Beyond Possessions: Nomadic Living Sparks Minimalism Tendency and Preference for Experiential Purchases

Nomadic lifestyles, characterized by high residential mobility and minimalism, have become increasingly popular topics in recent years, yet little research has addressed the relationship between these remarkable phenomena. To address this gap, we conducted one secondary data analyses ( N = 76,929) and four experiments ( N = 1167). Specifically, Study 1, using global data, provides initial evidence that consumers with high residential mobility exhibit a stronger preference for experiential purchases. This finding is further supported by Studies 2 and 3, which consistently reveal the main effect in the experimental setting. Study 4 further demonstrates the mediating role of minimalism tendency. Finally, Study 5 reveals the moderating effect of financial constraints. Our findings contribute to the literature on residential mobility, minimalism, and experiential purchase, offering practical implications for marketers. Specifically, they are encouraged to recognize the minimalist strengths of experiential purchase and target consumers who exhibit high residential mobility.