How to nomad

Own it.

The first question from the person I just met: “Where do you live?”

“I live in Boulder.”

OR

“Boulder is my ‘home base,’ but I don’t currently have a home per se.”

I find that the ensuing conversation is more enjoyable for all parties, when I give the more truthful (and intriguing) response. Many people with whom I’ve spoken have actually been inspired — they express it in their words, and I notice a yearn in their eyes as they look off and imagine life without the encumbrances of a persistent domicile.

Be prepared.

Organization and minimalism are key to the nomad’s sanity. Plan for the next 7 days and the next 30 days. Establish your hierarchy of needs, which may change based on your planned activities over the coming weeks. Aim to meet those basic needs while avoiding the superfluous.

Storage Furniture, kitchen/household stuff, etc. are in it for the long haul. The less likely you’ll need it in the short term, the further you can bury it. Anything that you might need in the next few months should remain as accessible as possible. The storage “POD” is the way to go, if relocation is potentially in your future. I went with Uhaul’s version, which has worked out so far, but beware: access is less on-demand than that of a traditional storage unit.

Home base You should always have a place for the semi-storage stuff — extra clothes, paperwork, personal items, etc. Items that you’ll need to access at any moment, but won’t need at all times. For me, this has been my car, my office, my friend’s living room, my nephew’s closet, and my sister’s garage. You may need to rotate locations, so as to not wear out your welcome in one place :)

Be mobile.

Luggage

Backpack: high capacity, yet compact — it should pass as a personal item in the eyes of the flight attendant. Does it fit under the seat in front of you? A few of my faves: GoRuck & Osprey.

Carry-on: Above all, make sure it has four (4) wheels! I don’t care what amazing feature(s) the 2-wheeler has, four is the only way to go. Trust me. Other considerations: hard- or soft-shell, zipper or buckle or latch or clasp, unique or standard design (i.e., will it stand out on its own, or will you tie a colorful ribbon to the handle?)

Checked bag: Basically, this is a grown up version of your carry-on, so consider the same factors. But this time, the 4-wheeler is even more critical (it’ll get heavy!). And, because these get thrown around by people other than thou, I suggest the hard-shell.

Note: In the nomad life, luggage isn’t only with you in airports and on planes — you’ll depend on this stuff not only as you drift from city to city, but as you surf from couch to couch. The big bag offers a refresh of what’s in the little bag; the backpack keeps the daily essentials with you at all times.

Transportation

Bike: It’s faster than walking. If you have a car, get a bike rack so you can keep this option available at all times. Certain bikes can be packed up and checked on a plane given the right container.

Car: If you have a vehicle, you’re living well. As all the things make their way into that automobile, treat it like your living space — keep it tidy. This gas-powered buggy is a major asset to you, the nomad, so treat it as such and get the most out of its power. Did someone say car camping? Oh, my bad, you said road trip? Well then, let’s go driving!

Be grateful.

To go nomad, you have to depend on a lot of people — especially if you’re ballin’ on a budget. The relationships you’ve built over the years will prove invaluable. Don’t be shy to ask your true friends and family to crash on their couches — you know who will welcome you with open arms. On the other hand, don’t take their love and hospitality for granted. Be respectful, be neat, be gracious and appreciative of all you receieve. Furthermore, go out of your way to say thanks — clean the house, do the dishes, walk the dog. As a house guest, I always aim to come and go without a trace.

Focus on what’s good.

It’s easy (and natural) to grow tired of the uncertainty — where will I sleep tonight? am I wearing out my welcome with friends & famiy? how is this affecting my dog — is he as ok with this lifestyle as I am?

Of course, this can’t go on forever. Or could it? Well, yes it could; but it won’t. And if it won’t, when will it end? When will I be able to say “I’m going home” and mean it, in the traditional sense of the statement?

I’m infinitely thankful that I can go back to the “normal life” whenever I choose. And soon I will. I recognize that some people can’t make that change so readily; and that saddens me. However, no matter what your options, you can always choose to focus on what’s good. There will always be what’s bad, and it will always compete for your attention. But rest assured, if you look for it you’ll find the good. Once you find it, keep it. It’s yours forever, or for as long as this stage in life lasts.

Do something epic.

This is your chance to go. To go and do something you’ve never done or thought you’d do. Something of which you’ve dreamed, only to habitually follow that dream with the thought, “it’s just not feasible.” Make it feasible. For me I found epicness in Black Rock City. I’d always thought, “yeah, that’d be amazing; but it’s probably not feasible.”

Infeasibility != Impossibility

Transition?

This state of life-mobility presents opportunities at every corner. A significant factor in my decision to forsake a dwelling of permanence was a hunger for change. I was ready for a life transition, but I didn’t know what that transition would be. The best I could do was position myself to act when I solved the puzzle. Set the stage for spontaneity, and things will happen.