Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
Today we hear from Ryan the NewAgeNomad, whose minimalism led him to a unique lifestyle. Surf on over to his blog to learn more about his experiences on the road.
Ryan writes:
Four years ago at the age of 33, I began giving or throwing everything I owned away. I had no idea what minimalism was and knew nothing about it, all I knew is all this clutter made me very flustered.
So after getting rid of everything I owned 2 cars, snowmobile, boat, atv, and even the kitchen sink! Yep got rid of my house too! Moved my dog, 9 medium sized plastic bins, and a desktop computer to southern Arizona.
Upon arrival I downsized even more selling my last vehicle and turning them 9 bins into 6, then my next adventure was about to begin finding my new home. Knowing I wanted to keep my future home small and simplistic. Small homes are much more affordable, and a heck of a lot easier to clean, after searching for sometime I decided to try out VanDwelling.
I ended up buying a 19ft van and converted it so it had all the creature features of a home, running water, refrigerator, and of course a TV. I would watch a laptop, but seeing how my vans electrical system is 100% solar powered my TV pulls half the power as my laptop. The solar, and van dwelling lifestyle also allowed me to downsize on my bills. I have one monthly bill left my insurance is every 6 months and since the van is registered as a RV, that bill is once every 5 years.
Been living this way for almost 3 years now and love it, I can go anywhere I please, almost everything I own is in a 19ft van, the van is still very roomy, and very organized. I still have two medium sized bins, and a desktop computer at my folks house which I plan to get rid of this winter, while I am there over the holidays.
Pictures of my travels, and my blog are located at www.NewAgeNomad.com. Hope you enjoy!
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
Hi Ryan! That’s cool that you chose to retrofit a van. Lately I have been thinking a lot about alternative housing. While a van isn’t right for me, it gives me something to ponder. You’re literally on a minimalist journey. :)
Hello Sandra, I have seen plenty of alternative housing on my adventures from shipping containers to foam dome homes made from children’s playground set even met a guy who built a home out of sticks! Good Luck! On your alternative house search
Very cool, Ryan. You have found the freedom we all long for but are afraid to make the leap to achieve. The American dream has become the American nightmare with mortgage payments, working too many hours and all the obligations that come with a ‘normal’ lifestyle.
Enjoy your freedom!
I was afraid to make the leap for many years. Looking back I have no regrets. I did miss pizza for a long time, but figured out how to cook it in a pan. :) I will surely be enjoying my freedom. Thanks
Ryan, that is wonderful!
Thanks Runi! Glad you enjoyed!
Great job Ryan! It must feel incredible to be able to have ditched the possessions like that and “start anew”. Wonderful!
Thanks Tony! Its a great feeling, but quite the task getting rid of a lifetime of clutter.
An amazing journey Ryan – literally not tied down. Enjoy your minimalist path wherever it may take you :)
Thanks Claire. Its a great freedom being able to roam, and not paying rent for over 3 years helps the pocket book:)
Thanks for sharing your story. Inspirational!
Your welcome! Glad to hear its inspirational.
Your story is inspiring! I love that you decided to just go for it and follow your dreams.
MarieG LifeSimplyBalanced.com
Thanks! Took me several years to take the plunge.
I’m looking forward to checking out your blog!
I managed to get down to 8 bags to move to NZ — for our family of 3. I left a lot in the US, but it’s stuff that I could release, obviously. I’ve been without it for 3 years now! So, my mother is going through it with me via skype, and we’re making arrangements about where things should go, to whom, etc. It’s pretty amazing.
We have been enjoying learning about different kinds of housing, and DH is not sold on the campervan idea, but it’s one of many in our hearts. :) I think the simplicity of it would be really nice. :D
Wow only 8 bags for a family 3 thats pretty impressive. NZ is on my list of places to visit.
Your life looks and sounds wonderful, you have found your lagom something I am still working towards. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks. Youll make it toke me many moons.
took lol
Yea..still living the American Nightmare here. Sucks!!
You been a vacation for what 1300 days?? Good for you!
Talk to you soon! Take Care, Newagenomad :)
While I have never been a nomad, and never wanted to be one, it is nice to think what I could live without. I have make-up to throw out because sometimes I think I should wear it but then I really never do. I have maybe 4 pots. Two I use all the time and 2 I use once in a while. A few years ago, my daughter bought a quart of shampoo and gave it to me for a gift. I pour it into a smaller bottle and still have plenty left. Later, she bought a huge bottle of conditioner for me. Another time, she bought me a large bottle of shower gel. These things last forever, it seems.
I have been buying the smallest size of everything and not stocking up. The only free sample I take is toothpaste and I buy maybe 1 tube a year. Things last a long time when you use very little and not very often. Magazines and books come from the public library.
My husband’s Dr. recommended a moisturizer which made his skin break out. So I have been using it in the dry winter air. I cut a lot of my plants into thirds so I have more to fill my balcony this summer. I put them out in recycled cottage cheese cartons or second hand soup bowls. Christmas cactus is easy to grow and makes a nice gift as do jade plants.
My husband and I saw some ads for 80 0/0 off sales in the paper. There are a lot of clearance centers near here. We couldn’t find anything we needed or wanted. I always buy a tiny purse in either black or navy, but didn’t see what I liked. My husband was looking for shoes or slacks but didn’t see what he wanted either.
Tina thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. You are doing amazing!! keep up the good work. You should submit your profile!