As we prepare for our year-long journey, we’ve found ourselves standing at the crossroads between the life we’ve built and the adventure that awaits. With each passing day, we’re not just packing bags—we’re unpacking years of memories, moments, and, yes, material things.

It’s amazing how much you can accumulate when you’re standing still, surrounded by the comforts of home. Things that once seemed essential suddenly feel… heavy. As we sift through our belongings, deciding what to keep and what to let go, there’s an overwhelming realization: it’s not the things that hold meaning—it’s the memories attached to them.

Sorting through our belongings has become an unexpected journey in itself, and I’ve realized what a mental and emotional process it truly is. We hold onto things for countless reasons—memories, sentimentality, or simply because we haven’t thought of what else to do with them.

But I’d like to suggest we have a choice. A choice about what we keep, why we keep it, and how we can preserve memories and create a legacy without needing to hold on to everything. Some things, yes—but all of it?

I’ve discovered that many of the items I’ve held onto were just there because I hadn’t made a decision. “If it’s not broken, why not keep it?” But what if we flip that idea? What if the things we choose to keep are the ones we use, love, or have proudly displayed?

As I often remind myself, “Using it is using it.” If we’re not using it, why not let it find a new home where it can be appreciated? Take a picture, write a note, or journal about the memory it represents. But tucking it away in drawers or forgotten corners of the house doesn’t honor the item, the memory, or our mental and physical space.

The idea of living with less isn’t about losing—it’s about gaining clarity. Imagine someone walking into your home—what would the items you keep tell them about you?

Today, I’ve been reflecting deeply. It’s my mom’s birthday, and while she’s no longer here with us, I feel her presence as I sift through some of her things. It can be hard to let go, especially when certain objects bring about precious memories. But I know the memories are not in the things themselves.

During this process, I’ve come across her beloved elephant statue collection, which instantly took me back to the joy those pieces brought her. Rather than keeping all of them packed away, I’ve decided to hold onto the most special ones, so I can display them in the future. In doing so, I’ll honor her, share her story with our daughter, and keep her spirit alive in a meaningful way.

This journey is about clearing space, not just in our home but in our lives, to make room for what is truly precious. The fewer things we carry, the more we can appreciate what really matters.

But we’d be lying if we said this process has been all deep reflection and sentimental moments. The truth? It’s been chaotic, and at times, downright hilarious. If you haven’t already, check out our latest YouTube short, “The Packing Chronicles,” where we capture the lighter side of this experience—the endless attempts to fit way too much into too little space. There’s something oddly comforting about finding humor in the chaos, a reminder not to take it all too seriously.

In the end, this isn’t just about packing for a trip; it’s about making room for what truly matters. It’s about shedding the unnecessary to make space for new memories, new experiences, and the unknown adventures ahead. What we carry with us is more than what fits in a suitcase—it’s the love we have for each other, the stories that connect us, and the curiosity that drives us forward.

19 days until departure… and counting. Stay with us as we get closer to takeoff!