As my wife and I will be going traveling next month I started sorting through my possessions. I don’t have many, but still need to get rid of a few things. While sorting through the items it got me thinking about what I couldn’t live without. Some will seem obvious, while others might seem trivial.

#1— My wife

She’s not an item, but I can’t live without her, so she’s on the list. She’s what makes my life worth living. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her. I hope I never have to find out.

All the other items on the list would be useless without her.

She’ll be happy to see she’s at number 1.

#2 — My laptop

This one is so obvious that I wasn’t sure whether I should mention it or not. If I remember correctly, I paid around $1,000 for it. It’s a top-of-the-range Asus laptop. Well, at least it was top of the range when I bought it a few years ago. When it comes to electronics, I usually buy the best. I only change the items every 5 years or so though.

The laptop has paid for itself multiple times over. Even last month’s Medium earnings were enough to cover the cost.

#3— My smartphone

Again, this may seem obvious. I need this for my mobile banking, for keeping in touch with family and friends, and for verifying my identity.

I’d be lost without out. I’d be locked out of many important accounts that send one-time codes to my phone.

I worry about losing my phone more than anything else.

#4 — My reading glasses

It’s only in recent years that I’ve needed reading glasses, so they’ve become one of my essential items.

I find that I can read pretty well in the morning and early afternoon without my glasses. But at some point, my eyes seem to give up and demand I wear my glasses.

Maybe I spend too much time on my laptop.

#5 — My suitcase

I’m an avid traveler. Almost all my possessions fit into my laptop. I could leave my current home with a few hours’ notice if I needed to. It may seem odd to some, but I love to just get up and leave for another country at short notice.

Next month I’ll be traveling again. My wife and I are planning to spend 2–3 months in Turkey, Georgia, and possibly Armenia. We’ll then head home for a few months before setting off on a 6–9 month excursion.

#6 — Hair clippers

I keep my hair short and always cut it myself. The last time I visited a barber was around 20 years ago. The clippers have saved me a ton of money. 12 haircuts a year at $10 each for 20 years has maybe saved me $2,400.

Remember all those lockdown photos of people that couldn’t get their hair cut? None of those were of me. My hair stayed neatly trimmed throughout the pandemic.

#7 — Nose and ear hair trimmer

I told you not to laugh, so why are you laughing. I bought this many years ago for $5 and it’s still going strong. Nose and ear hairs are the worst. And they seem to grow faster as I get older.

I can highly recommend you get one.