I’ve decided to accept a room for the summer. In a house. For no rent.
It’ a deal too good to pass up.
A friend of mine, Dawn, has been offering to allow me to stay in her extra bedroom in Calabasas for some time. Initially, I was unwilling, out of principle, to accept her offer, either for rent or for free. Renting, save for a few moments of weakness when the endeavor seemed ever-so-briefly palatable, is something I’ve eschewed since December of 2012. The hefty budget line item has simply not been worth the commensurate time and energy needed to devote to it, particularly when focusing my efforts on so many (speculative) film and writing projects. Plus, Dawn’s home is a long commute from my work and friends. Every rent dollar would come with the added cost of commuting. Conversely, taking the room simply for free seemed out of the question as well. A primary goal of this experiment-turned-lifestyle was to utilized neglected space, not prey on the sympathy of others.
Recently, a few things changed to make this opportunity more attractive. For one, my daytime income possibilities, working with kids, has vanished for the summer. While this income is not crucial to my survival, not having it means living more strategically–at least for a couple of months. Secondly, the sizzle reel I’ve been working on for my show concept is lagging in post-production, now a few weeks behind deadline. As project Creator and EP, it needs my attention around the clock. In this unique circumstance I find myself wanting for round-the-clock access to electricity and facilities. This makes a temporary base of operations more attractive. Finally, Dawn has a project of her own that’s struggling. For months I’ve been supporting her efforts to build a library at a homeless center downtown. But that’s stalled, too. Because I have a background in project management and organization, I’m an ideal person to help Dawn get this project moving.
So after a discussion, we decided I’d take the room for a bit in exchange for helping Dawn establish her library.
It may seem strange coming from a vocal proponent of the home-free lifestyle–or it might seem wholly unstrange–that I would embrace the opportunity to live in a traditional home for any amount of time. And I admit the decision was made with a symphony of sighs and foot tapping, wondering if I was undermining my message by making the leap. But the reality is simple–mine is a life of intention. Living home-free is a vehicle (no pun intended) to achieving greater ambitions. It is what I consider a viable option for anyone looking to gain more independence in their day-to-day, whether on a temporary or long-term scale. Obligation is exactly what I wished to subvert.
So this is a logical extension of my journey. Just as my two desert ranch writing retreats and many pet/house-sitting ventures and slew of vacations have been not a distraction from but a ringing endorsement of the benefits of the flexibility inherent in the decision to live home-free, rent-free, this period of housing will only further allow me to spread the word of this lifestyle. And to do so while working for positive change in the homeless population right here in Los Angeles. It’s a win-win.
An added bonus, I’m (finally) purging the remaining items in my storage unit, ridding myself of the burden of un-needed belongings and an extra monthly bill. It’s another vital step on the path to downsizing towards a clutter-free life, and less time and money spent securing material possessions. I’m just as excited for this purge as I was about the initial office move! Now I just need to make sure my sentimental ass can get rid of it all…
Looking forward to updating everyone with more soon.
-TOH
