I have implemented this way of life for the last 5 years and have mainly been living out of a suitcase. Having been moved around from city to city by companies periodically for the last 5 years, I have found it useful to have a small amount of personal items that I can pack up and move anywhere to in short notice. At this time I have lived in 5 different countries and traveled 40 times a year for work and leisure (I have cut down now to a couple now working on my own), what have I found living out of suitcase is:
- Each item has a meaning or a use to you, so you are careful what you pick, you don’t buy unnecessary items, that you don’t use. That is extra baggage that you will need to carry.
- Don’t buy excessive amounts of items, for example, t-shirts. Have a set amount that you regularly use.
- Buying is done on emotion, so by taking that extra day to figure out if you really need that purchase you can stop urges or panic buying
- Buy basic colours, don’t by big and bright, this way it will fit with a lot of styles
- Shoes, trainers and any other footwear take up a lot of space, make sure you have a set amount of every eventuality and that when you are travelling, put as much as you can inside them OR if you are brave dangle them on the outside to save space.
- With money, make sure you have an account back home and then you have an account that can reach multiple currencies. If you have multiple accounts, you could consolidate it on to a curve card or something of the sort. Be aware of the fees.
- Don’t buy household items, this can be tricky, but you won’t be able to take them wherever you go next, so rule out anything for the house and focus on YOU.
- Make sure you have a sturdy bag or suitcase, this is essential if you move around a lot
- Have a good laptop bag – I use mine lots and take it wherever I go. The straps are less likely to go if it is good quality.
The fact of the matter that the average person, in the West only uses 20% of the possessions they have. When it comes to housing, I have known people want the biggest and best house, which is normally 10-20 times their annual income, and take a big mortgage to help them get this dream. When the reality studies have shown a family of four in America only use at maximum 40% of their home. See where this lead us in 2008.
With consumerism, gone wild in the America and the West you can get everything any time with a click of a button and see all the time everywhere you go ads ads ads. No wonder a term has been derived called Henrys, which are those young people that are broke as they spend too much on the good life, a big house, nice second cars, and shopping, shopping, shopping.
I have known a few of these personally, in fact, a good friend, has her personal trainer come to the private gym (which work provided them with free gym and classes) 3 times a week as well as this, she has the luxury of being well off having got her parents to buy a house for her. She still comes to the end of each month (without paying rent) on a sizeable salary, living month to month, spending it on 5-star hotels, designer clothing, and high-end getaways. This is not unique, I also, know people in the finance sector that, get paid quite well, have no money. Ironic when they are the ones telling people to save.
I am not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t spend your money, at the end of the day spend it on what you want. As it’s yours and whatever makes you happy and would see no problem, for example, someone spending money on a passion, as have friends spend money on rock climbing or various hobbies that bring them joy.
But do you need all those clothes, that fancy house that you don’t use? A minimal, lifestyle is not only good for you but good for your wallet. I am not saying cut out everything all at once but would it be worth a try to cut out the odd piece of clothes that you don’t need or the latest phone that is 90% the same as your old one that you got a year ago. Personally, I have found it easier to live this way as you have fewer things to manage and are able to value what you get.
If you have lived a minimalistic lifestyle or looking to would be great to hear from you
