the BIG move
Deciding what earns space in my luggage
Dear Reader,
The time has come. A one-way ticket. My big move to Sweden is here!
Four suitcases might sound like a lot to some—and very little to others. For me, it somehow feels like both not enough and slightly unhinged.
Deciding what to bring reminds me of that familiar question:
if you could only take three things, what would they be?
While this isn’t quite that dramatic, the selection process still feels surprisingly ruthless.
Luckily, I already have about two suitcases’ worth of belongings waiting for me in Sweden at Peter’s house—past Kelly really did future Kelly a solid there.
Before I left in the fall, I intentionally left a bag behind knowing i’d be moving there eventually. Then, when Peter visited Minnesota in February, I sent another suitcase ahead—filled with everything from a cast iron skillet and rain boots to summer clothes, my favorite ice cream scoop, and my beloved coffee mug. A true mixed bag of “I might need this” energy :)
I move to Sweden on 3/31, which is now less than a week away. I had written about the long wait for my visa—and, almost immediately after publishing, we found out it had been approved. (Manifestation? Timing? Substack magic? We’ll take it.)
It’s surreal to be moving to Sweden. This is something I’ve wanted for so long. And while I’ve spent a significant amount of time there, wrapping my head around the fact that this isn’t just another visit feels almost disorienting—especially when it comes to packing like a person who lives somewhere, not just visits.
I haven’t really had the mental space to prepare until now. This final week is my window to get things moving ;)
I just wrapped up my second sold-out Swedish bullar pop-up in Minnesota, and that had my full attention. I’m the kind of person who needs to focus on one thing at a time to avoid overwhelm—which means I am now speed-running an international move.
Now, I can finally turn to the question at hand:
what, exactly, do I pack?
I’m checking three suitcases, bringing one carry-on, and a backpack as my personal item. Moving this way means I can’t bring everything I love—at least not yet.
