DOWNSIZING

OK so you've made the decision to become full time RV'er's, Now what? Now you are faced with many more decisions to make. When do I go? What do I drive or tow? Am I going to have to work? (You bet your sweet patootie you have to work). Unless you're independently wealthy. What clubs should I join? And a really big decision will be, What do I do with all of my stuff? Let's talk about DOWNSIZING..

Even if you live in an average sized house, let's say 1700 sq. feet., You are moving into a house that's about 250 sq. feet. See the Problem...

You will have limited space even with the added basement storage space. You have to make some thoughtful decisions on what to keep, what to store, what to toss.

Organize first

If possible empty out one room so you have a place to sort your stuff. Divide this room into sections.

Stuff to sell

Stuff to keep for the RV

Stuff to store

Organize by Groups

1. Clothes and Shoes
2. 2. Kitchen and Household Items
3. 3. Files, Papers and Office Items
4. 4. Tools and Garage Items

1. Downsizing Clothes and Shoes -Be Realistic!

This can seem like an overwhelming task, but unless you will be working a job that requires dressy clothes, you can probably pare down your wardrobe drastically.

Clothes You'll Need While RVing

Basic casual clothes will be the most useful, but in limited amounts. Don't pack 10 pairs of jeans or dozens of t-shirts!

• jeans
• light weight slacks
• shorts
• tee and knit shirts
• a few button up shirts
• one dressy outfit each with appropriate shoes.
• fleece jacket and windbreaker
• raincoat
• sweat shirt or sweater
• bathing suit and cover-up
• knit cap and gloves
• socks
• sweatpants and shirt
• bathrobe
• night clothes
• slippers
• hiking boots
• athletic shoes
• a pair of dress shoes
• sandals
• crocks or shower shoes

This pile includes necessities, but must be limited by storage space. Generally, an RVer's life style is much more casual . Downsizing Clothes and Shoes -Be Realistic!This can seem like an overwhelming task, but unless you will be working a job that requires dressy clothes, you can probably pare down your wardrobe drastically.

What's left donate for a little tax deduction. Toss anything that is torn, stained, or just not wearable.

Kitchen items you will need.

Only you can tell what items you'll need on the road. Nobody knows how you cook so don't let anybody tell you what you will need. The only advise I would give is take more than you think you will need and purge as you go. Mu rule is (if you don't use something in 2 or 3 months, get rid of it) You'll find a Goodwill drop off box just about anywhere you go.

Household items you need

This is another area that only you can decide what to take. If you are handy you might think about taking some tools. This might help you save some money when it comes to repairs. Keep in mind you have a limited amount of space to store stuff. You also need to be aware of the weight of your RV. You only have a limited weight to work with.

Important Papers

Certain papers need to be available to you at a moments notice. Insurance papers on the tow vehicle and the trailer or your motor home and any vehicle you may be towing. Drivers license you probably carry on you but you might want to make a back up copy. If you plan on traveling out of the country don't forget you will need a passport. Tax returns are a must. I'm going to invest in a fireproof safe to keep my papers in.

If at all possible try not to store anything. Copy pictures onto a flash drive and give originals to family members or friends. You can also have photos put onto CD's and take them with you.

Some final advise

You can't take everything with you. Decide what's important to you and get rid of everything else. This won't be easy but it is one of the most important steps to getting on the road. So be realistic and objective. Consider the cost and consequences of storing your stuff.