Lightweight living, a minimalist lifestyle, or whatever you want to call it represents maximum freedom for some people. If you come across adventure or you decide you want to move, you can do whatever you want at the drop of a hat.

I'd say it's best suited to people who don't have a family, sedentary lifestyle, or hobbies that require a lot of stuff.

In late 2007, I got rid of my place and everything I owned to travel indefinitely with only a laptop, HD cam, four shirts, a pair of pants, and two pair of underwear/socks. My worldly possessions weighed 14 lbs and occupied a backpack smaller than the L.L. Bean that hauled my books in high school.

Over the course of the preceding 6 months, I'd realized I never actually used my kitchen, living room, couch, TV, or pretty much anything else in my place. I would get home, play guitar and drums, use my computer, sleep, and leave.

So I got rid of it all, and the feeling was one of total liberation. I haven't looked back, and after 3 years (including a move to SF), I've added a small acoustic guitar and shed the HD cam.

I also realized that an apartment is mostly wasted space for someone who spends most of his time outside and around town, so I got rid of that too and sleep in my car.

Long story short, I've found getting rid of excess to be liberating, productive, and addictive. Highly recommended.