Since we packed up our home and left Singapore back in June 2010, we've been living out of just four suitcases. The contents would vary according to the direction we're heading: from Singapore to France; France to US; US back to France; France to Malaysia; and most recently, Malaysia back to France.
Between these places, together we've consumed countless bottles of travel-size facewash, shampoo, moisturiser, tissues, and medication. In fact, we even have a travel-size pharmacy all this while. It is not at all environmentally friendly (so many plastic containers!) but we promise once we set up the next home, toiletries will come in bulk sizes.
Clothes and shoes were dropped off and picked up due to climate difference. Sometimes we brought also gifts between these stops. And kitchenware too, like my multi-ingredient measuring glass which JL used as beer glass; or the adorable mini-whisk that came with the pack of shaved chocolates sent by our former neighbour in Cambridge. Surely I wouldn't leave them behind on check-out day?
Living under such logistical constraints in temporary accommodation, we've also surprised ourselves at how much we have accumulated just within nine months. We constantly reminded each other against unnecessary purchases: books, magazines, stationeries - these our usual items - let alone everything else.
JL had only four shirts, two ties, two pairs of pants. Paired with jeans, bermudas or capris, Lacoste seemed to be our "uniform" since they are versatile in KL weather and never go out of shape after washing. My six-year-old niece once asked why I "always wear the same baju"! Good thing we only met up every few weeks - imagine what she'd think of me had we met more frequently. It was only in the last two months that I caved in and bought new clothes during short trips to Singapore.
Luckily we had Ano-san who generously allowed us to store two boxes of accumulated stuff (which we don't need at the moment) at his place. We are also thankful to have met really nice people in those months of idling away, especially the staff at Somerset Ampang, and to have received such kindness and generosity from friends and family alike.
Between these places, together we've consumed countless bottles of travel-size facewash, shampoo, moisturiser, tissues, and medication. In fact, we even have a travel-size pharmacy all this while. It is not at all environmentally friendly (so many plastic containers!) but we promise once we set up the next home, toiletries will come in bulk sizes.
Clothes and shoes were dropped off and picked up due to climate difference. Sometimes we brought also gifts between these stops. And kitchenware too, like my multi-ingredient measuring glass which JL used as beer glass; or the adorable mini-whisk that came with the pack of shaved chocolates sent by our former neighbour in Cambridge. Surely I wouldn't leave them behind on check-out day?
Living under such logistical constraints in temporary accommodation, we've also surprised ourselves at how much we have accumulated just within nine months. We constantly reminded each other against unnecessary purchases: books, magazines, stationeries - these our usual items - let alone everything else.
JL had only four shirts, two ties, two pairs of pants. Paired with jeans, bermudas or capris, Lacoste seemed to be our "uniform" since they are versatile in KL weather and never go out of shape after washing. My six-year-old niece once asked why I "always wear the same baju"! Good thing we only met up every few weeks - imagine what she'd think of me had we met more frequently. It was only in the last two months that I caved in and bought new clothes during short trips to Singapore.
Luckily we had Ano-san who generously allowed us to store two boxes of accumulated stuff (which we don't need at the moment) at his place. We are also thankful to have met really nice people in those months of idling away, especially the staff at Somerset Ampang, and to have received such kindness and generosity from friends and family alike.
