-time writer and full-time shopper. When I’m not shopping or attempting to declutter my life, I am managing marketing for a SAAS company. Thanks for stopping by!