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.

Going from my two-bedroom apartment, packed closet, and bathroom full of products to a small rotation of outfits, toiletries, and necessities has definitely been an adjustment.

Despite that, I'm glad I downsized my belongings.

The experience has taught me to live with a lot less, and I made some pretty good choices about what to bring abroad.

Still, there are also a few things I didn't think I'd need that I'm really missing now.

These are the three things I'm glad I packed — and a few I wish I'd brought.

I did a great job creating a capsule wardrobe.

I packed a lot of black-and-white clothing so I'd be able to mix and match tons of outfits.