I’m writing this from a charming, handmade foldaway desk in a cozy one-bedroom flat in Kentish Town. The apartment features dark wooden floorboards covered with thick Bhutanese woven rugs adorned with tiger and mandala motifs. On weekends, as I make toast, miniature Tibetan prayer flags in vibrant primary colors, hanging above the toaster, flutter in the warmth. The bedroom shelves are filled with captivating travel guides, reflections on Buddhism, and books advocating the joys of cold-water swimming—a fitting choice given the proximity to Hampstead Heath’s Kenwood ladies’ pond, just a short 35-minute walk away, with Parliament Hill Lido even closer.
This delightful flat has served as my perfect winter retreat, instantly feeling like home when I moved in three months ago. However, as spring approaches, I anticipate relocating to a new flat or house, likely in a different borough, city, or even country. Embracing these unknowns is an exhilarating aspect of my transient lifestyle.
Three years ago, I relinquished the concept of a permanent residence, embarking on a journey across various locations in the UK and beyond. My phone notes document my stay in 117 beds to date, spanning from the Scottish Highlands and coastal Dorset to Yerevan, Armenia, and Tbilisi, Georgia, all while maintaining a full-time job.
Despite this nomadic lifestyle, London has remained a constant presence—a city I have called home for the past 19 years since arriving as a timid yet eager student. Fast forward to the present, and my itinerant life has led me through seven inner-London boroughs in the last 36 months, allowing my inquisitive spirit to roam freely. Exploring London extensively over the past three years has exposed me to local gems, uncharted streets, and hidden culinary treasures like Lewisham’s Everest Curry King. The transient nature of my stay compels me to fully immerse myself in each location.
Undoubtedly, there have been challenges along the way: from dealing with a cat-sitting mishap in Stamford Hill to enduring a scorching heatwave in a sparsely windowed Clapton flat in 2022. Despite these setbacks, the positives have eclipsed the negatives. By forgoing a permanent abode, I have embraced more frequent travel opportunities, only paying for accommodation when needed, whether in the UK or abroad.
Securing short-term lodgings primarily through word of mouth or occasional stays with friends and lovers has ensured a continuous roof over my head. Noteworthy experiences include pet-sitting arrangements and hotel stays, all while avoiding homelessness.
My previous fixed residence, a luminous rental flat near Victoria Park in east London, marked the pivotal transition to my nomadic lifestyle. Shedding unnecessary possessions and condensing my belongings into a few boxes, I embarked on this liberating journey. The realization of the superfluous nature of material possessions became evident as I pared down my essentials to fit into a 65-litre backpack.
Living minimally has heightened my awareness of society’s consumerist culture, constantly urging us to acquire more than we truly need. The cycle of materialistic pursuits appears to detract from a fulfilling life, prompting me to opt for a borrowed lifestyle—borrowing not only items but also temporary homes. This symbiotic arrangement ensures occupied living spaces and provides financial support to homeowners during their absence.
While the allure of a permanent residence may beckon in the future, for now, the freedom of nomadic living surpasses the comforts of a settled existence.