Angie Marie One of the hardest and most transformative parts of our journey toward simpler living has been the process of downsizing. Years ago, we began letting go of belongings so we could move into a fifth-wheel RV full-time, but what I didn’t expect was this: the downsizing itself became its own teacher.
When you start sorting through everything you own, you realize quickly that so much of what fills your home isn’t actually filling your life. I held onto many things because they carried sentimental value. Some because I “might need them someday.” And others simply because I had them long enough that they felt like part of the background.
But staring at a mountain of belongings and knowing they all had to be condensed into a tiny living space? That’ll challenge you in a way that shifts your mindset. We had five months to go from a full household to a version of life we could carry with us and the process changed me.
Today I want to share how we did it, what it taught us, and a few tips to help you downsize with intention, whether you’re simplifying your home, preparing for a move, or just craving a life that feels lighter.
Start With a Simple, Honest Purge
The best place to begin? One room at a time.
Not the whole house. Not the whole attic. Not “everything by next week.”
Just one space, broken into small, doable chunks.
Each time you pick up an item, ask yourself one question:
“Does this add value to the life I’m trying to build?”
If the answer is yes, keep it.
If the answer is no, let it go.
If the answer is “I’m not sure,” put it in a maybe pile and trust me, most of those maybes don’t make the final cut.
When we downsized, we used 7–8 categories:
keep, donate, sell, sentimental, important, trash, maybe, and storage (if absolutely necessary).
I made so many trips to the thrift store that I’m convinced they were cheering every time they saw me pull in. Things I thought I’d hold onto forever ended up being the easiest to release once I realized they were holding space in my home but not contributing to my life.
Expect to go through your belongings multiple times.
Your first round won’t be your last.
Downsizing comes in layers and each pass gives you a clearer vision of what you actually need.
A Word About Storage
Storage is a tricky subject. It can become a crutch that keeps you tied to things you don’t truly want or it can be a practical solution while you transition into a slower lifestyle.
If your move or season of simplicity is temporary, storing sentimental items or important household pieces may make sense. We stored a few things on our land because we knew we’d eventually build a home there. But it’s important to be honest with yourself: storage should support your goals, not stall them.
Ask yourself: “Am I storing memories… or clutter?”
Consider Replacing Items With Things That Serve You Better
Downsizing isn’t just about purging, sometimes it’s about swapping bulky, single-use items for things that fit your life better.
When we lived in our camper, we quickly realized that space was priceless. I traded my slow cooker for an Instant Pot. We bought dishes that stacked neatly. We added better storage solutions. Little changes like that made everyday life feel less chaotic.
Even if you’re not living small, simplifying your tools and belongings can make your home feel more peaceful. Choose items that make life easier, not louder.
Tips for Downsizing (Without Losing Your Mind)
1. Keep a donation bag out at all times
When something new comes in, something old should leave. This one habit keeps clutter from sneaking right back in.
2. Rethink books, movies, and media
Keep what you truly love. Donate or store the rest. Consider digital options or slimmed-down cases for DVDs and CDs.
3. Try a capsule wardrobe
Not as a trend but as a blessing.
Once you find your style, you realize you don’t need 50 shirts to feel put together. A handful of well-loved basics goes a long way.
4. Downsize toys with intention
Let the kids be part of the process.
We let our girls choose what to donate, and it surprised me how willingly they let things go once the piles started shrinking. Kids often thrive with fewer options: more imagination, less overwhelm.
5. Give yourself grace
You’ll have moments of doubt. You’ll second-guess things. You’ll donate something and miss it later.
This is all part of the process.
Simplifying is not about perfection, it’s about peace.
What Downsizing Truly Gave Us
When we finally finished condensing our life into something we could live with and live in I felt lighter than I had in years. Not because we owned less, but because everything we kept finally aligned with the life we were trying to build.
Downsizing will challenge you, stretch you, and sometimes frustrate you…
but it will also set you free.
If you’re on your own journey toward a simpler life and have questions, I’d love to help. Leave a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook — we’re all learning to live lighter, one box, one room, and one brave step at a time.
