I’m a minimalist. Sometimes people can’t understand why I minimize certain parts of my life but it’s like a drug for me. I love simple.
I’ve been doing some traveling lately and I hate checking bags. I want to just take a small roller carry-on and my computer bag. If I have to take more than that, the trip is not worth it and I am probably spending way too much money.
Six months ago I bought a Scrubba. It’s a small green laundry wash bag that has changed my life when I travel. No matter how long the trip I minimize a lot of my clothing because I can easily launder clothing in my hotel room. I include only 2 pairs of garments (awkward moment: this is the first time I have ever publicly talked about my underwear, but I’m an active Mormon so no surprise what kind of underwear I have). Okay, to be completely honest I actually pack 3 pairs just in case one is still drying and something dramatic happens to the pair I am wearing (yes, I’m potty trained). I have never used the 3rd pair.
You think washing your clothes is too much work while you travel? Again, I’d rather take 5 minutes to wash clothes than lug around a suitcase the size of Texas, full of dirty celestial undies.
Here’s the trick…
Right before I get in the shower, I put yesterday’s soiled clothes in the Scrubba, add a little detergent and water according to the instructions (side note: you want to pack a little baggie of powder detergent. Liquid detergent might be difficult getting through airport security). I then let out remaining air in the Scrubba and close it up. Next I throw it on the floor of the shower. As I shower, I give the Scrubba a few kicks and stomps here and there to get things clean. At the end of my shower I then take each item out of the wash bag and quickly rinse. I then hang the clothes in the hotel closet, place a towel on the floor to catch the drips. Within 12-24 hours my undies smell fresh and are ready for a day’s wear.
I recommend wearing Dri-Lux (dry release) garments because they dry quickly. Cotton garments may take longer than 24 hours to dry unless you wring them out with a towel (the minimalist in me hates that extra step, so I go with Dri-Lux. Mesh fabrics dries fast as well, but I’m not a fan of mesh. You can use it for other articles of clothing as well.
I also use the Scrubba at home from time to time for clothing that I prefer being hand-washed.
7 comments
Hey, that’s sweet. I did the “no-baggage challenge” on a trip to DC and another to Boston. http://blog.jwashburn.com/2013/01/my-no-baggage-challenge-in-washington-dc.html
Seems like you’ve got it down pat. And I’m excited to try out the Scrubba!
Thanks for the cool article!
“throw on the floor of the shower”?? The wording of this bothers me a little bit. I don’t like to just throw my garments “on the floor”.. During first temple trips I have heard counsel to take care of garments and treat them like they’re “special”, including specifically to not just toss them on the floor.
Sure my hamper sits “on the floor” but it’s different than garments just in the floor of the closet etc…
Will, you’re right. Garments definitely should be given special care. Kurt’s throwing the Scrubba on the floor. It might have garments inside, but he’s not throwing them directly on the floor.
Don’t get lost in the wording. I’m sharing my own experience of how I manage my travel. I’m not trying to make a statement about how garments should or should not be treated. I’ll leave that up to each individual’s discretion.
I hope you found the article helpful.
The same results can be had with a simple drybag– $15-20 at any outdoors store
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I started 3 months ago of living a minimalist life. I surely love it. I love this article. Thank you so much for sharing.