— Relationships —

BUT NOTHING FITS

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It’s every woman’s lament at one point or another. But this time, it’s not about my clothes, and it’s true. I feel a little bit ridiculous. No… a lot ridiculous, ever thinking we were in good shape. Over thinking I had everything under control, over how many trips I took to the thrift store. I’ve decided the thrift store visits were my philanthropy for this year. And even after all of the prep work, I’m shocked at how much stuff we still have that has no place to live. Our coach looks like something from the television show “Hoarders.”

To use one of George W. Bush’s best words, “I think we have sorely misunderestimated how much stuff we could bring!”

Neither of us is a clothes horse, but neither of us had any intention of living in outdoor gear or a uniform of shorts, Crocs, and oversized tees. We are now discussing the merits of “Capsule Wardrobes.”

This has turned out to be much more challenging than I thought. The good news is we are now living in our coach, and I have learned a few lessons for those who dreams of a nomadic lifestyle:

  • Plan ahead. Way ahead. Begin downsizing at least six months in advance.
  • You will always have WAY MORE STUFF than you think you do. We downsized considerably, and what is left of our furniture, art, and all of our winter clothes, is now in a climate-controlled 10′ x 20′ unit, and we still have too much for our available space.
  • At times it will be overwhelming… Focus on your goal. I am grateful to Chris McKee, a friend who’s already done this. She warned me, “Hang in there. It gets a little crazy at the end.”
  • Allow yourself one really good cry. Then wash your face, mix yourself a drink, and get back to work.

I know I will have everything sorted out in a week or so, but since today is all I have, I will enjoy this adventure, even in the middle of the mess!

 


6 Comments

  • Debby Bain Whitsitt July 11, 2017 at 12:14 am

    Bravo for them!!

  • Brenda Coffee July 11, 2017 at 11:49 am

    I’ve downsized twice in the last 10 years and am getting ready to purge/sell/giveaway/donate two storage units. Hang tough, girlfriend! It’s always more work than you think it will be! Lots more work! xoxox, Brenda

  • Cathy Lawdanski July 11, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    The thought makes me want to mix a drink….

  • Esther Zimmer July 12, 2017 at 3:42 am

    I’d barely finished reading this and I was on my feet and packing more things into boxes! Thanks for the motivation, Donna. Everyone else seems to think I’m a bit bonkers for starting the packing process when we’re still 5-6 months away from moving out of our home and embracing a life on the move, but obviously I’m smarter than they are! I figured if I packed away the majority of things I do want to keep, it will make it even easier to get rid of the stuff I don’t. I love your updates – keep going, you’re almost done! xx

  • Susan Y. July 12, 2017 at 7:27 am

    How exciting!

  • Susan Tolles July 18, 2017 at 11:03 am

    You continue to inspire me, Donna! If only I could get my hubby to buy in. I would love to downsize, but he is still tied to his “stuff.” Sounds like a typical woman, doesn’t he?

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