I moved to Japan with one suitcase and a carry-on. There are 3 things I'm glad I packed — and a few I wish I'd brought.

I moved to Japan with a suitcase, carry-on, and small capsule wardrobe. Alessa Hickman I had to downsize when I moved to Japan for a year with just one suitcase and a carry-on. I'm glad I brought a folding toiletry bag, a portable monitor, and a great capsule wardrobe. However, I should've packed a quality pair of sneakers and my go-to deodorant. Eight months ago, I packed my life into a suitcase and carry-on and moved from Canada to Japan. Since then, I've spent time in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kumamoto, living out of short-term rentals . Because I knew I'd be moving around, I needed to keep my belongings light enough for easy transportation — and, of course, I wanted to leave room for the things I'd inevitably buy along the way.