The Adventure Begins.
Tips and Tricks for Downsizing to an RV and Hitting the Open Road
Downsizing to an RV and embracing a nomadic lifestyle can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. The idea of simplifying your life, shedding the unnecessary possessions and embarking on a journey to explore new places and meet new people is an alluring concept that more and more people are embracing. But the process of downsizing to an RV can also be overwhelming and challenging, especially if you're used to the comforts of a traditional home. However, with the right mindset and a well-planned approach, downsizing to an RV can be a liberating and rewarding experience that offers new opportunities and adventures.
Downsizing can be a challenging task, whether you are downsizing your home or your possessions. Here are some tips that might help:
Make a plan: Create a plan of action for your downsizing project. Decide on a timeline, what items you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away, and any necessary resources you may need.
Get organized: Dedicate an area that you can use to organize the downsizing. Having an organized space can make downsizing easier.
Get 4 boxes. Label them Keep, Donate, Trash, Sell.
Get help if you need it: Downsizing can be overwhelming, and it's okay to ask for help if you need it. Consider enlisting the help of family, friends, or a professional downsizing service to make the process easier.
Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to plan and execute your downsizing project. Starting early can help reduce stress and give you time to make thoughtful decisions.
Declutter regularly: If you're not sure where to start, try decluttering regularly. Set aside a few minutes each day or a few hours each week to go through your possessions and decide what to keep, donate, sell or throw away.
Breathe. Focus on the positive: Downsizing can be an opportunity to simplify your life, reduce stress, and save money. Focus on the positive aspects of downsizing and how it can improve your life.
Don't rush: Take your time when going through your possessions. It's important to make thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Remember, downsizing is a process, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. Hopefully these tips can make the process of downsizing more manageable and less stressful.
I’ve downsized, now what?
So you've downsized, congratulations! But let's face it, you'll probably have to do it again...and again. It's like a never-ending game of Tetris, except instead of blocks, it's your stuff, and instead of leveling up, you're just trying to survive.
“Downsizing: because sometimes less is more, and sometimes less is just less, but you still gotta pay the same amount for it. ”
If you find yourself holding onto some items that you just can't bear to part with, don't worry. You can always rent a small storage unit...or if you're like me, use your mom's attic. It's the perfect place for those irreplaceable items, like your great grandma's wedding china or your grandpa's homemade dollhouse, the family heirlooms, the photos, the papers, and the one-of-a-kind items.
Back in 2018, I had a small walk-in closet that was stuffed to the brim. It took me three months to go through everything and figure out what I actually wore. I took a new approach to my closet organization and cleared out one section. Every time I wore something, I made sure to put it back in that section. This way, I could easily see what I was actually wearing and what I could let go of. It was like a wardrobe reality check, and let me tell you, some of those clothes had been hiding in the back for way too long.
I even had clothes for seasons, even though I was in Los Angeles. I mean, who needs "fall" clothes in LA? Apparently, I did. And knowing I was heading east, I'd definitely need some warmer options.
Living in an RV has taught me that I really don't need much else. But every spring, I'm reminded that I will always have to declutter, reorganize, and get rid of more things that I no longer use. It's like my stuff is multiplying when I'm not looking.
I think I can blame Amazon, I'm pretty sure I can blame Amazon for everything. Missed a deadline? Amazon. Forgot to call my mom? Amazon's fault. It used to be Target that was the culprit, but now how can I resist the convenience of two-day shipping and endless product options? They've got me under their spell, and I'm not even mad about it. Well, except for when I'm trying to explain to my dog why he can only have one toy... then it's definitely Amazon's fault.
The hurdles of downsizing.
Once you begin, the world around you will feel chaotic. It will feel cluttered, overwhelming and everything will become your distraction for not accomplishing your task.
You WILL blame Amazon.
My hurdles are currently taking up residence in my mom's garage, hibernating until the warmer weather arrives. They're just sitting there, waiting for me to summon the courage to tackle them head-on. I've got to determine what I'm taking, what I'm selling, and what's headed straight for the trash. It's a daunting task, and as a certified procrastinator, it's not exactly a walk in the park. My deadline—May 15th. So I guess I'll just have to stop putting it off and face my hurdles like the responsible adult that I pretend to be. Wish me luck!
If you're ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with downsizing, it's important to start early. And as tempting as it may be, try to avoid the big guys like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Trust me, they make it way too easy to accumulate more stuff than you need. It's like they have a direct line to our credit cards and a mission to fill our homes with unnecessary clutter. So be strong, resist the temptation, and embrace the minimalist life! Or at least give it a try...after one last Amazon order.
Kidding, sort of.
Great Resources for Downsizing
WATCH Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
