Since we dropped our borrowed Le’Sharo motorhome off in Georgia, we’ve been homeless. Intentionally so.
We packed everything we thought we’d need for an indefinite time period into two backpacks and hopped on a train across country to continue our search for our next home on wheels.
It’s been a mixture of freeing, intimidating, frustrating and awesome. Nothing is ever black and white, right?
Freeing
It is incredibly freeing to be able to move around with everything we need on our backs. It gives us hyper mobility to explore various means of transit – trains, planes, boats, walking, local public transit, rental cars and more.
There’s not much stopping us from re-routing our plans and zinging from potential to potential. More so than any other point in our 5 years of living on the road, we wake up many mornings without much clue of where we’ll be sleeping that evening.
We carry with us clothing to be comfortable in any reasonable climate condition we’ll encounter this summer (which have now ranged from 50 degrees in Oregon to 109 degrees in Arizona), with the full expectation that at some point we might need to swap things out. I even had to account for having two client site visits during this journey, which is a rarity to begin with.
We carry with us basic toiletries to keep our hygiene up in environments ranging from train bathrooms, rest stops and hotels. We carry our technology with us so that we can continue to work remotely, keep connected, entertained and doing our bus research. And we carry with us small blankets to keep warm on chilly train rides.
And that is it.
Intimidating
That’s not to say there haven’t been moments of unsettledness as we realize that we have no home other than what is on our back. Unlike being on a vacation with your bags packed for a week or two (or more), we have no known home to return to. We don’t know when, where or if we’ll find home along this adventure.
We’re not on vacation or a temporary break from whatever is our current homebase – we are literally living out of backpacks indefinitely. Where we sleep tonight could be a complete unknown. We are trusting in serendipity and our resourcefulness at every turn.
Sure, we have friends and family who will welcome us with open arms as long term guests until we figure things out – but we have no home of OURS to return to. The closest thing to that is Chris’ folks in St. Louis, where Kiki (and boy do we miss her) and the rest of our ‘stuff’ is currently staying.
There’s no rental efficiency in an exotic location waiting for us. No lonely awesome trailer parked anxious for our return.
While our concept of home has drastically transformed over the years as we both departed from traditional fixed homes to a house on wheels – this has been a big leap for us mentally and physically.
It’s the most minimalist we’ve gone yet.
Frustrating
There are things that one takes for granted when you have a home to call your own. Whether that be a short term rental, a house on wheels, a sailboat or a more traditional setup.
An environment of your own making, a place that you put together to recharge at. A comfortable bed to sleep in, privacy levels to your desire, a kitchen to prepare your own meals and access to your own bathroom.
These things are currently absent for us. And I do miss them.
I miss preparing my own meals, or heck, even home cooked meals in general. We’re eating out far more than I like, and our waistlines are starting to show it. I miss my stir fry pan, my fizzy soda maker, my blender for green smoothies and my spice collection.
I’m a homebodied introvert who needs my own space, and I miss having that. A place I can sit around without worrying about if my hair is brushed, working undisturbed with breaks for yoga stretches and just lounging around naked. And lets not even talk about the impact on our sex life.
And a confession? I hate public restrooms and bathhouses. I really really *REALLY* like having access to my own. I learned this lesson with our first year on the road in Chris’ old 16′ Tab Trailer that didn’t have facilities.
And while we’ve gotten pretty darn good at catching a decent night’s sleep in coach class on an overnight train, have stayed in hotels and crashed at friend’s places – I miss having my own bed. With my sheets. My pillows. My cat.
I miss our foam mattress, and regularly fantasize about the first thing we’ll do when we get our bus – go to the mattress store!
And of course, there’s frustrations in dealing with transit options out of our control – such as three (out of four) Amtrak cross country lines currently being disrupted due to flooding and wildfires. This has caused us to quickly reroute our plans to keep from potentially getting stuck (for those not keeping up on our daily journey via Facebook and Twitter, we had to nix our Seattle and Empire Builder plans, and landed in Arizona two nights ago instead). Which is quite frustrating when there are buses you want to look at that are currently annoyingly inaccessible by our current means of transportation (Amtrak rail pass).
I do so look forward to having home found, and shifting our focus back to living.
Awesome
But for all the challenges and adaptations we’ve been making, this new phase of our nomadic life is awesome… for now. We often joke that it seems in the past couple of months we’ve been working on a PhD in Serendipity.
We’re pleasantly surprised by how well we adapt to the quickly changing circumstances. One moment we’re charging ahead to look at a bus in Tacoma, but things change and we hop on a train to Los Angeles instead.. without much of a plan. But awesome things always come together – generous invitations for time with amazing people, crash space, yummy food and new bus knowledge discovered.
A few years ago, before I gained massive skill points in adaptability, I would be a complete basket case by now.
And we constantly remind ourselves that we are completely choosing to be homeless and embark on this adventure. Our options are literally limitless as to what home will be next. And there’s something amazing about having created that sort of abundance.
So frustrations and all, I would not change a thing. It’s good to challenge yourself and push your edges.
But I do yearn for home to be found.
WHoohoo Rod! Way to go. Are you homeless now? I mean, did you give up the stick and brick?
I am about to. Move out date is July 15th. Don’t have a rig yet. Getting real close, just trying to sell more stuff to pay cash for used nice Bounder. 34ft. Scary, but downsizing didn’t shrink as much as I thought it would.
We’ll see once I get the rig and start packing it…what doesn’t fit has to go to storage, which I really don’t want to do, but I am not good at digging holes in the desert.
Don’t know where you guys are, Cherie, as I have been shopping rigs almost every day ( I KNOW you know what THAT is like)…only thing I usually look at is more ads, more tips, fire safety, electronics, engines, yada yada yada.
But when we leave mid July we will be heading down to San Diego. I’m using the rig as my son’t moving van, LOL>
OH and I am thinking about keeping my SUV and towing it…I know crazy for newbie…that slow poke you see in your rear view mirror, that’s me, HHE
Not homeless yet. Lease ends on August.
No worries, Cherie! 🙂 I am not the type to heap blame on others.
My blame gene got killed 3 years ago and I never looked back since.
The van is my transition compromise– I can always at any time come back to an apartment and reinstall the bench seats so I am not losing anything, actually. I guess that’s the thought that keeps me motivated and encouraged –the thought that I can just return to the way things were ANYTIME. 🙂 But with that thought secure, I am more confident about doing this, if that makes any sense.
Hey Rod,
I am right there with you. My lease expires July 15th (my choice- what, three weeks?!)!! I have boxes all over the living room (finally sold my armoire), still have more furniture to sell, TV’s to give away (no body wants them, not even for free!), two more boxes of files to scan and shred (down from about 5 or 6 – progress).
Don’t have much cash, have terrible credit (you’ll have to read why on my blog), my head is spinning looking on craigslist, some close possibilities but need owners to trust and carry back.
Stress, anxiety and days of panic. Solution? I just keep doing something everyday towards the goal. My back up is living out of the SUV carrying the tent, two dogs and a cat. That is NOT gonna be pretty. But here they were backpacking, hehe, What am I complaining about, LOL.
I’m taking a deep breath and trusting what Cherie says. And trying to help serendipity along with action. This weekend is actual visits and test driving of whatever is close.
I’m trying to remind myself not to worry about “perfect” first time out.
Hi Robi! Read your blog. Wow, 3 weeks and 3 pets! I am right now deciding whether to buy a friend’s car for 2,000 in the meantime to help me get around and check out vehicles for the one I intend to get… Still, 2,000 would buy a lot of little comforts in my future home on wheels… decisions, decisions! 🙂
I’m sort of used to living minimally since I have led a partially vagabond life for 2 years now… sometimes just reduced to a suitcase and a backpack with my laptop…
Most of my stuff has been given away already… Still, 4 months into my 6 month lease, I have already accumulated free furniture again… they just show up in my life for some reason and I just accept the grace as it appears.
I’ve learned to panic less so I am not really worried at the moment. It feels like I should be more worried, but I guess I also trust that when the time comes, everything will just fall into place. 🙂
I am kinda panicking. This is obviously a lesson I need to learn and get through. My downsizing has sort of stopped since I’ve been armchair shopping. Feeling the need to just get out and look! Some how I feel that will help with the downsizing process, once I know what I will have.
I will do this, though. Somehow I will make it work. (My mantra!)
I will be giving stuff away real soon. Just trying to squeeze a few more dollars out. Every little bit helps.
Are you planning on keeping the friend’s $2000 car as a toad? Otherwise, not sure if you would want to spend 2k for something you plan on selling in 2 months. Just me. Don’t know your other finances, so I can’t help ya there.
Go with your gut feeling.
Hey Robi,
Well, I am verging on actually getting a low-priced SUV in lieu of the $2,000 automobile since I can move right in temporarily (and I don’t even have pets –you’re very daring!) 🙂 I am looking at smaller vehicles as I am planning on stealth camping… I am even looking at mini buses and small box vans… I just have to outfit them myself slowly with visits to camping world… 🙂
Alternatively, I am not afraid to get the $2,000 car. I reckon it will go a long way towards securing the larger vehicle since I will be able to drive to the lots and inspect… afterwards, I guess I can just sell it to a friend or leave it for my parents to use when they visit from overseas… 🙂
Lots of alternatives out there as I’m sure the hosts of this blog can tell you. Not sure if you already have the $2k cash or if your friend is financing. BUT you might think about a van and convert it yourself with your Camping world visits. On Cheap RV Living there is a guy who did that and he posts step by step pics.
Also, don’t know where you live, but there are those Toyota type RV’s that get great gas mileage and would be comfortable for one person. AND if you keep looking you can find one a little over the $2k mark you have. The van would be more stealth, but just depends where you think you might stay. I am thinking of looking at a couple up here in the Bay Area even though might be cramped with dogs. Just depends. Toyotas are pretty easy to fix and the old ones are reliabe. That is appealing to me, Ms. I-know-what-a-wrench-is-but-where-does-it-go?
What area of the country are you? Get on different RV groups and start checking out what they have and why. There will be a thousand different answers, but it will get you thinking.
There are more people than you can imagine that are converting to this alternative lifestyle. I say “go for it”. You can always go back to sticks and bricks, and even if you do, I imagine you would have a different mindset.
I don’t have an end date. Just a “it’s time to GO” date. hehe. Best of luck!
Hello Robi,
Found your vehicle yet? I tried posting on your blog itself but am unable to or it won’t allow me to create a profile. Must be my computer settings or something… anyway, I found my little home on wheels!
For a temporary abode, the old Ford e350 15 passenger van will do for now. Now, I got 7 weeks to outfit it and move right in. I believe I can do it now. So, Chris, Cherie… you have a new convert. 🙂 I plan to slowly get into it and road test my setup first in my home town and state before ranging further. And it is tempting to spend the holidays down here in the southwest… it won’t be snowing as much.
Congrats!
However, we don’t keep this blog with any intentions of ‘converting’ anyone to this lifestyle. We’re just doing our own thing. So, if it doesn’t work out for you… no blaming us, ok? 🙂
I logged on to see you guys on backpacks. Wow. What can I say, I am amazed and awed … and inspired to follow. Eventually, my lease will be up again and you have given me ideas on how to follow up on vehicles that can be my future home on wheels.
You are an inspiration and I am sure you will find the bus of your dreams soon. I am excited to see what you will discover around the next bend.
Cheers!
Awww… shucks. Thanks 🙂 Looking forward to seeing where your path takes you after your lease is up.
You’re very welcome. I have followed your travels through your blog and I am amazed at everything you were able to do and accomplish in 4 years.
Well, like you, I am currently on the lookout for a suitable vehicle for my future abode. I am always looking and ready to plunk down cash for a good one wherever I see it… with 2 months to go on my lease, my time is short! 🙂 I am hoping the power of serendipity will happen and I will just discover a private owner somewhere I can pay cash for their vehicle… we’ll see. Happy Journeys!
We’re actually no longer on the search.. leaped and bought a vintage bus yesterday 🙂 Details on the latest blog post.
Trust in serendipity, we’ve never been steered wrong.
Simply brave and horrifying at the same time. I don’t think my wife would go for being homeless on purpose. Hmmm…to think about it neither would i but it seems to be an experience to say the least.
I had originally written the post with the word ‘terrifying’ instead of ‘unsettled’. While the thought of it at times did seem more on the terrifying side, the actuality of t really hasn’t been that bad at any point. More freeing than anything else.
Not to say I want that long term tho 🙂
WOW, I was wondering if you found the perfect bus yet. I am doing the downsizing and extended my get-out-of-apt date to July 15th. Takin longer than I thought to sell stuff, but it is gradually reducing. ITS THE PAPER that has to be scanned and shredded that is a royal pain.
Still don’t have a rig either, but doubt I could do what you are doing with two dogs and a cat. Hmmm. I do have a tent, though. And a nice flushable portapotty! LOL.
Good luck both of you! Can’t wait to see what you decide on!
Yes, we are very much missing Kiki on this adventure.. and looking forward to finding ‘home’ and picking her up to rejoin us. Best wishes on your purging!
Thanks for sharing your unique experience! I think you highlighted the good and bad points well. I think I’d miss the home cooked meals the most!
Yeah.. home cooked meals have definitely ranked at the top of the list for us too.
I would definitely miss a place to call home, but it’s inspiring to see that you can actually be homeless backpackers and make it work!
It’s for sure been a big change for us. Not sure I could do it for a really long time, but for the short term, nice to be re-assured we have the skillsets to do it.
You sound like us, a bit. First off – totally agree on the bathroom thing! That’s the one place I feel needs to be my “own.” I feel like I can set up “office” anywhere, but definitely miss my bathroom.
We’re “homeless” as well. We put a bunch of things in storage in Melbourne before we left but have no plans to return there to live. We’ll know more at the end of the year about where we might land next for awhile, but when people ask for our home address and phone number, we have to give them John’s parents’ address. It feels a bit weird but we’ve gotten used to it now and embrace the freedom.
It is definitely an adjustment getting used to not having a physical home address… as does answering the question ‘Where are you from?’ that is so common in social discourse.
Enjoy your adventures!
Did you try hitch-hiking your way from one place to another? It’s a great way to meet people and a lot cheaper than public transport. It has its disadvantages too: there’s always a certain risk involved in getting into a car with a complete stranger (at least you’re not alone) and more importantly it’s not the ideal way of getting some work done.
While it’s not up to par with your lifestyle, I’m very much looking forward to my hitch-hike trip to Sweden (I live in Belgium).
While we’re not opposed to hitchhiking in concept, it hasn’t seemed like something that fits in with our current journey. We have a rail pass for a month, and that is serving us quite well for our distance travel. For our local transit, we’re needing to be places to meet up with bus owners (and clients) on a schedule, so needing something more reliable. Hitchhiking also isn’t as common place & accepted in America as in other countries.
We did hitchhike around island while we were in the Virgin Islands tho, and had a blast!
I love that you’re a “homebodied introvert” and yet you guys are out exploring and doin fun stuff all the time!
Total Freedom!!!
Not letting one’s personalities traits hold them back is one of the most empowering things… it’s not always easy. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile 🙂