With the amazing technology and soaring wifi speeds these days, it is entirely possible for freelancers to work a more productive and happy life from literally anywhere. Which is why I decided to leave my comfortable life in London for a more adventurous life on the road. One of the most challenging parts of making this happen was packing for the indefinite journey.
In case you didn’t know, minimalism is kind of a thing these days. Just as the digital nomad movement is making waves, so is minimalism.
People are catching on to the notion that material things don’t make us happy long term and we’re starting to see through the cracks of the consumer driven lifestyle we’ve been fed our entire lives. That, coupled with rising house prices mean that millennials are getting creative with how to live a more meaningful life.
I think it was sometime last year when a dear friend recommended I watch ‘Minimalism. A documentary about the important things’ on Netflix. American duo Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus have jumped on the minimalism bandwagon and now totally own it. I’m a huge fan, I love the film, love the book, their podcast and their motto – ‘Love people, use things. The opposite never works.’
They have both lived out the classic scenario of living the American Dream. Earning 6 figure salaries, living consumer driven lifestyles, owning expensive cars, houses, etc. They had it all, but ultimately, they were miserable! So, their story is an inspiring one that a lot of people can relate to. Including me!
When I was living in London, I felt trapped by my stuff! Although I didn’t have a 6-figure salary, I had all this furniture (which is currently residing in a shed!) and all this random stuff. Books, art, screens for printing, paints, clothes and shoes. I realised that all this stuff was keeping me stuck where I was, working in a job I didn’t like, living a lifestyle that didn’t make me happy. I went on with this for a while until I finally plucked up the courage to make a change. With a little help from my amazing shed loaning friends and accommodating family, here I am. I’m trying out a new lifestyle being a freelance, location independent traveller. Now, I’m like a turtle, carrying my life on my back, complete with a new motto…If you can’t carry it, lose it!
So, here’s my ‘Essential minimalist packing list’. Go forth and use it wisely nomads.
I hope this list comes in handy for you. Safe travels, nomads.
Nicole is a freelance Graphic Designer and Illustrator.
She was born in Australia and has lived in London for over a decade, where she worked in some of London’s leading design agencies including Williams Murray Hamm and Bisqit. Before moving on to start her own creative company Paper Heart, where she focused on traditional forms of printing, predominately screen printing.
Her love of travel has encouraged her to ditch the silk screens for the laptop screen and she now freelances from all over the world. She is currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand frequenting co-working spaces and cafés.
Nicole enjoys working on projects that she believes in and she loves collaborating with passionate and positive people who want to make a difference in this crazy world. You can follow Nicole’s adventures on her blog and on Instagram over at @chasing waterfalls