Couple Ditches 90% of Possessions to Live in 10 Cities Over Two Years

From Stability to Spontaneity: A Two-Year Journey Across 10 Cities

In 2017, faced with expiring leases in New York City, Jen Glantz and her boyfriend made an unconventional choice. Rather than consolidating their lives into one apartment, they sold 90% of their belongings and embarked on a two-year journey living in 10 different American cities, including Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and Austin.

Embracing Minimalism to Enable Mobility

The couple pared down their possessions drastically, each traveling with only one checked bag and a carry-on suitcase. Items of seasonal or sentimental value were stored with family, while the remainder was donated, sold, or discarded. Though initially difficult, Glantz found that detaching from physical belongings fostered a lasting minimalist lifestyle upon their return to Brooklyn.

Breaking Routine to Foster New Experiences

Used to repetitive daily patterns, they intentionally disrupted their habits by avoiding familiar routes and limiting repeat visits to restaurants. This approach pushed them to try diverse activities—from surfing to attending state fairs—and cultivated a mindset of exploration that they continue to apply through seasonal bucket lists and varied date nights.

Financial Prudence Through Simplified Living

Contrary to assumptions about the cost of constant travel, Glantz and her husband found that living nomadically reduced expenses. By sharing low-cost rentals and eliminating urban costs like multiple gym memberships and impulse spending, they saved money and invested in the stock market. These savings later enabled them to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn.

Deepening Relationship and Self-Understanding

The transient lifestyle tested and strengthened their relationship as they navigated the challenges of unfamiliar cities and built new social networks. Maintaining individual hobbies and solo outings fostered personal growth, helping Glantz reconnect with her identity beyond a conventional 9-to-5 routine. Though settled now with a daughter, they plan to revisit this nomadic experience before she turns 18.

Jen Glantz, founder of Bridesmaid for Hire and author of “Finally the Bride: Finding Love after Walking down Everyone Else’s Aisle,” shares her story as an example of how intentional lifestyle changes can lead to personal and relational transformation.