Part 5 – Introduction to the Series

The dream of full-time RV living is more than just about travel—it’s about freedom, simplicity, and the chance to focus on what matters most. But before you hit the road  we must discuss downsizing for the RV lifestyle.

In this series, “RV Life Without the RV: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Full Time RV Living,” we’ve already explored whether RV life is the right fit for you (Part 1), the mindset shifts needed to leave the 9-5 grind (Part 2), ways to explore RV life before owning an RV (Part 3), and how to financially prepare for this lifestyle (Part 4).

Now, in Part 5, we’ll focus on downsizing—a critical step in preparing for life in a smaller space. Letting go of excess belongings can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can also be liberating and transformational.

Downsizing for the RV Lifestyle: Simplify Your Life

Living in an RV means living with less. With limited space, every item you bring must serve a purpose or bring you joy. Downsizing isn’t just about clearing out your home—it’s about simplifying your life and embracing a mindset of intentional living.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of downsizing and show you how to prepare for life in a smaller, more intentional space.

Why Downsizing Matters

Before diving into the how-to of downsizing, consider why it’s an essential part of the RV lifestyle:

• Space Constraints: RVs have limited storage, so you’ll need to prioritize what you bring. I always remember bringing home that Costco sized bag of tortilla chips and how it took up most of the kitchen counter! Every square foot counts.
• Freedom from Clutter: Letting go of excess belongings can help you focus on what truly matters—experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
• Easier Maintenance: Fewer belongings mean less to clean, organize, and worry about, freeing up time and energy. I have joked before that I can clean most of my RV during a commercial break.

Mindset Shift: Instead of thinking about what you’re losing, focus on what you’re gaining—a simpler, freer life on the road. Also, keep an eye out for one of our downsizing challenges on our social media platforms. @TheLifeWeDesigned

Start Small: One Room at a Time

Downsizing your entire home can feel overwhelming, so start small and tackle one area at a time.

Steps to Begin:

1. Choose a Room: Start with an area that feels manageable, like a closet, kitchen cupboard, or bathroom. If you are like me, once you get started you will want to do more. But there is no pressure to have a timeline.
2. Sort Items into Categories:
   • Keep: Items you’ll use in the RV or that bring you joy.
   • Donate or Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need.
   • Trash: Items that are broken, outdated, or unusable.
3. Ask Yourself:
   • Do I truly need this?
   • Have I used it in the last year?
   • Would I buy this again today?

Actionable Tip: Dedicate 30 minutes a day to decluttering one small area of your home.

Digitize What You Can

One of the easiest ways to downsize is by digitizing items that take up physical space.

What to Digitize:

• Photos and Documents: Scan important papers, family photos, and keepsakes. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to back them up. I had a full tub of family photos I inherited from my parents. I first took out all the landscape images that I had no clue what they were (plus they were in black & white). Then I scanned all the ones with family members in them. It became a slideshow frame for family members, plus I was able to release those photos after feeling obligated to keep them for so many years.
• Books and Magazines: Switch to eBooks or audiobooks to save space. I must confess, I still carry printed books with me. They bring me joy.
• Music and Movies: Use streaming services or digital downloads instead of physical CDs and DVDs. This may be unnecessary at this point, but some may still have those DVDs collections.

Actionable Tip: Invest in a scanner or use a scanning app to digitize one category of items this week.

Sell or Donate Items

Downsizing is a great opportunity to make some extra cash or give back to your community. I think I use drop-off places like Goodwill now, more than before I went full-time in the RV. Downsizing does not just happen at the beginning of the journey.

How to Sell:

• Online Marketplaces: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist to sell items locally. Yes, I have sold things on Facebook Marketplace while camped in various places around the country.
• Garage Sales: Host a yard sale to clear out multiple items at once. We had five yard sales before our inaugural trip.
• Specialty Stores: Sell valuable items (like antiques or electronics) to specialty shops.

How to Donate:

• Local Charities: Donate clothes, furniture, and household items to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or other local organizations.
• Community Groups: Offer items for free on platforms like Freecycle or neighborhood Facebook groups.

Actionable Tip: Set a goal to sell or donate 10 items this week and track your progress.

Create a Packing List for Your RV

Even if you don’t own an RV yet, creating a packing list can help you prioritize what to keep.

What to Include:

• Essentials: Kitchen supplies, bedding, clothing, and toiletries. It is amazing how I have not needed all the things that were in my junk drawer in the last house we lived in. Now I have about 5 things. What are your five things you can’t live without?
• Multi-Purpose Items: Look for items that serve multiple functions (e.g., collapsible kitchenware, convertible furniture). I found one lid that fits all my 3 skillets.
• Sentimental Items: Choose a few small keepsakes that bring you joy.

Pro Tip: Think seasonally—pack only what you need for the current season and rotate items as needed.

Actionable Tip: Begin drafting your RV packing list and use it to guide your downsizing process.

Practice Small-Space Living

If you’re not used to living in a small space, practicing now can help you adapt to RV life.

How to Practice:

• Rearrange your current living space to simulate the layout of an RV.
• Try living out of one room in your home for a week.
• Limit yourself to using one suitcase’s worth of clothing and essentials.
• Better yet, rent an RV for a week and see how you do.

Actionable Tip: Challenge yourself to live with only 50% of your belongings for one month to see how it feels.

Closing: Simplify for the Adventure Ahead

Downsizing for the RV lifestyle is about more than just clearing out your home—it’s about creating space for freedom, adventure, and intentional living. By letting go of the excess, you’ll be better prepared to embrace the simplicity and joy of life on the road.

In the next article, “Building Your RV Life Vision: Planning for Success,” we’ll focus on turning your RV dream into a well-defined plan. From setting goals to mapping out your first adventure, you’ll learn how to create a vision that inspires and motivates you throughout your journey.

Stay tuned, and take the next step toward your RV life dream today!