Before moving out of our sticks and bricks, into our new home on wheels, we had to complete the dreadful task of downsizing. It is astonishing the excess we have accumulated over 13 years of marriage. In the last two months, we’ve had two garage sales, countless trips to the Goodwill donation center, passed items off to family members, and our garbage bin was filled more times than we can count (sorry landfill 😬).
Going into the downsizing process, we spent time researching the best way to start and for tips from those who have paved the path before us. Many shared the mental-emotional hurdles associated with downsizing, like the sadness that parallels parting with items from the baby days. But that has not been our experience. Honestly, shedding all our overabundance has been a weight lifted. Don't get me wrong...Going through closet after closet and bin after bin was overwhelming and exhausting due to the sheer excess.
Life is full of give and take, and we acknowledge that letting go opens us up to what is truly important in life. Less stuff = more time: a simple yet shocking gift it will be to ourselves and our kids. With a more minimalist approach, there is less to manage. We recognize that with more belongings, there is more taking care of, putting away, and repairing. So the less we own, the less to handle. As we release our surplus and house (with ongoing projects) behind us, we will gain the gift of exploring the country and having more (intentional) time with our boys.
We have been asked if we will miss our house and belongings, and our honest response is, “Overall no.” We presume that the reward will be more significant. As we go through room by room, I parrot Mari Kondo’s mantra of thanking the item (and home) for serving us for a period, then let it go.
We have many beautiful memories in this home that we can take with us… In our hearts and photographs, nothing is lost. Nothing can take away our memories and experiences; we carry them with us, forming the people we are constantly becoming. Our desire is not for stagnation, but birth to death, we want to continue learning, growing, and becoming better versions of ourselves. Life is a beautiful gift, and what a waste to not jump off and embrace calculated risks.
Unmistakably, this will be a huge transition for our family. Despite whatever adjustments and hurdles are ahead, we know that full-time RV life will become more familiar. We will find our new grooves, and we will start to integrate. And we believe that the consolation for these growing pains will at least be knowing that we took a chance and cultivated substantial growth and life experience.
One highlight we look forward to is owning less indoor space and more opportunities to be in miraculous nature. Research continually touts the health benefits of spending time outside - for both general and mental health. Also, being outdoors will be an elevated educational experience for the kids, more so than lessons taught from a textbook, confined to a tiny desk.
To wrap up my thoughts on the downsizing experience: Remember, whether you're downsizing your whole life, or just trying to clean out that pesky overloaded hall closet, Thank what it was and keep your eyes looking forward to your goal. Looking back or holding onto the past only keeps you where you are and often without any growth or progress.
