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Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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Turn
Temporary Rentals into Cozy Retreats with Easy, Packable
Upgrades
Karoline Ledersen
Tired of short-term rentals that never quite feel like home? If you're moving
often—whether slow traveling or enjoying early retirement—comfort can’t always
wait.
With a few flexible upgrades like modular furniture and peel-and-stick wall
panels, you can transform any space into a cozy, personalized retreat. No
renovation. No landlord permission. Just comfort, ease, and freedom—wherever you
land.
Designing Comfortable Living Spaces
Making a short-term rental feel like home doesn’t require major renovations.
With the right setup, you can settle in comfortably, whether staying a few weeks
or months.
Here are easy upgrades that help you feel grounded in any space:
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Choose modular, portable
pieces—like a space-saving comfort couch—that offer back support and pack
down when it’s time to move again.
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Use
peel-and-stick wall
paneling accents to add texture and warmth without damaging walls.
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Go for rugs or mats with grip
to avoid slips and bring softness underfoot.
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Clip-on lights or
battery-powered LEDs make any space brighter and more livable.
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Use lightweight shelves,
hooks, and collapsible storage to reduce clutter and keep essentials within
reach.
Creating a calm, cozy base helps you enjoy the moment, whether exploring a new
city or resting between adventures. These simple changes make even short stays
feel like your personal retreat.
Managing Costs While Living On the Move
Short-term rentals can quickly become expensive, especially with rising rent and
unpredictable utility fees. However, staying flexible doesn’t have to mean
overspending.
Here are ways to cut costs while keeping life simple:
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Look for places with
utilities included to avoid bill surprises.
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Use
energy-efficient lighting
and compact appliances that you can travel with.
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Choose rentals with more
extended minimum stays—many offer discounts.
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Simplify maintenance needs by
living light and carrying essentials.
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Track spending with budget
apps to stay on target between locations.
Saving money gives you more freedom to travel farther, stay longer, or invest
in experiences instead of stuff. Small decisions stack up to create a more
sustainable lifestyle wherever you go.
Long-Term Income Planning
Retiring early often means thinking outside the box to
keep income
flowing. Rental income can be a reliable piece of your financial puzzle,
especially when combined with other sources like pensions or dividends. It can
give you stability, even when markets are unpredictable.
Here’s how rental cash flow can help support a travel-friendly retirement:
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Covers gaps between other
income streams, like annuities or Social Security.
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Property value may grow over
time, which helps offset inflation.
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Acts as a buffer against
swings in stock or bond markets.
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Can provide tax advantages
that lower total retirement costs.
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Rent adjustments help keep
pace with rising expenses.
Consider the expected and the unknown, like healthcare needs or replacing gear
while traveling. Having consistent rental income gives you more breathing
room without needing to dip into long-term investments.
This flexibility makes it easier to keep your plans going—whether sailing off
for a few months, staying somewhere new, or having peace of mind on the road.
Property Selection and Location
Choosing where to stay matters, especially when hopping between cities or
setting up in different countries for part of the year. The correct location
makes life easier, more walkable, and less reliant on constant planning or
driving.
When searching for a short-term rental that supports a nomadic lifestyle, look
for:
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1.
Easy access to grocery
stores, restaurants, and local cafes.
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2. Good walkability with
well-lit sidewalks and safe street crossings.
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3. Reliable public
transportation options include buses, light rail, or metro systems.
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4. Nearby parks or open
spaces for walking, relaxing, or working outside.
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5. Quiet neighborhoods, away
from heavy traffic or loud nightlife.
Rentals in these kinds of areas are more enjoyable for more extended stays.
They're better for your routines, safer for daily needs, and more convenient
when living without a car. Over time, choosing locations like this can turn
short-term housing into a consistently positive lifestyle experience.
Adapting Spaces to Fit Your Routine
Living in temporary rentals brings freedom and means adapting quickly to new
environments. A cozy space doesn’t require buying real estate or investing long
term. It just takes a few simple upgrades that work wherever you go.
Each rental is different, but these tips help create familiarity no matter the
layout:
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Use lightweight shelving or
storage bins to keep essentials organized without adding clutter.
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Arrange furniture to fit your
daily rhythm—whether that’s a corner for work or space to stretch.
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Bring small personal touches
like travel photos or a favorite throw to make the space yours.
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Choose accessories that pack
easily but add function, like portable lighting or a foldable desk.
Instead of investing in property, invest in what makes your space
livable—wherever you happen to be. The easier it is to settle in, the more
you’ll enjoy the journey.
Planning Ahead for a Flexible Living Setup
Bouncing between rentals doesn’t mean starting from zero each time. A bit of
planning makes it easier to settle in quickly, stay organized, and relax into
your temporary home.
Here are helpful ways to keep your lifestyle smooth when you're frequently on
the move:
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Draft a simple checklist of
what makes any space feel livable—comfort, lighting, kitchen setup, and
storage.
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Keep a small kit of
essentials you’ll want in each new place: labels, tools, soft lighting,
storage cubes.
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Use a shared calendar or a
simple app to track when it’s time to refresh, clean, or replace
mobility-friendly items.
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Plan repeatable room
layouts—know where your modular couch fits best, how to divide open floor
space, and what to skip unpacking.
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Build your go-to resource
list for temporary upgrade tools, pop-up furniture, or lightweight
decorations.
Staying flexible doesn’t require constant reinvention. A repeatable setup turns
temporary rentals into consistent, reliable comfort zones. This slight shift can
make your nomadic lifestyle more grounded and stress-free.
Keep Moving Without Losing Comfort
Creating a sense of home while living on the move doesn't have to be
complicated—or expensive. A few intentional upgrades can bring comfort, style,
and familiarity to any temporary space.
Use
lightweight wall accents and modular furniture to transform rentals without
needing tools or long-term commitments. Keep your essentials close and your
setup flexible, so you’re always ready for the next destination.
Traveling often doesn’t mean living out of a suitcase. With the right approach,
every stay can feel like your own.
For more on
Retirement Topics,
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About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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