Downsizing isn’t for everybody, but I believe that everyone should give it a try.
So many people are owned by their stuff, instead of the other way around. This article is my favorite tips that I learned to do while downsizing for Vanlife.
Letting go of your hard earned things can be difficult, but it has helped me immensely.
Not only do I feel less stress, but I have less things that I need to take care of.
Before I get into my tips, I will tell you how downsizing and living with less started for me.
What inspired me?
I moved a lot and got tired of lugging things around with me. I noticed that I was moving boxes from place to place and never opening them. This made me tired of having all of this extra stuff with me. I realized that I wasn’t using it so why was I letting these things take up space in my life.
I noticed that I was keeping a mental inventory of everything I owned and as I got rid of things, I had less stress due to thinking about things.
And then I watched the documentary, the Minimalist.
When did I start?
It started in 2016 when my husband was getting out of the Navy and we started talking about moving to another state.
Where did I start?
I started by going through those boxes that I carried from rental to rental.
Why did I start?
I started so I could be less stressed about always having to find a place for things and when Joe and I talked about living tiny.
Who can benefit from downsizing?
Everyone can benefit from living with less things. Experiences are much more memorable than that impulse buy that you definitely didn’t need.
Tip Number 1
Try Using Less Items In Your Daily Life.
One great place to start is in the kitchen. Instead of having multiple sets of the same utensil, keep one and wash dishes more frequently.
This method will prevent a pile up of dishes and get you into the habit of cleaning up immediately.
You will end up saving time in the long run.
Tip Number 2
Break Everything Up Into Manageable Chunks.
This is a very important step to start downsizing.
In the beginning, getting rid of a lot of your things can feel overwhelming. Instead of tackling everything at once, start with either a room, or type of item.
Electronics is an example of an item type to start with. Just ask yourself, do you really need that cord for that one thing you use to have because it might come in handy.
The answer is most likely NO.
Tip Number 3
Commit To It.
Hold yourself accountable by setting reminders in your phone to downsize something today or making a to do list that you will see everyday.
Another great way to commit, is to create a SMART goal.
A smart goal will give you a clear direction that you need to follow.
It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relative, and Timely.
Here is an Example:
I will mark down and get rid of 1 item per day for 30 days to help downsize my life and lessen my own stress.
Tip Number 4
Start Small.
This is a crucial point to follow. Most of us grow pretty attached to our stuff.
Start the downsizing process by getting rid of smaller items that don’t mean or cost as much.
Overtime this will make you more comfortable with the idea of living with less things.
Or it won’t, and you will have only gotten rid of a few small things.
Tip Number 5
Utilize Downsizing Methods.
The hanger method is something that helped me a whole ton.
Take all of the clothes in your closet and put all of the hangers in the same direction.
Each time you use an item, flip the hanger around to the opposite direction.
Do this for 6 months. Any of the clothes that have the original hanger position can go by by.
This is not meant for you to throw away all of your seasonal outer wear, but you will see very quickly what your favorite clothes are.
Bonus Tip
Visualize Less Things.
Visualization is a powerful tool used in many professions.
It is no different when you decide to downsize. Start looking at your space and think about less things occupying it.
This will help you see less clutter and less clutter leads to less stress because you have physically less things to worry about.
Try implimenting some of these tips into your life and let us know how it goes!
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We truly look forward to hearing your success stories.
