Working remotely is becoming more popular by the day. In fact, an estimated 70 percent of the global workforce works remotely at least part of the week. If you’re one of them, you know just how freeing working outside the office can be.
You’re better able to manage your schedule and have fewer distractions to contend with during your workday. But more importantly, you’re able to work from anywhere with a fast enough internet connection.
This means you’re free to travel whenever you want and can transition from living a stationary lifestyle to a more nomadic one.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t panic. Transitioning to a nomadic life is easier than you might think. Here are a few great tips to help you do just that.
Start Downsizing Immediately
As soon as you commit to the idea of living a nomadic life, you need to start getting rid of stuff. Remember, when you’re traveling all the time and don’t have a permanent home base, you can’t haul all the junk and keepsakes you have in your home with you. The sooner you can start downsizing, the better.
Go room by room and sort through all of your possessions.
Get rid of items you don’t want or need anymore. Set aside sentimental items that you want to keep or put in storage until you decide to settle down again. Create a small stash of essentials that you want to take with you on your travels.
This should include the basics like clothing, computer gear, a few treasured keepsakes, and things that add value to your life. Remember, you should be able to carry everything you need with you. If you’re holding onto more items than you realistically need, traveling will be more difficult.
Figure Out How You Want to Travel
There are many ways to live a nomadic lifestyle. Some people live in the woods, camping each night in a four-season tent. Others live in RVs and travel the country while taking the comforts of home with them.
Still others choose to live out of backpacks and suitcases, traveling the world.
There’s no right or wrong way to become a full-time nomad. But before you start your journey, you need to figure out how you want to travel and how you want to live.
Do you want to travel across the globe, living like a local in different cities throughout the year or do you want to maintain a semblance of a home base and travel the country in an RV?
Think about your preferences as you downsize. If you’re camping in the woods or living out of a suitcase, you won’t be able to keep as many belongings. However, if you’re living in an RV, you may be able to keep more of your possessions and maintain the same type of lifestyle you’re used to more easily.
Build Your Savings Aggressively
Unexpected expenses have a way of popping up when you least expect them. Instead of letting them take you by surprise, prepare for them. Start building your savings as soon as you start thinking about transitioning into a nomadic lifestyle.
Set aside as much money as you can each month until you finally hit the road. You can even host garage sales to make extra cash while downsizing your possessions.
The more money you can save before you leave, the easier it will be to cover those unexpected expenses when they come up. Even better, you’ll already have an established habit of saving money each month.
If you continue to save while you travel, you’ll be able to afford more fun experiences over the course of the year.
Figure Out What to Do With Your Home
If you rent your house or apartment, all you have to do to transition to a nomadic lifestyle is to not renew your lease and move out. However, if you own your house, you’ll need to figure out what to do with the property.
Most people have to clear options here: sell the house or rent it to a long-term tenant.
If you own your house outright, renting out the property can help you generate additional income while you travel. However, if you’re still making payments, figuring out how to sell a house quickly can help you free up cash and reduce your monthly expenses.
When you’re not worried about a mortgage each month, you’re able to splurge on nicer accommodations or long-term rentals on the road.
Regardless of the option you choose, make the necessary arrangements before you leave. This way, you won’t have to worry about scheduling phone calls or meetings while you’re in different time zones.
Be Ready to Answer Tons of Questions
Unfortunately, not everyone understands the desire to transition from living in one place to living as a nomad. Be ready to answer questions from your friends, family, and coworkers until you leave.
Remember that most of these questions are coming from a place of concern and affection. They want to understand why you’re making such a dramatic change and this means some of their questions may be invasive.
You don’t have to answer anything that you’re not comfortable with and don’t hesitate to admit that you don’t know how things will go. That’s part of the fun!
Just remember not to take things personally. People don’t need to understand your reasons for transitioning to a more nomadic lifestyle. As long as you’re confident in your decision, you’ll enjoy the experience and learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t otherwise discover.
Living a Nomadic Life Is Possible
If you’re ready to transition to a more nomadic life, keep these tips in mind. As long as you take your time and do what you can to build your savings and plan your adventure, you’ll be in good shape.
Just remember that it’s okay to travel slowly. Take your time and enjoy the places you’re staying so you can take in all there is to see before you leave.
Once you’re living on the road, you’ll need to find ways to sustain your travels. Check out our latest posts for more tips and tricks to help you live the nomadic lifestyle for years to come.
