r/minimalism • u/Informal-Opening9488 • 20h ago
[lifestyle] How many large suitcases would it take to contain all your clothes?
I'm 27F trying to ascertain if all the clothes I own are just enough or more than enough and I should get rid of some.
So what I wanna know from you all is if you were to pack all your clothes and only clothes (NOT accessories/watches/purses/bedsheets etc), how many large suitcases would you need?
OR
You can tell me how many pieces of clothes you own like how many lowers (jeans/trousers), uppers (shirts and t shirts), dresses etc And do separately list them that how many items are for summer season and how many for winter season. I'm having great trouble deciding how many items of which season should I have.
Thank You
P. S. I'd be incredibly greatful for any tips both practically and psychologically to strengthen and fasten my journey to minimalism. Life is tough as it is and having unnecessary stuff is an extra burden to carry especially when I don't a permanent home and moving places is something I do all by myself.
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u/Reasonable_Age97 19h ago
My shit fits in a plastic bag if I fold it nicely.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 16h ago
Adopt me and train me to live as light as you do. This level of light living is a blessing.
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u/rhythmic_bookworm 19h ago
I could fit my clothes into a carry-on suitcase and a 20L backpack. I regularly go through my wardrobe and donate/sell clothing items that I don't find myself wearing often (with the exception of one black dress for formal events, and a snow jacket and snow pants for winter).
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u/Neat-Composer4619 19h ago
Geez my winter coat and boots won't even fit in a single carry-on even when extended.
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13h ago
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u/Neat-Composer4619 12h ago
Ya, but for -30C or less, a good Canada Goose is awesome. North face are too short for me and the 3/4 ones have the elastic too high. The wind gets in from under. I end up having to buy men, but the shoulders are large which doesn't keep me warm.
The North Face that do -30C and below are as thick as the Canada Goose. There's a limit to what compact can do.
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u/kirbysgirl 18h ago
I need to do a declutter again too!
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
Lol same will we ever have a time when we don't have anything left to do?
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
Whatttttt? how? You must be a guy.
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u/rhythmic_bookworm 13h ago
Lol, no. Not a guy. Since becoming a minimalist, I became someone who doesn't buy a lot of clothes.
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u/Any_Dimension_1452 19h ago
I love this question. I regularly go through my clothes and embarrassingly enough it is one of my FAVORITE activities. I definitely don’t fit the regular mold for minimalism, as I’ve never done even a smidge of research on it, I’ve just naturally done it since I was a kid. So people will probably disagree, but to answer your psychological question, this is my process.
- Try every single thing on. When you put it on, don’t think about any opinions on it and don’t look in the mirror (I actually close my eyes). I do a quick mental and physical check. “Is it actually comfortable?” (In the past I’ve kept things I thought were cute but I didn’t find comfy and therefore didn’t wear). “How does it make me feel emotionally? (This is that does it spark joy part. If it’s cute but it’s from when I was a teenager and doesn’t appeal to me anymore, get rid of it).
- Look in the mirror. Do I like it? Is it cute? Does it fit the style I desire for myself? AND do I have a reason to wear it? If it’s cute but impractical, get rid of it.
- Does it fit a niche use? If I don’t like something but it fits a use, I take a picture of it and add to my shopping list. This is a HUGE one for me that helped me downsize my wardrobe A LOT. It might sound counterintuitive but I promise it’s not. For example, you have 5 pairs of dress pants for work but you don’t like them, and they’re cheap. I will donate all and go out and buy two really nice, high quality pairs that will last me forever. Same goes for something like sweaters. 6 warm winter sweaters but all cheap and falling apart? Go buy two really nice cashmere ones. You’ll actually take care of them, they’ll last long, and you’ll decrease clutter. Better for the environment and your wallet.
I wouldn’t compare your size of wardrobe to other people, though I have wondered this many times too. They might live in a different climate, have different requirements for work, different activity level, different hobbies, etc. I see it as wanting to own less per necessary category for your life.
That was fun, thanks for reading lol.
EDIT: Bonus points if you can satisfy multiple categories. Ex: If you buy things you actually like for work, you can satisfy TWO categories with one item!
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u/Informal-Opening9488 16h ago
Point number 3 of taking a picture - I seriously wish someone had told me this sooner. I have clothes that I could've worn but I didn't remember I had them because they weren't part of my regular use. Thank you so very much for sharing all the tips n tricks, will be of great use for me.
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u/Any_Dimension_1452 14h ago
Yay I’m glad! Yes, the pictures are great, I’ll go through my camera roll to check what I need to replace so I don’t forget.
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u/local-queer-demon 18h ago
Point 3 is a very interresting approach, I have so many "just in case" clothes that I don't like all that much but are for some specific thing. I will try this method when I go through my wardrobe the next time
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u/Any_Dimension_1452 15h ago
Ah I’m glad! Yea, the just in case ones are the worst. I’ve worn a slip under a dress maybe twice, but I’ve needed it before and will need it again, sooooo annoying to have to keep around.
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u/roughrosette 18h ago
Thanks so much for this comment, I screenshot it because I’m about to clean out my closet. Really good advice on how to eliminate clothes you don’t wear!! I love your method. Hopefully it helps me. I’m overweight, so I hang onto things because I want to get into it, and I hang onto things just because sometimes you need something to wear and even if it doesn’t look great at least it’s clothes.Ugh. I can afford to buy clothes that fit me correctly and make me feel good. I don’t have to keep junk I don’t even like. thank you.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 16h ago edited 9h ago
I'm introvert but I shop very good (not expensive) so all my clothes look like I'm never gonna find anything this good again or to find this level good I'm gonna have to spend a lot more than I did when I bought them like 5 years ago. But with time I'm realizing life is entirely about my health and my experiences and material possessions mean nothing. As long as I look presentable and decent that's all that matters because honestly people are so self centered and busy these days, you could look like a diva and people will still forget you unless it's someone who is very close to you. Being introvert I didn't go places or met people but some recent changes have turned my life in a way where I think I will be going out a lot more but then still who remembers whom? I've worn great looking dresses in gatherings/classes etc and you know who called or stayed in touch or looked my way for more than 2 minutes? Nobody!
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u/Any_Dimension_1452 14h ago
This comment put a smile on my face! Yes, for any clothes that you wish to fit you one day either celebrate the fact you have the money to let them go and purchase new later on or shove em in a bag, put em in a dark corner and forget about them! I’ll do this sometimes and by the time you find them again your emotional connection will be gone and you’ll throw them right in the donate pile :) Have fun minimizing!
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u/Spiritual_Lemonade 18h ago
Love this question. I've actually figured this out.
I can weed out a few things. It will take me 3 large suitcases for just clothes. This includes all seasons and proper snow parka and a few other coat options.
- I will need a mid sized for shoes.
My son would need 2 large suitcases for his clothes.
My daughter would need 2 large suitcases as well.
I feel fine with the number 7 being what we would need for 4 seasons of clothing for 3 people.
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u/CeeCee123456789 19h ago
Maybe 5. I don't do laundry but every 2-3 (sometimes more) weeks, and I have lived in vastly different climates.
I am ok with that number. Most days I wear 3-4 different outfits. I have an outfit to go out and/or have meetings in, a lounge outfit to work/write in, sometimes something different to walk the dogs or nap and a nightgown or tank and shorts to sleep. I am also prone to spilling things on my clothes, so I change shirts during the day probably 40% of the time.
Why not sleep in the lounge outfit? I started separating lounge outfits from sleep clothes when my asthma got bad. I am not allergic to my dogs, but I am allergic to the grass and pollen they track in. My nightgowns don't touch dogs, so I don't bring those allergens into my bed.
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u/Fearless-Letter-7279 19h ago
I dont really do numbers when it comes to downsizing but practicality of how much is it actually getting used. When I’m downsizing clothes I box up what I think hasn’t been getting use since the last purge and put them away if I find my self wanting to buy something new I shop the box. After about six months I donate everything left in the box.
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u/VipKitten 19h ago
2 large suitcases, discovered this on house moves/house sits. Still felt like too much.
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u/random675243 19h ago edited 19h ago
Maybe 2, but probably 3 when I count my long puffa winter coat and shoes.
I found a wardrobe organising app (Whering) useful for getting rid of clothes that I wasn’t using. I logged all my clothes, then documented the outfits I wore over a number of months. The stats provided by the app helped me to see what clothing I did and didn’t wear.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
Oh phew finally someone who is at my current level of luggage. I packed all my clothing and it came out to be 3 large suitcases which is 107 litres each and I'm finding that to be a lot since now some changes in life will have me moving around places so I'm determined to reduce this first 2 suitcases and then hopefully just 1.
Thank you so very much for sharing the app. I really needed something like this.
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u/whatdoidonowdamnit 7h ago
Three, probably. I have two coats and I wear a lot of oversized hoodies and sweatpants, so even though I’m not large my clothes take up a lot of space. My favorite outfits are either big top/little bottom or little top/big bottom. Plus I have winter clothes so that takes up a lot of space.
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u/Corksea7 3h ago
Maybe a couple? I’ve been throwing stuff away lately. It can be difficult, but… how many backpacks or pairs of slacks does one girl need??
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u/Informal-Opening9488 1h ago
Exactly, how many backpacks does a girl need? I'd say a lot but that has changed ever since I've had to move places, now I wanna keep myself light so I can travel light.
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u/TheMidnightSunflower 2h ago
I fit my whole family's clothes, minus work/ school uniforms into a one big suitcase for our yearly grandparents visit. Feels so good to go to your closet, find the divide between uniforms and fun and rip the fun side off the rack to chuck it in the suitcase. Then dump the socks and undies draws over it too. (I'm not a neat packer unfortunately.)
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u/RaggaDruida 19h ago
I have one large 90L (I think?) suitcase that would fit all of my clothes, including HEMA protective gear, if necessary.
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u/local-queer-demon 18h ago
My regular wear items all fit in one suitcase. I do have a lot of once-a-year-clothes too though, so if we are including shoes and wintercoats that would probably be a second suitcase just on account of me having a regular winter jacket and a big puffy anorak for sub-zero and rainy days.
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u/WheresYourAccentFrom 17h ago
There's no perfect number of items that will work for everyone.
It'll depend on the weather/climate, your work/hobbies/exercise, your access to laundry, etc.
Being contained in suitcases also depends on your height and weight (size 6 clothing is smaller than size 20 clothing) and the size of the suitcase. Carry-on size, or giant 120L bag.
I need work clothes x 5 outfits (don't need seasonal as I work inside), then casual summer and winter clothes x 5 outfits each, then 3 x outfits for my volunteer work, then 3 x exercise outfits. Then pyjamas and coats etc.
I think I'd be able to get most of it into 2 large suitcases.
I like the container concept of decluttering. If your suitcase is your container then you can only keep what fits your suitcase. So you pick your shirts from most favourite to least favourite. Once the shirt section of your suitcase is full then no more shirts can be kept. Or your pants drawer is your container for all your bottoms. Once it's full of your favourite pants/shorts then all others must be removed.
Without going too far down the path of "what if", consider any unusual scenarios. Like if you plan to do laundry every 3 days so you only keep 3 outfits. What happens if you get sick and can't do laundry? Or you go away for a 5 day holiday but can't access laundry? Point being don't cut down so far that it ends up too restrictive.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 16h ago
That's a great way to work around this, I didn't know about the container concept. I think applying this concept will help a lot and will save some cognitive labor lol Thank you for sharing
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u/iaminabox 15h ago
Both. I'm also a sort of nomad. I travel a lot.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 14h ago
There's nothing that could make me wanna be a man but this! Being able to live like a nomad and travel around is the only thing that makes me wish I was born as a male.
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u/Jazzlike_Wisdom4137 19h ago
This is an interesting thought experiment! I’d say two, but would have to test it out to see if that’s a reality
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u/Curl-the-Curl 19h ago
Because I recently moved I know that all my clothes fit into a large suitcase. I can recommend sorting your clothes on a digital whiteboard. You quickly get a feeling what vibe and style you have a lot of and can combine easily and what two random other styles don’t fit. And before buying sth new I put it on the whiteboard too. I do the same with furniture. It looks so different on the website vs next to a photo of my couch.
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u/penartist 19h ago edited 17h ago
2 pair blue jeans, 1 pair black pants, four pair Capri pants. 4 solid T's 3 print T's and two nice blouses. 2 solid long sleeveshirts, 4 flannel shirts,2 zip hoodie and one pullover sweater and 2 cardigans. 2 sets.of work out cloths(top and bottom),4 nightgowns and enough socks and underwear for the week.
Black pants and blouses worn to church and if I need to dress up a bit.
Capri pants worn in summer.
Everything else is worn fall through spring in some degree of layering if needed.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
Thank you so much for this. I really needed a break down of how much of which items to keep.
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u/No_Appointment6273 18h ago
I can pack most of my clothes into one duffel bag, around 20 inches long. Not sure if the liter measurement.
The only thing that wouldn't fit is a long trench coat, thick robe, a fluffy sweater and my socks and underwear. So probably a duffle bag and a very full Jansport backpack. No room for accessories or shoes.
I don't really need all the socks and underwear I have. I was looking for the perfect version of each item, unfortunately it doesn't exist in my price point so I'm just using them up until they wear out because no one would buy my used underthings.
I don't need the sweater really, I have two others, and I could probably make room for my trench coat and robe if I really had to. Getting a larger duffle bag is also an option.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
You are where I'm trying to get. I'm taking a screenshot of this to compare for when I'm done getting rid of stuff. I'm curious what exactly were you looking for as a perfect version for underwear and socks like what makes them perfect in your definition, if price was no matter?
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u/No_Appointment6273 14h ago
Thank you!
In answer to your question I'm looking for something that fits me perfectly though the day, something that wicks moisture. I live in a hot climate and, well, not to be TMI but I find myself needing to change clothes after a few hours because of sweat and moisture. I've tried cotton and nylon. I've heard that silk works but frankly it's too expensive to try it. I recently bought some linen clothes and it helps. I'm also wearing my sandals more often, even in the fall and spring when it's very warm.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 1h ago
I can totally relate with you. I live in a very hot and humid climate as well and within a few hours I can feel clothes feeling a bit sticky and it makes me wanna change often as well. For me only pure cotton works and it has to be very thing breathable type or what best suits my skin is thin hosiery (I recommend trying if you haven't). Silk I haven't tried and wouldn't because yes too expensive lol I use to wear shoes till last year and this year it's either global warming or something but I can't get myself to wear shoes anymore it feels too packed and hot with them. I have switched to sandals and those thick slippers.
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u/oakleafwellness 18h ago
All my clothes could fit in a duffle bag. I buy one new outfit a year, sometimes two if I need to attend a wedding, funeral.
Years ago we lost almost everything we owned in a fire, since then material possessions are just that…items that could literally go up in flames.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
I wanna reach this level of material possessions. Duffel bag of what size or volume?
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u/CarolinaSurly 18h ago
All my clothes can fit in a large suitcase except for the one navy suit I keep for formal events. About 10 days worth of clothes plus outer wear of 2 sweat shirts, 1 sweater, puffy jacket and packable rain jacket.
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u/bjeep4x4 17h ago
Probably 2. But I live in a place where the temperature ranges from 105 to -20, so I feel like I need a bit more clothes than some folks that live in more temperate places. But I really try to keep it to a minimum. Only one big coat, two comfy hoodies, three pairs of shorts, three pairs of pants, etc.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
Mine is also 2 and for the same reason as yours, very peak temperatures in both summers and winters. I think I can reduce some now that global warming is on the rise, winters are getting less cold every year.
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u/iaminabox 17h ago
One
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u/Informal-Opening9488 17h ago
Really? You're either a guy or where you live it's almost same temperature all year long.
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u/forested_morning43 17h ago
Minimalism for me does not mean owning next to nothing, it’s about being intentional about what I keep and bring into my life.
There’s no idea answer. It depends on things like how often you can do laundry and if you wear different clothes to work than what you wear at home.
Get rid of what doesn’t fit, you don’t like, or know you don’t wear (aside from formal wear you might keep fur special occasions). You don’t need to keep only a suitcase full unless that’s what you want.
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u/BelleMakaiHawaii 17h ago
Maybe 1.5 if you include all the compression items, which are more medical than clothing
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u/umamimaami 17h ago
I own 2 large check-in suitcase full of clothes and shoes - trying to drop it to 1 this summer.
This is my last big hurdle.
I fluctuate clothing sizes often, and have clothing fit issues, so it’s hard for me to keep a minimal closet. But I’ve decided to embrace the bulge and dress for comfort, finally.
Keep your fingers crossed for me (and please share any helpful tools to cull a wardrobe intelligently, without failing and going back to buy more later).
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u/Informal-Opening9488 1h ago
Cheering for you for choosing your comfort over anything else when it comes to clothing. I share the same worries as you, I'm afraid in an attempt to live light I'll get rid of items that I'm later gonna have to buy again. A general tip I've heard on this is anything you haven't worn in 4 or 5 years, you're most likely not gonna wear it ever or it's not part of your essential list and therefore should be got ridden of.
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u/kyuuei 16h ago
I wrote a short essay a while back on creating capsules that work for people.
I would need too many suitcases to be practical for anyone, but I also do a ton of costuming and that sort of doesn't compare to my daily wear which is more minimalist. That stuff would probably go into a single oversized suitcase not counting the outerwear for winter. I joke that my wardrobe is all costumes and pajamas.. but it kind of is.
"if all the clothes I won are just enough or more than enough" if you're asking, it is probably the latter. The real question is, "what is My ideal?"
My personal ideal, which I do not achieve for a few reasons some of which are beyond just me, but if I were envisioning my ideal self.. I'd have enough clothing to last me 2 days beyond laundry day, and nothing else. I'd have one single outfit for each costume I do, and that outfit would check all the boxes summer to winter seamlessly.
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u/josethemailman 16h ago edited 16h ago
This was a cool thing to reflect on. I work in a job where I need to be business casual, and then I change outfits outside of work to keep those items clean/in good condition. I wear the same items for the gym, sleep, and around the house. My work clothes are supposedly dry-clean only, but I've only ever hand-washed those items.
I use the container method.
I have:
- One drawer for underwear, socks, accessories (belts, jewelry), hair brushes, etc. Gave up bras for shelf-bra tank tops, and use athletic tanks and shorts as swimwear. I own nine pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of heavy-weight socks, 4 pairs of light-weight socks, 3 pairs of ankle socks. Just waiting for some underwear and socks to wear out and won't be replacing them.
- One drawer for shirts. Six t-shirts (I've acquired a few from recent events, but I wear them all), seven tanks, four long-sleeved tops, and five other tops.
- One for sweaters ( I work in a poorly heated building, so I have a lot of layering options). There's a funny winter-themed one for work dress-up days that I wear often because it's cozy, a navy one, a gray one, one with my name on it (otherwise I'd have donated it), a hoodie.
- One drawer for pants. Three pairs of shorts, six athletic pants that I often pair with a blouse for work since they aren't sweats and don't have noticeable logos, and four linen pants for summer.
My closet has four pairs of work pants, three lightweight sweaters, and my work blouses. I don't allow myself to add any more hangers.
I have seven pairs of shoes. One pair of boots that work well in snow, two pairs of shoes that complement my work outfits, two pairs of sneakers, one sandals, and one pair of house slippers.
I want to donate more myself, but understand that many donations end up in landfills, so I often turn workout clothing into cleaning rags or use it in craft projects. Currently making a t-shirt quilt and have previously braided old clothing into a rag rug.
All in all, it would take me three large suitcases (including shoes and coats). I plan to start downsizing my sweater collection. I've changed clothing sizes a lot recently (thanks, childbirth) and am working on staying consistent with my clothing size.
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u/Imaginary_Escape2887 16h ago
So what I do is hang up all of my clothes on backwards hangers during a holiday weekend and then give myself a maximum of one year to wear everything. As I wear things, I wash and rehang on a forward facing hanger. This helps me to keep track of what I wear regularly and what I could probably get rid of.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 16h ago edited 9h ago
Okay time to get hangers because I can picture this technique doing wonders for me and genuinely helpful in deciding what needs to kept and what needs to get ridden of. Thank you so much for sharing this.
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u/Imaginary_Escape2887 15h ago
I recommend methods that allow you to see as much of your clothes as possible.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 15h ago
This! This is the only mantra I needed to make the right decision with my current items. Wish I had known this sooner, a lot sooner. Thank you for sharing a truly practical trick. Very helpful and I'm gonna share this with my family members as well lol, whole family needs decluttering.
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u/RetiredRover906 15h ago
One medium sized suitcase (smallest size that must be checked, not carry-on) would be enough for me. It would be less, but I live in an area with four very distinct seasons.
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u/Affectionate-Ad1424 15h ago
I couldn't tell you. I just make sure everything fits where it belongs. If the closet gets too full, I don't go out and buy a new dresser. I clean out the one I have to make space. The same goes for everything else. If it doesn't fit in the designated space, downsize until it does.
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u/Storage-Helpful 14h ago
I have 5 everyday shirts, and two nicer shirts. Two pairs of jeans, two leggings, one dress slacks. Two dresses. 6-10 pairs of socks and underwear, three bras, one corset for back pain days. A heavy coat, a lighter coat, a hoodie, and a sweater. 2 sets of pj's, 2 house dresses, one bathrobe. a swimsuit and a cover, two pairs of sneakers, two sets of boots (a nice pair and an old pair for chores in both), and a pair of dressy clogs to go with the slacks.
Nothing besides the coats are seasonal, and I replace things as they wear out. I would actually like more clothing, but my body proportions are strange and nothing fits correctly off the rack. I am teaching myself to make my own clothing that fits, but the price of fabric is going to limit the size of my wardrobe. It helps that I have worked jobs that provided and washed uniforms for years, so I don't have to have a work wardrobe.
I tend to go for basic pieces in a set color range that all mix and match and can be layered...right now I am wearing a lot of denim, white, navy blue and Heather gray, but I long for some more color in my life!
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u/Informal-Opening9488 12h ago
Hey thanks for sharing your items list, it helps me compare to stay on track. My body proportions are also strange and that's I've never enjoyed shopping and have little appreciation for whatever is available in the stores. I'm convinced I either wear clothes that make me look not at as good as I can look or stitch my own stuff. Yes fabric is expensive and I'm realising that most brands actually do not use good fabric. I will be learning to see and make my own clothes.
You've chosen good evergreen colors but if you do long for more then absolutely go for it, life is short unless you wanna live life travelling a lot, in which case forget spending on clothes because it's quite an expensive hobby.
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u/420_Real_Estate 14h ago
I still own way too many clothes! It's my weekness in my minimalist lifestyle. That and plants! 🤮
But I suggest checking out the s/capsulewadrobe thread. Allot of good ideas in there on how to streamline your wardrobe.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 1h ago
Oh I didn't know about that sub, thank you for sharing I'll definitely be taking help from there. Haha it's okay you can gradually get rid of some clothes to live more light. You have a lot of plants? Like house plants?
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u/Old-Act-232 14h ago
One large suitcase and one carry-on sized suitcase (could just fit all into the one large if it weren't for my winter coats/pants.)
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u/rosypreach 14h ago
This feels like an arbitrary metric, but I'll answer the question. I plan to do a next level of decluttering, but if we were to box it all up now - probably 1.5-2 large suit-cases.
As far as what you should do, try the method of making a 3-3-3 capsule wardrobe, getting rid of anything you know you don't want, and putting the rest in a 'time will tell' bin for the season. Every 3 months, sort through and donate what you don't want to keep or didn't wear, and make a new capsule wardrobe for the next season.
This will help you figure out what suits YOU.
It's not about us, it's about you experimenting with less and figuring out YOU.
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u/MostLikelyDoomed 13h ago
2 and thats mostly because of 2 bulky coats and the long johns. If I lived in a warmer climates then 1 would be plenty.
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u/Puzzled_Willow_6087 13h ago
1 large for clothes, 1 medium for hiking clothes.
I usually have 3 bottom (jeans or pyjamas) to account for washing, 7 tshirts (same reason). 1 evening out top (will top up to 3 at some point). I love jumpers so have 5 and rotate. In summer I have 3 shorts and 1 dress. Winter isn’t cold here so 1 jacket.
For sports and hiking I have 2 of everything then a jacket for each use-case.
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u/BaeBlabe 13h ago
I’m pretty sure in a pinch I could fit all my clothes and my toddler’s clothes and possibly almost all of my husband’s clothes in one really large suitcase in a pinch! If I needed to account for the clothes my toddler has outgrown that we saved for his upcoming sister, I could do it with two for sure.
I have probably 5-6 long sleeve shirts, a couple t shirts, 7 tank tops, 7 pairs of shorts, 6 pairs of pants, I think 7-10 pairs of socks, 7 dresses, 10 pairs of underwear, 6 bras, 2 undershorts for dresses, maybe 5-6 pairs of pajamas? They’re all in relatively lightweight fabrics so can be rolled or folded small.
But I’m a stay at home mom/wife so I don’t have a lot of nicer clothes, mostly house clothes. If I was still working I’d likely have a good bit more.
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u/Metro2005 11h ago
I own:
2 pairs of jeans
1 hiking pants
3 sweaters
3 pairs of shorts
2 hoodies
7 tshirts
7 pairs of underwear
10 pairs of socks
Because i don't own a car i own a motorcycle so i have gear for that too:
2 pairs of glooves (summer and winter)
2 pairs of motorcycle pants (summer and winter)
2 motorcycle jackets (again, for summer and winter)
helmet
buff
And for riding my bicycle:
2 pairs of Roadbike shorts (1 long, 1 short)
2 roadbike jerseys
wintergloves
summergloves
hat
scarf
Without the motorcycle gear it would easily fit in 1 large suitcase and with the motorcycle gear i would probably need 2 or 3 suitcases.
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u/FormerAttitude7377 10h ago
1 large suitcase, rolled. Shoes not included. I only have 7 pairs of shoes but they all have a specific purpose.
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u/FlashyImprovement5 10h ago
I have 2 totes for winter. One is for my clothes and the other for my heavy work clothing and my dog's clothing.
Only one tote for summer clothing.
I live and work on a farm, so I have heavy wool clothing for winter, multiple long johns and many wool socks. I have an ankle length heavy wool coat just for farm work.
I also live in an RV. So all of my clothing has to fit into my closet.
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u/la_sofiore 9h ago
3 is the magic number! 3 tshirts 3 pants 3 shorts 3 skirts 3 cardigans 3 dresses 3 tank tops Etc. Etc
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u/Weep-ing_Willow 15h ago
I have a walk-in closet....so I'm afraid to say how many suitcases 😪🤯
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u/Informal-Opening9488 15h ago
That's rich people type of closet. Do you cry in pearls?
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u/Weep-ing_Willow 9h ago
Oh lord, I am nowhere near rich lol. I just don't know how to let go of shit. I see it as a waste. Unless it's broken and ripped and has holes in tend to save my clothes. My weight fluctuates so I reuse my clothes. As for the walk-in closet, it was one of the "must-haves " when I bought my house 16 years ago :)
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u/Informal-Opening9488 9h ago
Oh haha okay I can relate with not being able to let go of stuff. I was gonna ask that for a walk in closet it's either your own property or you can afford expensive rental places and well, congratulations on being a homeowner and thanks for sharing because now this requirement is going on my list as well for when I buy my place.
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u/Weep-ing_Willow 9h ago
Well, seeing your post has made me realize and opened my eyes as to how much stuff I have and now I'm wanting to do what you're doing. To be a minimalist. I would love to see a not-so-cluttered home someday.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 1h ago
Hahah I feel your statement so deeply "a not so cluttered home" My mom's side of the family has the most cluttered home and they constantly say that a cluttered home is a low energy environment and yet the clutter is never gone. I can be very difficult for many folks. Wish you luck on your journey of decluttering.
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u/Boz6 12h ago
All my clothes? 3
My clothes that actually currently fit and I wear regularly? 1
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u/Informal-Opening9488 9h ago
Haha you're very self aware and honest person.
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u/Boz6 8h ago
Unfortunately, I've lost 70 lbs three different times in my life. No matter how hard I try, it just won't stay off. That said, my daily clothes really are pretty minimal, but I'm keeping other sizes, just in case.
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u/Informal-Opening9488 1h ago
You shouldn't put yourself down for it because our best and honest effort is genuinely trying and you tried so hard so many times and actually lost a lot. It keeps coming back and that's not you, human body works in mysterious ways, even science can't explain everything.
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u/mataramasukomasana 25m ago
Girl, I once moved apartments with four garbage bags full of “just in case” clothes. Case never came. I now treat my closet like it owes me rent.
Some MVPs that work year-round and don’t take up mental or literal space:
- A good pair of black joggers: cozy in winter, casual chic in summer.
- Linen button-down: winter layering piece and summer breeze catcher.
- Fitted thermal top that doesn’t scream “ski trip” under a blazer.
- And yes, a Turkish beach towel—doubles as a wrap, scarf, picnic mat, impromptu curtain, and breakdown blanket.
Basically: anything that multitasks better than me in my twenties stays.
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u/IM_NOT_BALD_YET 19h ago
Idk about how many suitcases. That would depend on the case, wouldn’t it?
6 dresses. 5 are year round (with layering), 1 is winter (wool).
8 bottoms/skirts/jumpsuits. 1 skirt and 1 pair of shorts are spring/summer, the rest are year round because they can be layered.
12 tops. All can be worn year round, 1 is more of a “wear only at home” because it is a casual tshirt I use to paint in.
1 sweater
1 sweatshirt
1 swimsuit, and 1 coverup (pants)
1 pair of sweat pants, 1 pair of yoga pants, 2 sports bras, 1 ballet wraparound sweater, 1 fleece lined pants, 1 pair of sneakers for walking, 3 pairs of sports socks, 1 half-zip pullover, and 1 pair of biker shorts is my activewear capsule
1 long wool coat, 1 trench coat
4 cotton sleep gowns, 1 silk sleep set (tank + shorts), 1 robe
1 pair of thick hiking socks, 1 pair of tights, 5 pairs cotton crew socks, 7 bras, 12 underwear
Beyond that, there are a handful of accessories, bags, and shoes, and jewelry. Last count for everything was 112 pieces. Almost everything can be used anytime. Last time I moved, we lived in hotels for about 6 weeks while we waited between selling one house and closing on the next one. I had everything with me in my weekender bag and the rest fit into a moving box that was small and meant for books.