According to the experts I consulted (in other words the seven people in my local coffee shop at 11:00 a.m. last Tuesday), it would do you some serious good to travel a little lighter.
Let’s face it, we’re all going to need to move faster in the future to avoid what experts (different coffee shop and day) are now referring to as “Tired Freaking Booty.”
And as everyone knows no matter what coffee shop you go into, Tired Freaking Booty is now the leading cause of Wah Wah Syndrome, leaving people everywhere clutching their buns and bawling, ‘Why me?!’”
So basically what I’m trying to say is hauling around your bloated wallet or overstuffed purse is not the move you want to make.
Here’s why you really only need three things when you leave the house: your phone, your ID, and your debit card.
The Essentials (a.k.a. The Only Things You Really Need)
Phone: We all know you wouldn’t leave home without it. But beyond TikTok and emergency cat memes, your phone can replace most of the junk in your wallet. Banking, ID storage, shopping, even paying for coffee—your phone does it all. With mobile payment apps, you can forget the stack of cards and let your phone handle it for you.
ID: This one is non-negotiable. No matter how far we come with digital innovation, there’s always going to be that one bouncer who insists on seeing an actual ID. Plus, you’ll need it to drive, travel, or just be a responsible adult. No need for a collection, though—one government-issued ID should have you covered.
Debit Card: Let’s be honest, who’s using cash these days? You don’t need a wad of bills or every single loyalty card you’ve accumulated since college. One debit or credit card does the trick. And if you’re still tempted to bring more, remember that your phone can store digital versions of most cards, freeing up precious space in your pocket.
Everything Else is Just… Extra Weight
Think about it: when was the last time you actually used most of what’s in your wallet or purse? Here’s what you can probably ditch:
Old receipts (you’re not keeping those for taxes, who are you kidding?)
Loyalty cards for stores you forgot you signed up for
Expired coupons or gift cards that are worth, at most, $1.83 combined
That faded movie ticket stub that was “sentimental” at some point
By letting go of the extras, you’re saving your sanity and sparing yourself the dreaded Tired Freakin Booty from lugging around dead weight. Your back will thank you, and you’ll finally have that pocket space for more important things—like your keys or an emergency granola bar.
Making the Transition to a Minimalist Wallet (and Your Future Faster Self)
Okay, so maybe you’re not quite ready to ditch everything. Here are a few gentle steps to help you say goodbye to the clutter:
Digitize Everything: If you can put it on your phone, do it. Apps like Apple Wallet and Google Pay mean you don’t need a physical card for every store or transit pass.
Go Slim with the Wallet: Ditch the thick, leather relic that’s older than you and find a slim wallet that holds only your ID, debit card, and maybe one backup card if you really need it.
Sort and Purge: Take a hard look at what you’re carrying around. That movie ticket stub from 2008? Gone. The loyalty card for the taco place you visited once? Adiós. Keep it simple.
When You Need a Little Extra (Because, Hey, Life Happens)
Yes, sometimes you might need more than just your phone, ID, and debit card. Maybe you’re off to a job interview or need a special access pass for work. But for 90% of your daily life, you’ll find that the three essentials are all you need. If you must carry extra items, leave them at home, or in a small pouch you can grab when needed. Trust me, your back and shoulders will thank you.
By traveling light, you’re not just streamlining your bag—you’re saving yourself from the heavy load and looking one step ahead of the tired, overburdened crowd.
So ditch the extra weight, skip the tired booty, and hit the road with just your phone, ID, and debit card. It’s all you need to take on the world (or at least get through the day).
