We have been moving around the globe and the U.S. since February 2016, when I became a traveling Physical Therapist. We gradually started our nomad lifestyle by moving out of our four-bedroom, three-bath home into a 36 ft 5th wheel trailer that we parked at an RV park.
We had decided to rent out our home to start saving money immediately for our future travel plans, so we had to quickly prioritize and move all our belongings into the 5th wheel or the garage of our home for storage.
We took all our essentials into the 5th wheel and quickly had a trailer full of all the amenities we could ever need. This was definitely our first step in realizing that we had accumulated a lot of STUFF simply because we had the space. However, in a small living space, many items we had seemed ridiculous. Did we really need a panini press we used twice a year when we could make grilled cheese in a pan? Or ten different spatulas? No, we definitely did not.
Realizing We Don’t Need So Much Stuff
The next time we managed to stop by our garage after traveling, we realized that we hadn’t missed or needed anything out of our storage space and that it may as well be emptied! Over the years, we have gradually learned to let go of all the junk that would otherwise hold us down.
Before kids, we could eventually fit all of our everyday items into one room and closet with one additional small corner of the garage for all our outdoor camping and sports gear. When we drove to Alaska, we could fit ALL of our life into Honza’s truck, with room for further decluttering as we put in a little effort.
We were also able to travel overseas. Typically, one carry-on bag is sufficient for clothing and essentials. The freedom that comes with having less stuff is amazing.
These days, the lack of clutter allowed us to rent our new home in Montana each summer when we head to Europe to visit family and explore.
Travel Gives Perspective for What Matters
Want to learn what belongings are important to you quickly? Take an extended trip and realize how few of the things from home you truly miss. Or carry a heavy backpack around a continent and realize that those items you thought you needed are literally just causing you pain! Once you realize no one really cares if you wear the same (or similar) color palate most days of the week you will feel liberated to focus on whatever matters in your life.
We grow up in a society so focused on consuming that it is very hard to break this habit, but once you do I promise the results are liberating for your mind, spirit, and bank account!
