Needs and Wants – Downsizing for Success as a Digital Nomad

Ahhh… the freedom of hopping from one place to the next, soaking up experiences most people only dream about, and doing it all your way. Sounds romantic, right? While the pros are undeniable, there are definitely a few “cons” worth talking about—especially when it comes to “stuff”. This post is all about what life as a digital nomad looks like from a possessions point of view.

I have a large seashell collection which I keep scattered along the beaches of the world… maybe you’ve seen it. ~ Steven Wright

Rolling With Less

Working from dreamy spots like jungles, beaches, or bustling cities is amazing, and the view from the “office” is constantly changing. But constantly moving comes at a cost: space. And not just physical space, but mental space too.

Getting Rid of the Fluff

Before becoming a digital nomad, most of us realize we’ve just got too much stuff. Years—sometimes decades—of collecting everything from keepsakes to random gifts. In my case, I started downsizing 17 months before I boarded a flight to South America. And yeah, it was tough-and overwhelming.

I had grown comfortable with my cozy bed, my favorite coffee mug… and don’t get me started on the guitars, jackets, graphic novels, and all the other treasures I hoarded. Letting go was rough, mostly because I felt like these things defined me. But eventually, I understood that owning them didn’t make me who I am, and that the thought of losing them meant that they had actually owned me.

Then there was the fear: What if I had to come back? What if I failed? That doubt can be paralyzing.

And the people in your life? Some will support you. Others will project their fears and anxieties  onto you. It’s not personal, it’s human. But once you recognize the difference, it gets easier to move forward with determination.

Actually Doing the Thing

Once I hit the point of acceptance, I was all in. Luckily, my family was super supportive, which made all the difference. Leaving your community behind—kids, grandkids, aging parent—is massive, and honestly, one of the hardest decisions you’ll make. I feel this is probably the BIGGEST reason more people aren’t doing it, however, I reminded myself that people have been setting off to start new lives for centuries.

During this time, I also became a mortgage broker. I wanted a career I could take with me, and it meshed perfectly with my real estate background.

I sold my house and ended up renting it back for a year. That gave me time to purge. I started with my guitar collection—40+ vintage pieces. I kept three. Over time, I downsized everything else; graphic novels, mid-century modern furniture, fancy dinner jackets, antiques, knives, etc. In the end, each of my daughters got two totes of my keepsakes such as family photos, memorabilia, and other odds and ends – decades worth, and I was left with three bags: a medium suitcase, a duffel, and a backpack. That’s it. It was incredibly freeing.

The Final Countdown

When I finally booked my one-way ticket to Quito, it all got very real. Three weeks to go. Time to wrap it all up. Tick-tock, Rik.

I donated antiques, artifacts, and a Navy uniform to a local museum. Gave away my suits and coats to a couple of young guys who liked my style. Then I obsessed over what went in the bags—adding, removing, second-guessing.  In the house, I had one plate, one mug, one fork, and  bought only the food I’d eat that week. I soaked up every moment with family and friends.  You don’t realize how much you’ll miss those coffee chats.

One special night a few days before I left, my daughters Hanna and Delaney surprised me with a foam mattress, snacks, and drinks—for one last sleepover. By this time I didn’t have a couch or anything! We hadn’t done that in 8+ years. I won’t lie, I teared up. But don’t tell anyone.  What a thoughtful gesture, and something I’ll never forget.

February 11th, 2025 – Go Time

Bags packed, passport ready. My friends Dennis and Lisa drove me and my daughters to the airport. Saying goodbye to the grandkids was also incredibly gut-wrenching. Same with my mom. But when I finally walked through the gate, it hit me—I had done it. And yeah, I choked up saying goodbye to the girls. Still do, thinking about it.

Three Bags is One Too Many

Three bags. Easy with help. Not so easy solo. Lugging that duffel around is no joke – It’s like there’s a small human in there…but I promise it isn’t one. Now that I’m moving every month or so, even that feels like too much. * I ended buying a wheeled trolley for it – a bit easier, but still a giant pain in the ass. 

Shopping becomes strategic. Space is limited, so every purchase matters. So far I’ve picked up:

• Ugly but warm PJs – $10 (Quito is chilly!)
• A big mug – $2 (small Airbnb cups are the worst)
• Knife sharpener – $3.75 (dull knives are a no-go)
• 20,000mAh battery pack – $15 (lifesaver)
• A laptop – That’s it’s own story.  You can read it here..its as embarassing as it is entertaining
• Spice shakers – $0.50 each (I love to cook)
• A new hat from Otavalo $20 and is a travel must-have. I left my last one in my car.

That’s about it. Consumables like toothpaste, vitamins, etc., don’t count. 

*PRO TIP – Resist the temptation.  There’s a LOT of cool stuff here, like knock-off Chuck Taylors, which are just as uncomfortable as the real ones.  Art, jewelry, cool jackets for $10 bucks…it’s very easy to buy stuff, but so hard to find any room for it.

Downsizing: Round Two

Some of what I brought from Canada still hasn’t seen the light of day: a suit, dress shoes, five pairs of jeans (I wear one), framed photos, and way too many t-shirts.

I’m aiming for two bags now. Once I settle somewhere longer-term, I may add a few things—but not much. It’s amazing what you really don’t need.

Ever bought an appliance you used once and then tossed into a yard sale pile? Yeah, we’ve all been there. As a nomad, everything has to earn its space. It’s strategic and can be used every day. You start thinking like a turtle—carrying only what you need to survive, thrive, and explore.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s it really like to live out of a couple bags? Honestly, it’s liberating. You shed the extras and keep what truly matters.

Look around your place right now—how many things do you keep “just in case”? Could you pack your life into two bags?  Do you have a cupboard full of coffee mugs just in case 40 of your friends drop by at once?  A closet full of “someday” clothes?  Just because you have a free space in the house doesn’t mean it needs to be filled.

It’s a challenge, for sure. But if you’ve got the itch to wander, maybe it’s time to think like a turtle. And if you’ve already done it—or have your own downsizing story—I’d love to hear about it.

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Until next time—keep on wandering…and getting rid of the fluff!