I don’t have a lot of stuff. And I like to keep it that way.
Everything in my small, 749 square foot condo serves a utilitarian (clothes, furniture, computer) or aesthetic (plants, art) purpose. I find that hoarding physical things weighs down my non-physical spirit. I love the freedom of less.
When I finish a book, I give it away to a stranger (as if there is such a thing). When an object no longer serves a purpose in my life, I pass it along. And when an article of clothing goes unworn for an entire season, it’s time for it to find a new home. I’m a big believer in keeping things circulating.
A stagnant pond grows scum; a flowing river does not.
On a related note, I’m moving to Canada starting on Saturday for 5 weeks. Packing my entire life into two small suitcases is one of my favorite exercises in personal freedom. I feel like a nomad with all that I need in the trunk of my car. This time around, I’ve decided to up the stakes: Instead of two suitcases, I’m simplifying to just one. Hell, I hardly wear clothes anyway – I just need some gym shoes and a few pairs of underwear. It shouldn’t be too hard.
Less really is more. More independence. More openness. And a whole lot more freedom.
September 21, 2010 at 9:04 am
Davey – dude, WELL DONE!!
I’m a straight male and I STILL find myself buried in all the crap I have around the place it’s ridiculous!! you know, I have 3 ipods and 5 pairs of headphones circulating cause I keep loosing the old ones? Really need 2 give my place a good clean up and live in your style of circulation for a change…
only, I’m a reader and a writer and majoring it literature at uni – I could never give my books away. People borrow all they want but I love my book collection.
by the way, just getting into your blog – your a top bloke and I could really use something like this right now. Cheers!
September 21, 2010 at 9:11 am
Davey,
Remember this is Canadia. Even in the summer… it’s cold. You may need one shirt.
Actually I just thought of you slowly undressing from a button shirt and slacks. I must admitt, it’s not a bad image at all.
Now I find myself rambling. Mental images I guess… uhhh… where was I? Oh yes, kudos for making it to one suitcase. Means more shopping.
September 21, 2010 at 9:20 am
We (Canada) will be better for it! Hell, you may as well just move here for good!
September 21, 2010 at 11:02 am
I think I wear way to many clothes but glad you have chosen the other path.
September 21, 2010 at 11:28 am
Your coming back to Canada !?!?!? gotta get my stalk on starting Saturday
hahahaha.
xoxoxoxo
September 21, 2010 at 11:29 am
You are more like a Gypsy than a nomad.
But it is fun isn’t it? Yes you must work on your wardrobe come to Italy and find the finest clothes money can buy.
You are a handsome man dressing like a bum, is so unattractive. Clothes make the man. Think it says a lot about a person who dresses nicely. Doesn’t mean expensive but clean, pressed and wrinkle free clothes can do wonders. Get rid of the flip-flops and get a nice pair of shoes.
September 21, 2010 at 11:35 am
So I am not alone in this world! I always travel with the least number of bags (usually one). My friends always ask me how I do that. Personally it helps to feel free. And freedom is the essence of traveling!
Have fun in Canada!
Max
September 21, 2010 at 1:36 pm
We really need little in life but what we do, we really do. Thanks for that point Davey.
Enjoy your love, enjoy your friends, and enjoy yourself. Like the suitcase they are all one, connected by you.
T
September 21, 2010 at 1:47 pm
What about Chipolte? Are you packing her?
September 21, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Glad to hear you’re coming back to Canada for a visit. Just wondering if you’ll be here (in Toronto) for Halloween? You may want to incorporate Halloween in your time visiting. Toronto closes its Gay Village to vehicular traffic and…it becomes a mini parade of fun and great costumes! Think about it. Hugs, Don
September 21, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I LOVE the idea that LESS IS MORE… more free time (LESS DUSTING!), more space, more perspective, more SKIN! haha! I took your lead the last time you mentioned how little “stuff” you keep and did a deep cleaning of my own place. Not nearly as extensive, but it simplifies life substantially. XOXOXO -Stu
September 21, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I wish I was able to pack everything into 1 or 2 suitcases. Makes moving a lot easier. All my art supplies just won’t fit though D:
September 21, 2010 at 5:58 pm
There’s a time for everything. Going to work or theatre, etc. is the time to dress up with a nice shirt and pants. However I think that for everyday stuff like going to shop or hanging out with friends, a nice clean pair of jeans and a nice t-shirt is more than okay.
September 21, 2010 at 6:02 pm
davey – i want to fuckin’ drive up north, hunt you down, throw you in the back of my car and drive off. then i’ll strip you down and pound your ass so hard your boyfriend will hear you in canada, and then let you pound me. i’d like your sweet circumcised dick and stick my uncut dick in your mouth. i’d look deep in your eyes and tell you “lets get f****d” and then I’d drive you back home.
September 21, 2010 at 6:37 pm
You want to know the ultimate version of this? Ride a motorbike or push bike as your only form of transport. Then you only take what you can carry. It sounds really impractical but it is a limit that once you are used to is great. who needs all the extra stuff?
September 21, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Agreed! Even us Italians will wear t-shirts and jeans on occasions. Nothing wrong with it at all. Hell I even wear shorts, but not in Italy if I am going shopping or out for dinner that is a no-no….
September 21, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I feel ya there, but besides painting supplies I really have cleaned out and given away most of the junk in my life/home. It feels fantastic to know i really could just pick up and move at any time!
September 21, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I drive a motorcycle, and if the stuff i carry doesn’t fit into my backpack, it stays at home! Love it!
September 21, 2010 at 8:40 pm
I can see dressing up to go out to dinner, but shopping? lol. That’s as casual as it gets!
September 21, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Thomas all about culture. Yes some italians will wear jeans to go shopping. I don’t. In Italy we can tell the Americans from a kilometer away-casual dress. Only Americans go to museams, dinner and other attractions in shorts and a muscle top or shaddy Tshirt, then they wonder why they are denied access into these museums…rest..attractions. I live between Rome, Milan and Ohio. So I am aware of Americans casual dress. What is accepted in America is not accepted here. All about culture friend–very later here and I need to get rid of his notifications waking me up. Okay see you
September 21, 2010 at 9:51 pm
If we all travelled nude, there’d be no need for security checks at the airport! Some of us would have great prestige
September 21, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Good thing I’m Canadian then.
September 22, 2010 at 1:21 am
wow, maybe you should go on MANHUNT, not Davey’s blog… might be better suited for you… ugh, some people have no kooth
September 22, 2010 at 5:45 am
Motorcycles are also the best form of transport for a holiday. Backpack limit for stuff to carry and a feeling of complete freedom!
September 22, 2010 at 7:31 am
Gonna miss you here at home. I know you will be happy with the bf and you need time together. Sending love to you!!!!!
September 22, 2010 at 10:15 am
Davey,
I’m SURE you can pack everything into one suitcase. You might even be able to pack everything into a backpack as long as you don’t need any suits.
Or – is one suitcase for Chipotles’ toys? LOL.
September 22, 2010 at 10:50 am
I bet you’re incredibly successful with that approach in the real world…
September 22, 2010 at 11:27 am
Wow I’m in love with the less is more movement but just can’t find myself joining it. I am always looking at tiny houses online but end up not wanting to give up my walk in closet. I have started giving away things I don’t use to charities but not sure I can down size to a tiny house but maybe one day – I take 2 bags just on a long weekend. So I’m very impressed and admire the way you live.
September 22, 2010 at 11:37 am
How about traveling with just a duffel bag. I’ve done it for a 3 week period. I usually pack 2 Tee shirts and 2 pair of jeans or slacks,2 shirts and two pair of socks. I pack my thin unlined nylon running shorts,I pack no underwear, undershirts, or sleep wear since I always freeball. During the summer I take a thin nylon, quick-drying speedo. I pack my dress shoes if needed & wear my running shoes. My small “dock kit” is for my few personal needs: the regular stuff like razor & toothbrush. I also pack my c**k ring and some lube.
Believe me, I get it all in an ordinary regular sport bag. If I will need a sweater or coat/jacket I wear or carry them on the plane. Separately, I carry my computer.
September 22, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Home is where the heart is Davey. Do you get it? When my partner passed away, I sold our home and downsized. For me, all the “stuff” somehow didn’t matter any more. Ofcourse I held onto a few of the “things” that are filled with memories of a 26year relationship but now that my head has cleared (a little) I see things through a different prospective. I agree with Sebastian on the packing issue. I fly and travel for a living. If I need to, I can wash clothes downline, or pick up something that I might need on the trip. Wishing you peace and happy memory making in Canada, Davey!
September 22, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I find it hard to part with books. If I really like a book, I’m keeping it. If it’s a book by one of my favorite authors, I’m keeping it.
I moved 4 years ago across country and I got rid of a lot, if not most of my stuff and I still miss some of those things today. The thought is, “how could I just get rid of that stuff without a second thought?”
Would I do things differently next time? You betcha.
September 22, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Awesome hope to bump into you. If you use grinder I am sure I will. lol
September 22, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Wonderful. You’re moving in the right direction. Canada is, as someone said before, “the kinder, gentler nation.” Less really is more. Read Henry David Thoreau (one of your ancestors?) he was always making do with less. When you get down to one alms bowl and a set of saffron robes, I’ll be glad to offer you some food in your bowl to keep you going, as would thousands of others on the streets of any southeast Asian town. I loved the experience and I am sure you would be a very handsome monk too.
Be well, (beinvenu au Canada, cher Davey)