How to Minimize Your Stuff For RV Life: Preparing For RV Life

[@kaeirenaslp9154]

We spend the first half of our lives accumulating stuff. We spend the last half getting rid of it!

[@pjnewbee]

I'm with you! We're doing a consumable xmas gifts this year no more stuff in the house.

[@therealsnake5875]

that is depressing and true uug

[@cjstewart1583]

I loaded a 8x10 trailer 5 times over the past few months and gave it to my son who lives in a trailer park, what he did at my recommendation was to go through first and give whatever he didn't want to anyone who needed or wanted it... He said his neighbors were ecstatic to get all those things for free, I was happy to do it!

[@lcostantino7931]

Excellent wonderful idea.. bringing joy to others.

[@leeannglazier8349]

I'm starting the full time RV life this coming March 1st

[@Gavinsnana]

Carolyn, you’re the best because you just *tell it like it is”. I so appreciate your straight forward, authentic way. I’ve learned a great deal from you and Bob Wells over the past two years. I wish you a safe, healthy, happy holiday season.

[@chrisr.1803]

I retired 2 years ago and moved across the country. I got rid of everything that didn’t fit into 4 small Rubbermaid totes....including my clothes. Those 4 totes fit into the back of my small SUV. I gave most of my household goods to Habitat for Humanity, some to Goodwill, some to friends and some into the dumpster. Aside from a divorce, that was the most freeing thing I’ve ever done! And about 6 weeks ago I bought a Pleasure Way van and plan to hit the road! My daughter will keep anything I just can’t bear to part with...which isn’t much. I’m finding out I can do things I never imagined! Just today I installed a new toilet into my van, by myself!! And if I find that this life isn’t for me...no harm done! I can sell the van and start over! Live your life! Like the song says... 🎶 Nobody’s gonna do it for you! 🎶. Thank you Carolyn!!

[@lolasaxby1399]

Downsizing in stages is what helped me. I followed Joshua Becker’s minimalist course ( $99) and went thru it twice. Great way to reset your thinking about needs vs wants and understanding your emotional drivers. Then working to overcome them step by step was great. Then I did Marie Kondo’s method of tidying up (aka getting rid of what you don’t love). I moved from close to 1500 sq feet to a 22’ class B+ van in Oct. this year. I still have too much stuff. And when I gift my things to friends at work, I get joy in seeing the joy they have in getting things. Decluttering again tonight 😁

[@cvx2dog549]

Thank you Lola, I’ve just looked up Joshua Becker and he is just what I need.

[@lolasaxby1399]

There are videos on you tube from Joshua Becker too

[@Ropecharud]

This was timely for me, as my 91 y/o Mom died in mid November and my sister and I spent about 8 days going through her apt. She had a greeting card from my Dad, they divorced in 1977! She was a mini hoarder and it was a lot of work. I am going to get rid of some of my stuff so my kids don’t have to work so hard when I pass.

[@astrolingus]

There is a great book by Margareta Magusson called, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death cleaning.”

[@lcostantino7931]

Only eight days.. LOL..... I've discovered people hold on to sentimental items 2 hold on to memories........ Older people left alone too much n they try to fill what thier missing.... Remember older people down physically don't move as FAST..... How about lending a hand or keeping them company or Planning an event so they have something to look forward to..... Antisapation part of the fun...... N how about they worry about finances..... When younger I did all the "RIGHT SUGGESTED" things to save 4 retirement...... BUT..... Try serious illness both in self n adult child, 911 wiping out my job at 55 yrs old not easy finding income, sudden death of spouse n he lost a job including high life insurance, not allowed to keep.... N couldn't buy a LG ins. Policy....... So..... Think twice before u judge another person n what they hold onto.....

[@Ropecharud]

@@lcostantino7931 Nowhere in my message did I say that I was judging my Mother or upset. My sister and I took each day as it came and we were grateful to go through everything. I was making a statement, which I am allowed to make. Be nice!

[@B-in-Norva]

Sorry to hear of your loss.🙏

[@Ropecharud]

@@B-in-Norva Thank you! We had her funeral today, just immediate family. It was beautiful.

[@mariondiemert430]

Carolyn, since this pandemic had us staying at home more, we have all gathered in the kitchen eating area. I look around my house and just don't know why I thought I needed so much space. That us why I looked at my husband one evening and said, we are buying an RV.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Oh wow!

[@maxinebrody4988]

Thank you for your information. Here's how it worked for me: I'm in a sticks and bricks but minimalist. When I got divorced and walked out of a home where I had laboriously chosen tiles and flooring and furniture. And hey I found I didn't miss anything! I long ago got rid of year books, school autograph albums, etc. I tell myself when I pass on why should my children have to go through this crap! I'll do it for them. I did send my children photograph albums and they were happy to get them. I focus upon the ease of caring for few things. You gain freedom!

[@lyzcairo1044]

Thanks for the timely video.👏

[@regenagroen4631]

I've already started putting stuff on my phone & selling things in my Roanoke yard sale!! & the things I've hand crocheted for sale, The only thing we're getting is a small storage for my Elvis Presley stuff/Angels /Unicorns figurines. & my Pictures.. The other stuff I'm selling & Donating when our RV is done!! SOOOO can't wait for that!!! So Thanks for the Great Ideas Carolyn!!!! LOVES/HUGS to you & Precious Sadie!!!!

[@ThePasofinopatty]

Excellent! I do the every two year clean out! It feels great to donate! Stuff is stuff, memories are forever. Or, if it’s clothing, cut stuff up into squares and make a quilt or pillow covers. Reuse, reinvent, refresh. Those are thoughts to live by.

[@michaelthelastwarrior]

I was a long haired stoner sweat hog, not involved in clubs or sports; no photos of me anywhere in there; just recently got rid of yearbooks; feels good!

[@kentuckylucky3739]

Very helpful! I just went thru selling my mom/ grandma's house...technically one if mine. It was an ordeal. The stuff.. Oh my....i wasn't as organized.. But 2 days of 2 seperate garage sales, donated to 6 non profits over 65 boxes full, ( I bought boxes , packing tape and paper from u haul..best decision ever) then last few days put remaining hard to move stuff as free. On Facebook market place ( this was Florida) people came continually...i left with only 5 boxes and 2 bags of stuff...most of that i will give away or sell ..now looking at rvs hope to buy one soon ...next tackle my house...( gonna rent it out next year..everything I buy is a need only anymore...mostly for the dogs. Hugs and love with you Carolyn stay safe

[@annasnewchapter1033]

Before my morher passed i was her caregiver and over the years the "things" I gave or bought her, everything had a meaningful memory after she passed. It was hard to get rid of those things and I had to come to terms that these things were not her. I know she will forever be in my heart, memories, and soul. My man and I plan to move into an RV and I still have more to get rid of but I find it will be easier now. I plan to take pictures of the items to revert back to when I have those "Anna" days.💖💖💖💖

[@Leigh_Belula]

Pretty easy for me to purge, too. We lost everything in a fire and from that I started to look at stuff differently, too 😸 I didn't enjoy high school either. College was great!

[@Di-up6to]

And if you have yearbooks, older things that have logos from local businesses, photos with people or places identified, grandma's diary, grandpa's naturalization papers or the letters he wrote to grandma while he was in the army or other family papers, there may be a local genealogical society, archives, or museum that would love to have them. Many love to have stuff from ordinary people. And you'd be able to visit them later. Often you can also designate it as a "closed collection" that is not open to the public forever or for a period of years.

[@Di-up6to]

@L1 Check with the historical society before you start sorting to see what kinds of things they are interested in, if any. Also, if you know there is a lot of X, some Y and a little Z and they're only interested in the Y, they may be able to refer you to somewhere that would like the X and Z or they may tell you that Z is collectible and could be worth $$, but X is very common, worthless and should be tossed. Documents, photos and other memorabilia from military veterans or survivors of the Holocaust or of various disasters or related to a specific culture (Czech, Native American, African American, etc.) or a sport, hobby, or business may also be welcome at a specialty museum or archive somewhere else. I worked at a local archives and museum for a while and the director used to love being called by family before they cleaned out grandm's "clutter" because otherwise they tended to toss the "useless junk" that was exactly what he wanted for the collection. Different institutions specialize in different things, some of them downright weird!

[@starbubbli]

I would take my own pics on a cell phone or camera via tf card or which ever first. Then reminise via cell phone, :)

[@hipdogdsv]

OMG, I threw awy 10 fifty pound feed bags full of nothing but greeting cards that I have had since I was a baby, literally. I had a steamer trunk absolutely FULL of every greeting card I have ever gotten in my entire life, lol. I'll 63 in 3 weeks. NOT a hoarder, I promise, LOLOL!!!! It felt good to get rid of all the schtuff I got rid of and have been packing around for decades.

[@diannateller5675]

I lived in 47 different places in 47 years. I think I collected stuff because every time we moved stuff got left behind and I never really had my own stuff. I ended up with so much ‘stuff’ and it took awhile but it finally didn’t bring me joy anymore. I was always worried about it getting broken or stolen or loss. I collected stuff and it collected dust. I finally downsized and when I did I was so happy and finally feel free. All I kept now fits in a tiny bedroom, bathroom and shared kitchen. It is so freeing!

[@christinewood8331]

Thanks all that makes sense I have started with the items that don't have any sentimental value to me but I know it will be harder soon after living in my home 27 yrs and having 5.kids all grown up now thank God it's my time to be free now take care x

[@paris6963]

I’m right in the middle of this so great timing😎

[@leeannglazier8349]

Me too Paris. I wonder when and where I got so much stuff

[@paris6963]

@@leeannglazier8349 my plans are similar to yours. I have purchased a class c, I have to have a new septic installed then the house goes up for sale! 3 years of planning. I live close to Cape Cod , where do you live?

[@lindas8002]

You offered wonderful suggestions! Thank you. I loved your laugh about being free! You are so genuine. August 2021 is my launch date as a nomad. Can't wait!

[@annbelsito3931]

I can be very sentimental about simple things....somewhere along the line I heard someone say that you could actually pick up a thing you are letting go of and say "thank you for being a part of my life". This has helped me quite a bit. If I am passing it on to a charity, sometimes I'll add "may you bless someone else" - very helpful in letting go.

[@Forestcityflygirl]

I've been following you for several years now and I just want to say, you are looking so beautiful, your skin is glowing!! What ever you are doing in your personal life, keep it up...cheers

[@WisconsinWanderer]

When I started working for Goodwill the “light” came on of how wasteful our society is on “stuff” we buy to fill the hole in the soul. Not judging, I’m talking about myself too! Love your channel(s) Carolyn thanks and keep talking about the elephant in the room!!☮️❤️😎👊

[@hadesswagger3006]

LOL! I had a yearbook burning ceremony!

[@B-in-Norva]

Holy crap, girl! The timing couldn't be better. I've been cleaning for my daughter's (masked) visit and realized I was only rearranging stuff I never use. Bookmarked and added to my "Do this" list on YT. HUGE THUMBS UP. THANKS.

[@a1ananda]

Great video! Things can really weigh you down. I don’t get attached to any possessions except... photos of my kids as they grew up. I am in the process of digitizing, restoring, and archiving all photos. I have all documents in the cloud and don’t have any paper but a few credentials in a small folder.

[@PeaceJourney...]

Save a few favorites to hold in your hand. Just a few, but later it means more than the ones on the cloud. Tactile memories, and no energy required.

[@none6299]

This was right on time for me Carolyn! I’ve been full time for almost 3 years now. But I have a storage. 3/4 of that storage is stuff....just stuff. The rest is family heirlooms and memorabilia. I am one of the last two in my family line. That is except for an aunt who is 97 i’m the oldest. There are things that I want to pass down to my son my adult grandsons as well. My goal for this next year is to get those things given out and get rid of the rest of it. At some point I will be going back into an apartment so there’s a few things that I might keep from my old living space but I don’t have room for in my RV but for the most part I’ve been living like this in a very limited space for quite some time and I’m comfortable so why clutter it up. Thank you for the kick in the pants I needed 😉💓✌🏽

[@Gavinsnana]

Thanks for sharing this Gypsy. I’ve gotten rid of 90% of my stuff and working on the 5 more present to move into a cargo van.

[@heatherrenton2086]

Thank you Carolyn this is an interesting topic to me. My family moved short distances frequently throughout my childhood. However, my folks did collect family heirlooms, antiques and treasures. The same year I sold my house and moved into my tiny RV trailer my Mom passed away. My Dad had passed away four years previously. Suddenly after downsizing and getting rid of pretty much everything in my own house and stashing away memorabilia, I was faced with a house full of things my Mom wanted to gift to others in our family. Here I am almost two years later still trying to figure out what to do with photos, newspaper clippings, family bibles, jewelry and so on. It is a big job, and responsibility. Thanks again for speaking on this topic. It is important business.

[@christinecooper4735]

I have volunteered the last 4 years for a "furniture bank" - we accept donated furniture and household goods (kitchen stuff, linens) and give them to clients who have been referred to us by social service agencies. The people who receive these goods are individuals and families coming out of a homeless situation for a number of reasons. Domestic violence victims have had their furniture smashed by exes, we had Hurricane Maria victims for over a year who lost everything. Now these people can have a table to eat at, a couch to sit on, coverlets for their beds... it is a great way to recycle. We are all volunteers but still have expenses. With no fundraiser dinner this year I hope we can continue since we still need to pay rent, etc. We communicate ideas with other furniture banks throughout the continent. Look for one of these to unload your extra furniture. We are called "For Goodness Sake."

[@christinecooper4735]

@L1 Yes please do. We have had to charge a little more than in the past and sometimes the agencies pay or the client but considering that they get an entire apartment full of furniture for very little money it is worth it. And we deliver. Anywhere else the delivery charge alone is what our clients pay for everything! I hope we make it through this pandemic.

[@yourekittenme.]

I’ve also heard to put stuff in a box & “store” it somewhere (spare room, garage, etc) for X amount of time. If you haven’t used it (or don’t missed it), then you can probably safely get rid of it.

[@starbubbli]

that's what I did almost 3 yrs ago. I decide to move to the country which I love, and got rid of 1/2 my stuff then once I got this garage I put stuff I have that I don't care either way on one side then all that I think I want on another side and, one side I never get into so after a year that was gone. then I separate the stuff on the other side via the same way of thinking and if I knew someone would actually use it and I didn't for 6 months I would ask the person if they want it then it's gone to them or salvation army or good will or somebody else wanting it. So now I've got what is in my house not a lot and a little in my garage, and I have separated it already, more to be gotten rid of. I am tired of keeping anything nonuseful regularly, now going into my conversion van in a few months. I am giving away all of it. Selling my new mattresses table and tvs, giving most everything else away. I'm done. I NEED FREEDOM!!! God bless you sister!

[@narelleworks8448]

I put a “new home” date on my stored for later boxes. If I really am attached they get two years from the packing date. If I’m not so keen then a year. It’s not a fast way to get rid of stuff but then a year goes fast these days. If I haven’t opened the box by the end date then it goes to a “new home”. The boxes are also labelled with the items inside. It makes it easier to find the item I did need and often not have to open the box when it was rehoused. It still works if months are preferred. Happy minimising.

[@JustAGalOnTheGo]

Your timing to explain your thoughts and your process are perfect. So many of us have definitely had a change of mindset since the pandemic began. I was also divorced in 2009, have moved several times and have cycled through “building my own life” and purging what isn’t necessary. I’ve worked in restaurants for years and because of COVID am once again on the precipice of a new direction. Life is a giant ocean that can take us many places, sometimes we are blown off course but there is a whole lot of ocean out there.

[@pammorrison88]

Household items are great to give to women’s shelters who are starting over with nothing. Beds, linens, appliances, dishes, furniture and clothing are often left behind by abused women.

[@PeaceJourney...]

Especially appreciated are children's books, cooking utensils and indirect lighting to soften the living spaces.

[@terihaven5766]

Take a pic of any momento and it will be stored in the cloud!

[@julsnwv]

We just did this in October. The kids wanted some of our stuff but nowhere near what we thought. It also felt so good to know they wouldn’t have to deal with all of the stuff if we died.

[@ethelperry4529]

Thank You🙂

[@hadesswagger3006]

That's what I did a few months ago! Very hard to loose my crap! But I did it!

[@scottt8424]

Hey Carolyn thanks for the video

[@kaleidiatrikos]

Our things own us. We use our precious moments of breath having to maintain stuff. Dusting, cleaning, etc. When I moved, I left my double bed, dresser, and baby grand piano for the new owners. Don’t miss those things. Looking around my condo the other day, I realized I have a mortgage for a storage unit - aka my condo.

[@thewoodenspoon9679]

I’m so glad you did this video! I’m in a ‘decluttering’ stage and becoming more minimal. I need these talks! Maybe you could do more of these. Feel better soon!

[@cynthiam3319]

Took me 2 yrs to downsize, (plus 1 yr of living with stuff in my RV). Hardest to emotionally purge were all my crafting things. My minimalist son said, keep the tools, get rid of the materials. That worked for me. I've also come to the realization, that I'm so busy being outside, I hardly ever get my craft stuff out. I will get rid of more things soon. When I sit around the campfire with other nomads, besides how to poop in vans and related tasks, we talk about the continual downsizing we do, it's a continual process. 😁☮

[@ruthannbiernot9856]

I'm trying to get rid of stuff. It's hard!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Ruthann, yes I know it's hard for tons of people! You're not alone!

[@hadesswagger3006]

Once it's done you can physically feel it! Soooo very worth it. It helps finding someone who needs or will love whatever we've been holding onto. I didn't sell anything.. would have liked to but I needed to to be done.

[@knit1purl1]

During a very stressful move I donated to the thrift store some things I wish I hadn't. But in the end it is only stuff and I can live without it.

[@diannateller5675]

Very good advice having the kids help you go through your things. I already knew what my kids would or would not want so that made it easier. My kids have their own tastes and are trying to minimize their belongings. The antiques and things were my moms memories, not mine or they were memories of my grandparents, who I never even knew. If it’s something I loved or had memories of I took pictures of the item and wrote the story of the item. The item itself went bye bye. All the pictures are on my computer and the hard copies of the pictures I made albums for the kids and now they are out of my way and out of boxes

[@dianashelton1371]

Don’t forget distant relatives. Sometimes families get so large there may be branches that do not have any heirlooms

[@pammorrison88]

This is so true! My parents met while in the Canadian military and after my mother had to quit (can’t be a wife and mother AND be in the military), and my dad stayed in for 32 years. Early moves were not paid for by the military, so they had to pare down every time we moved. And we moved 6 times before I went out on my own. So, my branch of the family has no heirlooms, no old toys, clothes, dishes or anything of the sort. Sharing with family is actually a fantastic idea. Some family members have a love for the history of the whole crew and would love to be the keeper.

[@gailjohnston6102]

You are so right on point. Can't imagine how free you must feel. I'm so far from that kinda freedom. But the thought of the money I spent on stuff makes me feel rather stupid. Spring cleaning is going to be more involved than ever. Thanks.

[@abbiebroussard3220]

Everything you are saying is why I scrap and why I have learned to repair the tvs we do have. It is sometimes as simple as replacing a pcb board that's 30 or 40 dollars instead of buying a new tv.

[@JamesSmith-jq2jc]

The stuff people throw away is crazy. I'm more " picky " in what I grab, but I still enjoy " shopping ". I give away stuff I've found too, I hate seeing something that is still uesefull going to a landfill. When scrap was paying good, I made a few extra dollars too. Things were made better years ago too.

[@patchworkmermaid]

I think I had the opposite response to dealing with personal possessions disappearing as a child. As an adult, I've replaced those items that I missed. As I let them go, it's on my terms and I can finally heal some of the traumas of the past.

[@UncleMo2]

👍 Great tips/suggestions! Downsizing seems to be something we can all benefit from. I plan on focusing on it more in 2021 :) Safe & happy travels

[@valariedemello745]

I realized when I was in my Twenties that I was afraid to leave an unhealthy relationship because of a table. I had put more value on a table and other antique furniture then I did for me. Important things then became stuff and I'm more important than stuff so I'm not attached to any inanimate object. It was a tough learning experience but I learned. Thank you for your video Caroline.

[@tiggasmum]

I did it over about a year, but I agree with you, my thinking started to change about 4 years before that, I am now in a tiny house, I have no storage, other than what is in the house and I still declutter when I realise I have not used things, I do still have one cupboard of things I have not been able to let go of yet and that is fine :) it is an on going thing, but it is so freeing , like you, I also knew after a few months I was never going back :)

[@pidgewidge942]

2 1/2 years to go to retire from my assistant manager job at a charity shop in the UK. Plans in my head, going to buy 2nd hand xlwb van, my cousin works on building interiors of motorhomes, my brother in law a mechanic and brilliant at interior design.buying van ,then go yo auctions to buy accident damaged interior furniture for the van, down sizing be easy, not into keeping stuff, nearer the time will sell 95% of my stuff,which will help fund my new adventure. I'm in a rented flat with huge garden, just too much space, so can't wait for my adventure, thank you for all your inspirational videos 😊

[@lisarogers4034]

Thanks so much for this video! I think that you are super smart in all of the clever ways that you have downsized and stored your stuff in your little cozy house :) I learn so much from you!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinewojack]

No wonder why I identify with you so much...I'm a Navy Brat and I'm not keeping anything that can't comfortably carry in my RV. I believe a lifetime of journeys imprints upon us to let things go when we're younger and appreciate what that affords us as adults. Full disclosure, keeping my expensive Parfums; scent is directly tied to memory.

[@AngelaGonzalez-kd8sz]

Hi friendly, I'm about to start looking for my RV and I've been doing just what you spoke about. Getting rid of stuff is hard especially for me because everything is an air loom to me. My kids and family have a good laugh about it. But I have started cleaning out closets and kitchen cabinets. To be truly honest it feels good to rid my house of stuff that's just collecting dust. I'm learning that less is sometimes more. also Carolyn if you haven't seen it, there is a doc on netflex called Minimalism, about 2 guys that were living in the corporate world and gave it up to live more freely and not be weighted down by stuff. hope to meet you and sade some day out on the road. Happy travels.

[@bushwhacker2198]

Great advice delivered with exuberance!

[@india1422]

My son is our heir. The downside for him is that we are not getting rid of our stuff so he doesn’t have to! All I ask is that he gives/sells my Berninas and fabric, that they don’t go to landfill

[@jerilane2063]

Yeah, my Bernina and fabric is important!

[@PeaceJourney...]

Well, we lost everything in a fire. Since then I've spent money mindfully, we don't have much that we don't need or love. Still, it's going to be fun to start off in a skoolie with a woodstove, a bathtub, canning system, minimal library, garden, teenager and six cats! You will see us coming...😂

[@susanwood9678]

Yes! I SO get this! Nothing that SEEMED 'normal/fixed' could be counted upon.

[@thizizliz]

"Is it need or greed" is the question i ask myself. It helps a lot.

[@ritachikita1468]

I gave my girls all the “stuff” they wanted from their childhood years and promises to take the few other things I kept. The things I have left are my personal keepsakes. I’m now considering rehoming them. I still have a couple big things, a collection of dishes and teapots with a certain pattern and the antique cabinet to keep them in. I never use them so they need a home. A bunch of paperbacks that I love to read and reread. But, they are still sold on Amazon for a small price because I already bought them once. My kindle holds thousands, and it doesn’t hurt my arthritis hands to hold it. So, it’s in my mind to find things a new home. I may become a nomad in the spring.

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

Exactly. I've been mentally going through my stuff for probably 2 years (since finding you and Bob I think). I've been hung up on my son's prosthetic legs. I have all of them from age 7-20. I think I'll ask him what he wants to be done with them. Then maybe line them up in order, take a picture and then let them go

[@4poshponies995]

My goal was to move into my horse trailer. When mom went into a nursing home the downsizing began in her room. Having traveled with horses a lot my trailer was already set up as my minimalist home on wheels. Over several years I sold a lot on eBay and Craigslist, kids didn’t want anything, and when mom passed I ordered a dumpster thinking I would never fill it....it was overflowing. The house sold and anything associated with maintaining a residence was left for the new owners. The one thing I did do was store with the moving company what I thought would be needed in another smaller home, later buying a storage shed for the same reason, but now four years later knowing that isn’t going to happen or what I want....let the downsizing begin again. I am so much happier in my trailer, I AM FREE. I have no regrets.

[@bonbon5980]

I’m not looking at the nomad life style right yet but this never the less hit a chord with me. I look at so much of my “stuff” and just wonder why....? Why hold on to so much? So your tips on how to start paring down were very helpful. Thanks! And Carolyn stay happier dear lady💕

[@777LadyVenus]

I got rid of bags full of clothes and shoes, books and two TV's right before the pandemic I am getting rid of more things this weekend. I have wanted to get an RV for twenty years now. Can't wait to join you, I just sold my car and taking public transportation to save my money. Thank you so much for your inspiration. I enjoy watching you and learning as well.

[@craigandlisao9736]

My husband calls me “the great purger”. I identify with moving around a lot growing up, and even as an adult. My guilt is that I do and less now what you did, “buy, purge, replace repeat”..... and now I’m learning contentment. I would love to live with less and not feel the need to replace, I’m learning this, and it’s freeing. I’m blessed, I’ve worked hard, but I’ve wasted $$$$$ on STUFF, and that stuff has never made a soul happy or free. Thank you Carolyn, THIS VIDEO, is the best one yet. May life give us the things that we keep in our heart that make us fulfilled. Ps.....the idea of photo memory is brilliant. 🌸❤️🌸

[@hopeonthetrail6984]

Thanks so much for your insight into living with less. I started really thinking about this after spending my whole summer during this pandemic working in my yard, garden, work shops. By the time summer was done I just stood back and thought WHY am I doing this. For who other than myself and my dog am I doing this for (and she has no thought about what it looks like). Even all the upgrades that I've done to my home since I bought it 15 years ago looking toward when I retire. Now that I am gettting ready to retire next year everything I've done to the house needs to be done again. Do I really want to continue upgrading?... No ! I really don't. Never thought I'd get to this point in my life...but here i am. I don't have children to hand things out to and for that matter much family. So I'm at where you are talking about. Downsizing. It's actually not as hard as I thought...but I've got a ways to go. I have an 89 year old Mom to care for and am willingly doing this because I love her and want the best for her until either I go first or she does. She's not happy at all with me for wanting to sell my home and get an RV or van but knows it's my life and not hers. So downsizing for me is happening as I am still living in my home. It's actually very freeing and seems to be getting better the more I do it. If you can just put your mindset to possible thing of others that could benefit from what you don't need anymore and just give it to them. I just gave books and housewares to two young girls that are just starting out in their first appartment. They need everything ----I don't need anything. They also came from an abusive household and are trying to establish a homebase to bring their younger sister when she can also get away. Sorry about writing a book. Closing now. Blessings to you Carolyn and Sadie. Love, Teri and Maddie

[@FayeCalder]

Thank you Carolyn! I have a friend who is contemplating to sell home and buy a truck and RV.

[@TrayHere]

I’ve been on the road since March and I do have a small storage unit. It’s so freeing having a garage sale and letting go of all the stuff that weighs us down. Also I gave my furniture to a friend who just leased an apartment and she is utilizing it now; but understands if I decide to quit this life I will need it back. Looking forward to year two on the road. Be Free!

[@getlostwhenwondering393]

I was forced to downsize. My husband died suddenly. After two years I knew I couldn’t stay there, we heated with wood, and I was always sad. I packed what I could ( not knowing where I would live) afford and told my kids take what you want. Sold the house to my brother-in-law, it was on family land. And left NY. Moved to Florida into a small house, after 3 years sold that n moved in with my boyfriend. So I downsized again. So much stuff I just didn’t need, wanted yes, but had not used so it’s gone. When I’m able I will buy a class b camper or large van ( I need a bathroom) . Still have to remind myself that I don’t need stuff.your so right, dad was in the coast guard so we moved a lot, we were low income and didn’t have family stuff so maybe that helped me.

[@staceywynn9196]

At the moment we're going through 30 years of accumulated 'stuff' to transition to our 33 ft trailer. Still a long ways to go, but getting there. It feels great!

[@vantastic_dreamer]

You and I have soo much in common you have no idea. I haven’t gotten to the part where I can laugh at it yet. It looks like a goal.

[@marilouanderson9361]

Once you get rid of all that stuff it is so freeing. You are not tied to all that weighs you down. Its wonderful. Also getting a storage unit is crazy because you pay a lot of money for the unit if there is something you need its cheap to buy another than all that rent you put out.

[@darlinshel1]

Downsizing shoes- I decided on 2 pairs of sneakers thinking I needed them so bad. Haven't worn either pair in a year now 😆 I found that I much prefer something that slides on fast like crocs type sandals. Keeping sandals, hiking boots, snow boots, 2 or 3 kinds of pretty shoes/boots. I still keep downsizing in my van because of similar experiences. I grew up USAF so I think it made me nomadic lol family heirlooms already with my kids. Same with the good furniture

[@marysellers5697]

So great !!great helpfull video!!!sounds like us when we moved into our rv!.we love watching your videos!were away for awhile!be safe!!💕🙏🏻

[@laurasperry2261]

I totally agree with the freedom of becoming a minamilist. I've been working on that for a while. I'm finally getting this place cleaned out, I actually have some bare shelves in my closets. I can't wait for it all to be gone, it's really impowering! I am keeping only what I cherish and that's not many items. Lol My theory now is to clean it out as if I had died.

[@starbubbli]

I just bought my conversion van and right in the middle of doing this. It's easy to Gove up but where... tyvm.. 😊

[@gerismix-upadventures]

I was thinking of doing just what you said, I have a storage that I been paying for, for 15 years thinking I was gonna move into another house but my son told me to just stay with them, and now I want to travel so I’m planning on sending my car or maybe a van to the mainland from Hawai’i to do just as your doing which it’s been my dream for so many years, so I gave myself 2 1/2 years beginning January, but I need to go through all my stuff in my storage I was a little heart broken but you gave me the courage to do it , I’ll just keep a few things I really want and get rid of the rest...Mahalo and Aloha from Hawai’i 🌺

[@loriadams7724]

Love the Montana shirt, Carolyn. Montana is so special to me. My uncle is there, and we hope to move there in the next 5 years. The MK purses I own would be hard to part with!! 😁😁 I have another suggestion for the ladies here; there are many many women’s shelters, where the ladies literally have only the clothes on their backs. Any business clothes, shoes, purses, etc., would be a blessing to them. Many are trying to get jobs, and need clothes for that. 🥰

[@traciestephens9894]

I'm currently in the process of everything you just talked about :D I'll have my rig by the end of next year. So excited.

[@mikejokic2478]

Good idea Carolyn 👍 👌 Thanks for the suggestions 😊 💞 Yatsa ❤️

[@jeancambra8036]

I had the first change of thought back in 2014. I got rid of everything but the clothes on my back kept a few pictures and heirlooms in a storage bin and started to leave the sticks and bricks life. Then I met a very special angel man that gave me a safe loving environment and we postponed our departure to the nomad life. June 2022 is the go date. It is imbedded in my soul. I have sent positive energy to the future to assure that I will be on the road with my sweet angel man and hopefully a dog. Whether it be on the motorcycle or in a trailer or rv it is going to happen!!! I actually feel chained right now. I am sure you can identify. We are chipping away at those chains that bind. Keep giving positive reinforcement.

[@lisarogers4034]

Hey, I just had a great idea! Maybe you should start up some classes where some of us could hang out with you and Sadie and learn some things hands on at some of your cool spots that you go to...........You could call it Camp Carolyn lol :) Just kidding of course, I would rather you stay safe. Xoxoxo

[@victoriamaloney2299]

I am thinking about getting rid of everything to sell my home and buy an camper. I enjoyed your story thank you

[@Di-up6to]

Thanks, Carolyn! This is so timely. We've been working on discarding and downsizing and it IS hard to let go of some of the things with memories attached, but you have some good suggestions! The "sell this after Covid when we're comfortable being around others again" pile is growing.

[@teresacarlisle9747]

Great video and love your hair 😍

[@diannateller5675]

I already have done what you talked about. I love watching your videos. You are not only informative but fun. I love your attitude and watching your adventures and your As I see it chats. Also, Sadie is absolutely beautiful. Love her sweet face

[@Travelmaryandblue]

For me every time I moved I purged more & am not very attached to things. But I understand how difficult it can be for some people who have had things all their life and form an attachment.

[@nickc7494]

Most people have hoarder mentality, when I was in Marine Corp boot camp in 1990, all I carried was by camouflage uniform, boots , sea bag and my rifle. Now I’ve accumulated a lot crap so my advice is to purge your belongings every month. Slowly the sunlight will be scene through the windows again once the hoard diminishes. Most people I believe hoard from anxiety. A monthly ritual of removing is what I do and it works. Keep positive and safe on your travels and maybe find a companion down the road. Independence is nice but it also can be lonely god bless

[@cindymueller6170]

We bought a tiny little house in Nevada (tax reasons) so we have some stuff there. But we did exactly what you did, I had so much stuff it was 4 garage sales and 20 trips to goodwill. (Yes, I was nuts to have that much stuff) We are keeping the little house for emergencies because we are in our 60's and we just paid cash. It was sort of like you thinking about a property. A property was what we were looking for when we found the little house for actually about the same price. We are in the last days at our jobs we are out of here 1-21-21. I picked that date because it was at the beginning of the year and gives a few days after work stops to finish up the paperwork.

[@LillianLouiseInNature]

Excellent advice. Realistic for anyone reducing stuff. 💖👏🏼

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Yes! Thank you!

[@sharonsteele8915]

Thank you for very good info.. plz be safe and have a happy healthy holiday season..🤗🙏

[@hipdogdsv]

I'm doing this very thing now. Getting rid of 95% of my schtuff. I have a 16 foot POD filled to the brim I can't do anything with at the moment. I have animals so a LOT of my schtuff is for my animals. I'll be getting the POD emptied and give it up in Spring for phase 2 of starting over.

[@1cosmocat]

Even if you're not moving into an Rv or van this is a good mindset. I know I have started thinking the want and need way.When I divorced and moved into a little 700 sq ft house after living in a 2500 sg ft. I really downsized, but damn if I haven't stuffed every corner and the basement of this house.I know when the world ever goes back to normal I'm going to gather a bunch of my overage and set up at a flea market, then Im going to take the money and pay on my credit card (that I used to buy a bunch of WANTS) Thanks for the encouragement.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Very useful information and video. Thank you. Blessings in your days.

[@Cocohammonds2002]

Me and my fiance are looking into the rv life and so far it seems like the life for us..we're currently in the "boring stage" saving up enough to buy our first home/rv..I have high hopes 🥰

[@jcneedles388]

Best piece of advice right there. You are never going to use it. My check point, what is my son going to do with it, get rid of it.

[@tammywentzloff5141]

I think you're doing a great job with your life being a strong independent woman. I love your realness. No sugarcoating things. Love to watch your videos. I like that camo shirt you have on.

[@johnhuff393]

The best way to not have to become a minimalist is to never start collecting unneeded items. Memories are fine living in the mind not closets.😉

[@gail-sw9xg]

Amen!!

[@barefootreba]

Good suggestion!

[@barefootreba]

Thank you so much .

[@marciaracehorse-robles9343]

Thats been my motto after downsizing from a 5 bedroom home, and a he and her shops.

[@francisa751]

As usual great explanation of ideas and methods.