It's Monday afternoon and I just returned from a four day trip on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Bucks County, PA to Canaan Valley, West Virginia last night.  The weather was amazing and the sites spectacular.  

I am relatively new to the life of a "Biker Babe" and, although the rides and trips are amazing, I am having to adjust my way of thinking.  I am learning some lessons in living a minimalistic life - I have no choice.  

I have a small SUV which I purchased several years ago to enable me to transport almost anything and everything - for my clients and for myself.  When I head out on vacation, I am able to fill the SUV with whatever I need and want.  Not so on a Harley!

In order for me to plan for a four day excursion with my boyfriend, I had to pack whatever I needed or wanted in one-half of a suitcase that could be strapped to the back of the bike.  Not an easy task.

I openly admit that I like my creature comforts and, because I have the brain of an organizer, I am detail oriented and like to be prepared for anything and everything.  You do not have that option when packing for a trip with only the use of 1/2 of a suitcase.  

I am aware that some people do not find this a challenge, but I do.  Mike was great and very patient with me when I was packing and talked me through the process.  For four days, I could pack one pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, a bathing suit and coverup, two night shirts, under garments, six shirts, a denim jacket, one fleese and rain gear along with my toiletries.  Layering is a must on a Harley. Although it was in the 80's everyday, [perfect riding weather], the mornings were chilly and required four layers of clothing.  

These are the lessons I learned:

One pair of jeans for daytime and one pair for night time;

The shirt you wear in the evening is the shirt you wear the next day;

Only one pair of sneaks and one pair of sandals get packed. [This was particularly difficult for me!]

Layering is critical no matter what time of year.  

Toiletries need to be downsized considerably and travel size products are your best friend.  

Although Mike teased me throughout the trip about us having the largest suitcase in the group, we managed to pack what I needed and still leave room for his stuff and, most importantly, get the suitcase zippered shut!  

This biker babe is still learning the tricks to living a minimalistic life when it comes to traveling on the bike.  I have found that it is giving me a different perspective as to what is really important.  Only pack what you need, not what you want.  It is possible!

I believe the same holds true in our homes.  I am not saying get rid of everything you own; but, try to look at your possessions and think about whether you actually need them.  This is a good way to reduce the clutter in your home and in your life!

I promise that the next trip I take on the motorcycle will involve even less!