Our Wandering Pack

Letting go of belongings isn’t just about decluttering—it’s an emotional journey. As we prepare to transition to full-time RV living, downsizing has been one of the most challenging aspects of this lifestyle shift. Selling, donating, and parting with possessions tied to memories has brought unexpected emotions, but it has also been a transformative experience.

The Emotional Challenges of Letting Go

1. Nostalgia and Sentimental Items

Every item we own has a story. Whether it’s a well-worn hiking backpack from countless adventures, a piece of furniture passed down through family, or a collection of books that shaped us, letting go can feel like saying goodbye to a part of our past. We’ve found that acknowledging the memories these objects hold helps us release them with gratitude rather than guilt.

For some of the items we were able to use a Portable Document Scanner. This allowed us to be able to scan in some of those sentimental memorabilia.

2. Fear of Regret

“What if we need this later?” This question lingers in our minds as we sort through our things. The reality is, most of the time, we won’t miss these items. But that fear of making the wrong decision can be paralyzing. We remind ourselves that anything truly essential can be replaced, and experiences on the road will be worth more than any object we own.

3. Identity Shift

Our belongings often reflect our identity—our hobbies, our careers, our aspirations. Downsizing forces us to redefine who we are without the things that once surrounded us. It’s a strange but liberating realization that we are not defined by what we own but by the way we live.

How We’re Coping

1. Focusing on the Freedom Ahead

Rather than dwelling on what we’re losing, we remind ourselves of what we’re gaining: freedom, adventure, and simplicity. Less stuff means less to worry about and more time to focus on experiences.

2. Keeping Digital Memories

For sentimental items, we take photos before letting them go. Journaling about why an item was special also helps preserve its memory without needing to keep the physical object. We did also take a few photos of items that we know we do not need and were able to keep a hold of the memory digitally!

3. Creating a ‘Maybe’ Box

For items we’re hesitant to part with, we place them in a box and revisit it a month later. If we haven’t needed or thought about those things, we know we can let them go without regret.

4. Selling and Donating with Purpose

Knowing that our items are going to people who will use and appreciate them makes parting with them easier. We have donated items to good causes, from local churches to veterans’ organizations—knowing that these items are going directly to help someone else makes it easier to let them go.

Our Personal Downsizing Journey

Jess has had so many clothes to go through—it’s been overwhelming at times! Meanwhile, Maddy has been the one able to take a step back and help work through the actual process of getting rid of items. Having someone to help sort and stay objective has been incredibly valuable during this journey.

Tips for Others Looking to Downsize for a Nomadic Lifestyle

1. Start Early – Downsizing takes longer than expected, so give yourself plenty of time to make thoughtful decisions.

2. Take It in Phases – Start with the easy things (duplicates, broken items) and work up to sentimental belongings.

3. Ask Yourself the Right Questions – Do I use this regularly? Does it serve a necessary function in my new lifestyle? Can I replace it easily if needed?

4. Let Go of the ‘Just in Case’ Mindset – If you haven’t used it in a year, chances are you won’t need it on the road.

5. Remember Your ‘Why’ – Keep your vision of a simpler, freer life at the forefront to stay motivated when the process gets tough.

Free Resource for Downsizing

We know how challenging downsizing can be, so we’re offering a free digital downsizing checklist to help you sort through what to keep and what to let go of. Download it here!

Helpful Items for Downsizing & RV Living

If you’re looking for practical items to help with your transition to a nomadic lifestyle, check out these Amazon finds:

• Vacuum Storage Bags – Perfect for maximizing space! Check them out here.
• Collapsible Storage Bins – Great for keeping things organized. Find them here.
• Minimalist Packing Cubes – Help keep your essentials compact. Get them here.

Pinterest Inspiration

If you need ideas and motivation for your travel trailer setup, check out our Pinterest board filled with inspiration for tiny living on the road! Visit our inspiration board here.

Final Thoughts

Downsizing is more than just a practical step—it’s an emotional process of releasing the past to embrace the future. While it comes with its challenges, the reward is a lighter, more intentional way of living. If you’re in the midst of letting go, know that it’s okay to feel emotional, and it’s okay to take your time. The road ahead is waiting, and it’s worth every tough goodbye.