Have you ever felt stuck in the same old routine, wondering if there’s more to life than the daily grind? That’s exactly where my partner and I found ourselves a few years back. Living in New York City, we were caught in a cycle of predictable days—same commute, same restaurants, same weekend plans. It wasn’t bad, but it felt… uninspired. Then, one day, over a cup of coffee, my partner suggested moving in together to save on rent. Instead of jumping at the chance, I hesitated. Why? Because I wanted something bigger—a life less ordinary. That’s when we made a wild decision: we sold 90% of our belongings, packed a couple of suitcases, and set off to live in a new city every month for two years. What followed was a whirlwind adventure across 10 cities that reshaped our relationship, our priorities, and our entire outlook on life.
Embracing a Minimalist Adventure
Our journey wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about stripping life down to its essentials and rediscovering what truly matters. From Chicago’s windy streets to the sunny sprawl of Los Angeles, we lived in 10 cities, each one teaching us something new about ourselves and each other. Along the way, we learned to let go of material possessions, break free from routines, save money, and build a stronger bond. Here’s how our nomadic experiment transformed us, and why we’d do it all over again.
Letting Go of Stuff, Finding Freedom
I used to be the kind of person who held onto everything—old concert tickets, clothes I hadn’t worn in years, stacks of books I swore I’d reread someday. Letting go felt like losing a piece of myself. But to make this adventure work, we had to travel light. We each packed one checked bag and one carry-on, leaving the rest with my partner’s parents or donating it. The process was tough—saying goodbye to sentimental items stung—but it was also liberating.
Letting go of possessions doesn’t mean losing memories; it means making room for new ones.
– Minimalism advocate
Occasionally, I’d miss a cozy sweater or a favorite mug, but those feelings faded quickly. Living with less taught me that material possessions don’t define happiness. When we eventually settled back in Brooklyn, I carried that lesson with me. Now, I’m an ultra-minimalist, regularly clearing out closets to keep our space uncluttered. The less I own, the lighter I feel—both physically and mentally.
- Declutter regularly: Set aside time each month to evaluate what you truly need.
- Prioritize experiences: Invest in memories over material items.
- Start small: Try parting with one category (like old clothes) before tackling everything.
Breaking the Routine Rut
Before our adventure, our lives were on autopilot. We walked the same routes, ate at the same diners, and had a predictable rotation of weekend activities. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t exciting either. Moving to a new city every month forced us to shake things up. We made a pact: no repeating the same routes or eating at the same restaurant more than twice. It pushed us out of our comfort zones.
In Denver, we tried rock climbing for the first time. In Austin, we went to a quirky state fair for a date night. These experiences weren’t just fun—they rewired how we approached life. Breaking routines helped us stay curious and open to new possibilities. Now, back in Brooklyn, we keep that spirit alive with seasonal bucket lists and unique monthly date nights.
| City | New Experience | Impact |
| Denver | Rock Climbing | Built confidence and teamwork |
| Austin | State Fair Date | Sparked playful connection |
| Los Angeles | Surfing Lessons | Encouraged risk-taking |
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how discomfort became our teacher. Trying new things wasn’t always easy, but it made us more adaptable. If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What’s one small way I can break my routine today?
Living on Less, Saving More
At first glance, moving every month sounds like a financial disaster. But here’s the surprising part: we actually saved money. In New York, we were drowning in high rent, gym memberships, and impulse purchases. Traveling forced us to cut back. We found affordable short-term rentals through online platforms and shared the costs, which was cheaper than maintaining two apartments.
Without space for new stuff, we stopped shopping for non-essentials. The money we saved went into mutual funds and stock market investments, building a nest egg that made settling back in Brooklyn easier. Living on less became a habit, and now we stick to a budget that prioritizes savings over splurges.
Financial freedom isn’t about earning more—it’s about needing less.
– Personal finance expert
I’ve found that living frugally doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. It’s about being intentional with your resources. For couples, this can be a game-changer, aligning your financial goals with your shared dreams.
Deepening Our Bond Through Change
When we started this journey, we’d only been together for a year. We knew each other in the context of New York’s familiar chaos, but navigating new cities revealed sides of ourselves we hadn’t seen before. From figuring out public transit in Chicago to finding our way through Denver’s hiking trails, we faced challenges together that tested and strengthened our relationship.
We also made time for individual growth. Each week, we’d plan a solo night out or take up a personal hobby, like photography for me and cooking classes for my partner. Coming back together to share those experiences deepened our connection. It was like meeting each other anew in every city.
Relationship Growth Formula: 50% Shared Adventures 30% Individual Exploration 20% Open Communication
This balance helped us grow as individuals and as a couple. It’s why I believe shared experiences are the glue of a strong relationship. Even now, with a toddler in tow, we make time for both togetherness and personal passions.
Rediscovering Ourselves
Moving around didn’t just strengthen our relationship—it helped us rediscover who we are. In New York, I’d lost myself in the 9-to-5 grind, living the same day on repeat. But in each new city, I found pieces of myself I’d forgotten. In Los Angeles, I took up journaling again. In Austin, I started running. These small acts of self-discovery made me feel alive again.
My partner, too, found new passions, like learning guitar in Chicago. These individual pursuits gave us stories to share and made us more interesting to each other. It’s a reminder that a healthy relationship doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means growing alongside someone else.
A strong relationship allows both partners to evolve while staying connected.
– Relationship therapist
Why We’d Do It Again
Now, back in Brooklyn with our two-year-old daughter, life looks different. But the lessons from our nomadic years still shape us. We live with less, embrace new experiences, and prioritize our relationship and personal growth. We’re already planning to take our daughter on a similar adventure before she’s 18, to show her the world and teach her the value of living intentionally.
If you’re craving a change, you don’t have to sell everything and move every month. Start small—try a new hobby, declutter a drawer, or plan a weekend getaway with your partner. The key is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Who knows what you’ll discover about yourself or your relationship?
- Start with a small change: Try one new activity or declutter one space.
- Plan together: Create a shared goal with your partner, like a trip or a project.
- Reflect and adjust: Check in regularly to see how changes are impacting your life.
In my experience, the greatest adventures come from taking risks together. Our two years of nomadic living weren’t just about seeing new places—they were about building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. What’s the next step you’ll take to shake things up?
Our journey taught us that life doesn’t have to follow a script. By letting go of stuff, routines, and expectations, we found freedom, connection, and a deeper sense of self. Whether you’re in a relationship or flying solo, consider what you can release to make room for something new. The possibilities might surprise you.
