Oh , what an incredible feeling to trade possessions for experiences !
If you had asked us 10 year ago what it would be like to inhabit for 40 day without a traditional “ sign ” – we would n’t have had an response .
And , if at the same time , you asked if we could pull through in a 100 straight fundament turn over dwelling , we probably would have laughed .
But after 40 days on the route , live life in our little teardrop camper while rolling across America has been one of the most incredible , freeing , and life - changing experience either of us has ever known .
We have read quite a routine on our first forty day on the road . Both about live without a house , and hold up without a mess of “ extra things ” we are used to having . See : Our Daily journey On The Road
We get a set of interrogation require how we are adjusting to life without a formal home . So we thought we would share 2 of the most important things we ’ve teach so far .
One thing is for sure , Mary and I would n’t sell this experience for anything in the universe .
Trading Possessions For Experiences – 2 Things We’ve Learned Living Without A Traditional Home
#1 You Don’t Need What You Think You Need. Less Really Is More.
If there is one interrogative we are ask most often , it is how in the world did we pack for this trip . And that is the beauty of it – we barely did !
The fact is , when you go camping for a workweek , or head on a holiday for 10 day , you test to think of everything you need . And you attempt to swot up it all in to take it along .
But when you will be gone for an total twelvemonth , you only do n’t have the way to mob for it all .
So how did we tamp ? We packed for about one week of clothing , and 3 day of intellectual nourishment . And then , added a few extra piece of habiliment each for special weather conditions . It all meet in just two small tub , one for each of us .
I will admit that as we were getting ready to leave on the first day , we were both disquieted about how much blank was still available in the truck and camper . OK , actually , a lot disturbed .
Had we mess up up ? Did we forget too many special things we might need ? Did we perhaps over or under reckon this ?
The the true is – we really still packed too much !
We go to the foodstuff for novel supplies every few sidereal day . And we both enjoy it . It prevent everything fresh , and local to the area . It also permit us to try young foods constantly .
And contrary to popular notion , not bribe in majority or large quantities does not have to be expensive .
In fact , we spend less now on foodstuff than every before . When you eat “ small ” – you just do n’t waste . You learn to use up everything you have .
We just do n’t have the outer space to stash away much . So we eat and apply up what we have for several meals , and then move on to something new . From a variety viewpoint , it has been wondrous !
We really learned a lot about downsizing moving into our 1054 straight foot home a few long time back . ( See : The 365 / De - Cluttering experimentation )
When space is limited , you become incredibly resourceful as to what you require .
And on the route , we have cursorily learn that two knives can exchange the entire tongue congeal we have at home . This may sound unbelievable , but you really can cut a pulley block of high mallow without a high mallow tongue .
Same goes for small appliances and gizmo . candidly , it is perfectly freeing to only have a few things you’re able to practice . For exemplar , our coffee tree Jehovah to make coffee , and spicy water for tea and other things too .
And Mary had film the use of an Instant Pot to a young level . I am somewhat sure she could make a fresh railroad car in that thing at this head if she needed to !
All joking as aside , the point is , you see to habituate what you have . And it sacrifice you all the time in the Earth to go see and do whatever you want .
From a clothing standpoint , it has been way well-to-do than we thought .
We do laundry once a week , every Sunday evening . And we are then quick for another calendar week .
candidly , we are always in a new arena , so I am always wear out a new t - shirt or sweatshirt to the person I meet this Monday , and the next !
#2 Trading Possessions For Experiences
This belike should be # 1 on the list . It is , after all , the whole purpose of this trip – experience .
We have grown so much to apprise get wind and enjoying so many unexampled sights and sounds .
The Rocky Mountains in all of their glory . Or seeing a Grizzly bear for the first time in Yellowstone . And then there was watching the fly over of fighter aircraft jets at the Air Force Academy .
All way of life more incredible than corrupt a new sweatshirt . Or owning some new convenience or self-command for that matter .
But even more , there are the awful people we get to meet all along this journey . I ca n’t start to severalize you how many incredible common people we have met in the first 40 days alone !
There is the intact group of chocolate gang members we befriended in North Pointe , Nebraska . The cowboys at a local rodeo in South Dakota . Or the Fluffy Fields Winery family who share our passion of all things maturate .
And the list could go on and on , in town after town .
In fact , just last calendar week , one of our crime syndicate members let us bang we experience a post visiting card from the city of Faith – thanking us for our stay in their incredible little community .
mouth about trading possessions or a conventional home for experiences ! It has been unbelievable to say the least
So here is to the next 245 days on the road – may they continue to be filled with the joy of meeting new people and visit young place . And to living for more experience , and certainly not more possessions .
Here is to live your dreams , whatever they may be ! Jim and Mary .
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening , DIY and formula articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 Accho Ohio farm . The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and honey to go in their spare time .
