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** This post was written by Tina Gibbons. Find out more about Tina below. **

If you have been location independent and travelling for a number of years, then you could be confronted with one of the largest frustrations of living a location independent lifestyle – you crave a place to call home.

Certainly, this is a frustration that I have faced and still face today. So what is the answer? As location independent professionals, how can we satisfy the urge to make a “home”?

Before we can look towards finding a solution, we first need to go right back to basics and consider exactly what is this thing we call “home”?

Home can mean different things to different people.

For some, a home could be wherever it is they are living at any particular point in time – wherever they lay their hat is home. For others, home may be the place they were born, their native country, town, village or city – the place where many of their friends and family reside. Alternatively, for some people it may be a place where they feel they belong, which could be anywhere in the world.

For me, a home is a structure that I can live in. However, more than that, it is something or somewhere that cannot be taken away from me; it is a place I feel secure and a place that remains constant regardless of the many other continuous changes taking shape in my location independent life.

Achieving financial security along with making a home, have always been and remain very important goals in my life. However, traditionally (at least in recent history) both concepts have generally involved committing to one specific location – a concept which is at odds with the location independent lifestyle I’ve chosen to create.

Maybe I was a gypsy in a previous life, maybe I cannot decide which location to settle in or maybe the gradual erosion of freedom that society has placed upon me over the years has propelled me into rebellion. But whatever the reason, choosing one location from which I can work towards financially security and home ownership, is not an option I have ever felt I could consider.

But, what about the encroaching urge to make a home? Clearly, I need to consider the options available for a location independent home which doesn’t tie me to one place permanently. Here’s where I’ve got to so far:

Option 1: A home on wheels

From the famous Volkswagon camper vans to the larger modern motor homes, enormous gas guzzling American RV’s and quirky homemade New Zealand house-trucks, there are a multitude of options to choose from for those who would like a home on wheels.

The beauty of a home on wheels of course, is that you can move around as much you like. Though it may be trickier to move continents, you still have the ability to travel around a chosen continent or country to your heart’s content.

All of your homely belongings are contained within a carefully designed living area that you take with you wherever you go. No carrying of suitcases or rucksacks, just hop in, switch the engine on and drive. If you decide you want more space or need to live in a house/apartment for a period of time, then simply park your home in the drive of some rented accommodation and stay there until you’re ready to move again.

There are many motor homes available now with a diverse range of living facilities and mod cons. You can find motor homes with built in storage for bikes and even small sporty cars, a separate bedroom, living room, kitchen and even an office. The sky really is your limit when it comes to choosing a motor home. You can go as big as a bus or as small as a VW – it’s up to you.

Finding somewhere to park your home, receiving water and electricity, covering the cost of petrol, and establishing a secure internet connection, are the main issues for which you will need to find solutions. The good news is that there are a number of solutions available for each obstacle and for those set on building a home on wheels – it is more than possible!

Option 2: A home on the river

If you prefer the waterways to motorways, then a houseboat could be the ideal choice for your location independent home. Generally speaking, a houseboat will be larger than a motor home and possibly a step closer to what some may regard as a “proper” home.

Your mobility is restricted more with a home on the river, as you can only go where the water networks lead you. Nevertheless for some, the ability to move your home to another location down a tranquil river, may be enough to quench the thirst for freedom.

As with motor homes, houseboats come in all shapes and sizes and vary considerably in style depending upon which country you’re considering. Countries all around the world have a history and culture of people living on the river, from Europe to India and across the globe to America, you can find houseboats from the most basic design to the most luxurious of concepts – and everything in between.

Moorings for boats can also vary enormously; some are more like a permanent address with an official postal address and garden area whilst others are more temporary in nature. Maintenance of the boat, cost of moorings and an internet connection are the main things to consider and overcome for location independent professionals.

Option 3: A home on the ocean

For those who like the idea of living on the water but don’t want to be restricted to one country, then a home on the ocean is the ultimate solution. For obvious reasons there is a lot more homework involved in running a sea-faring vessel. For starters, you need to be able to navigate the vast oceans out there!

The knowledge and skills required can take longer to accumulate than options 1 and 2 and the financial investment greater, but the result could be the ultimate in freedom and location independence.

Anchorage, boat maintenance, internet connections and sea-faring skills are the areas in which research is needed before a commitment to living on the sea can be made.

Option 4: A base location

If maximised living space and some solid roots are important to you, then perhaps owning a base property in one location, could lead to the ideal balance for your location independent lifestyle. From this base, you can go on regular jaunts to other countries staying in rented accommodation – or go on a trip to your location independent home, if you need a break from constant travelling.

Mortgage/rentals costs and security are considerations you need to take into account if you plan to keep a base which remains vacant whilst you’re in other destinations.

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This post was triggered by my own yearning for a location independent home. My journey has only just started and my research still incomplete, but I hope my thoughts so far have offered inspiration to some who may suffer the same frustrations as me whilst enjoying being location independent.

It would be interesting to hear your views on the idea of what “home” is and how it sits with your location independent lifestyle plans – both short and long term. Some of you may have a location independent home already…what is it like? And would you recommend it?

About The Author
Tina Gibbons is a freelance writer currently enjoying the LIP lifestyle in Thailand, where she is able to indulge her “other passion” – underwater videography!

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