Seek adventure and freedom? Willing to give up everything you own to bring those things in your life? No? Well then experience them vicariously via intrepid people who are de-stuff-ing their lives so they can travel light and free in pursuit of new adventures.
Meet Laura Crawford and Russ Roca of The Path Less Pedaled — a jewelry maker and photographer who are freeing themselves of the stuff that weighs them down — to travel by bike!
Paring down their lives to just what will fit on two bicycles, Laura and Russ are embarking on an extended bike tour throughout the US and beyond – with the goal of connecting with and collecting the stories of people who followed a calling to live their lives in unique ways.
The Path Less Pedaled’s the two’s blog, documenting both their journey and those of other “lives less ordinary – independent artisans and makers, small business proprietors, community activists and more.” In fact, if you consider your life less ordinary, contact the bicycling duo, who are actively seeking stories. You could become part of The Path Less Pedaled’s journey and story!
Currently, Laura and Russ are still at their Long Beach apartment, slowly getting rid of their stuff by giving it away to charity, selling it on Craigslist, and seeking stuff-takers on their blog. Anyone want a very cute Eeyore, who’s been Laura’s friend for a decade?
This “get rid of all your stuff and follow your own adventure” dealio isn’t just a bizarro idea dreamed up by crazy Californians. Meet Megan Deal, a graphic designer in Detroit and the brains behind Pay no less than $.01, a site described as “one part stoop sale and one part personal experiment” (via Mickipedia). Like Laura and Russ, Megan’s getting rid of almost all of her stuff — everything except what’ll fit into 1 bag (it’s unclear how big this single bag is).
Why? Megan’s moving to Greensboro, Alabama come June 1 to work with a community-oriented design lab located on the campus of Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization, which “supports sustainable housing development and positive change for over 400 families a year in impoverished Hale County.” Writes Megan: “In preparation for total immersion into the Greensboro community, I am selling everything that I own…. By ridding myself of these possessions, I aim to both lighten my travel load and remove the obtrusive clutter from my everyday life.”
Visit Pay no less than $.01 to browse what Megan’s selling — and for the chance to own some of it. The items range from the eco-useful — like a stainless steel thermos — to somewhat less utilitarian stuff like “three incredibly small and useless glasses” or a single fat knitting needle. You can then make a donation of your choosing for the object of your desire — those outside Detroit will need to negotiate shipping fees — with the money going to Megan’s travel and living expenses.
Laura, Russ, and Megan aren’t the first to use the web for their radical stuff-cleanse. Back in 2001, one John Freyer launched Allmylifeforsale.com, which catalogued his sell-off of almost everything he owned on eBay — down to the domain name Allmylifeforsale.com itself, snapped up by the University of Iowa, Museum of Art. John not only sold his stuff but tracked them, asking for follow-up stories from buyers and even going on a road trip to visit some of them — before publishing a book about his work.
You may not be as radical as these three — but still be interested in getting more enjoyment out of life by getting rid of “stuff” that weighs you down — a move that also has nice environmental benefits. Some links to help you on your de-stuff-ing adventures:
>> Unclutterer. Erin Doland’s the editor in chief of this blog, which is “about streamlining your space and your possessions so that you can be more efficient at work and enjoy a more relaxing and serene environment at home.”
>> 29 Gifts. Created by Cami Walker, 29 Gifts lets you sign up to simply give one thing away each day for 29 days. I’ve taken this challenge — twice!
>> Tiny Choices. Karina Tipton and Jenn Sturiale have lots of tiny tips for streamlining your life both for your sanity and for the environment. The girls encourage you to pack light and pack smart while traveling, just like Laura, Russ, and Megan!
Earlier: An Anti-capitalist video guide to happiness
Top two photos via pathlesspedaled.com; screenshot via goodbyewafflemaker.com
Clutter is an inconvenience for lots of people. There is also a minority whose lives are tragically diminished by their hoarding and clutter. Before we moved away from North America, we got rid of almost all of our stuff. It is very liberating.
Martin’s last blog post..Plastic on the Beach: Part Six
Comment by Martin — May 17, 2009 @ 3:01 am
My parents were hoarders, and I’d totally agree it diminished their lifestyle. Have you reaccumulated stuff since you moved?
Comment by Siel — May 18, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
I’ve been enjoying reading about extreme declutterers, but you don’t need to give up everything to live better with less. I’ve been blogging about my experience since October and gradually giving away things to readers, friends, family and charity.
Thanks for the links to other sites I wasn’t aware of. This is a good roundup.
Cheers!
Naomi @ Simpler Living
Simpler Living’s last blog post..Put a lid on it!
Comment by Simpler Living — May 18, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Naomi — Thanks for dropping by and best of luck with the decluttering project :)
Comment by Siel — May 19, 2009 @ 2:17 pm