Downsizing to a Van

As I am boxing up stuff for the Goodwill, going through old boxes figuring out what can be thrown out, I am thinking there will be no space in the van, I can only bring a very limited amount of things.  I am getting overwhelmed thinking what should I do with this stuff, what does this connector go to, do I even have that camera any more, would anyone want this GPS device, it is from 2007.  Will I use this hand blender?  I never use it now, but maybe on the road it will be useful. Thinking about all the money spent over the years on cameras, iPods, iPhones and GPS devices.

I am just thankful that we went through one downsizing exercise already when we sold our house 16 months ago and moved into an apartment.  I cannot imagine going from the house directly into the van.  That seems impossible.  I have a new found empathy for the people on those tiny home shows that don’t want to part with their stuff.  I thought I was much more advanced in minimalistic ways than they are, but today I am realizing I have no idea if I am doing the right thing getting rid of everything!  I just keep coming back to – if it is sitting in the apartment and I am not using it, I do not need it.

Besides the traditional garage sale (we did have one when we sold our house) here are some other ways to get rid of stuff.  Mattresses are very hard to get rid of these days.  I have scheduled a Salvation Army pickup for the bed.  I hope they take it.

Shredding Event – bring bags of documents to be shredded.  They ask for a small donation.

Consignment shop – if your furniture sells you get half of the money

Electronics Recycling – cities sponsor this, drop off old computers, TVs, Stereo stuff

Craig’s List –

SellBackYourBooks.com – they will give you money for books

Some jewelry stores buy old gold necklaces, earrings

Bulk Trash Pickup – if you are still in your house and pay the city for trash pickup you can put furniture and mattresses out for bulk pickup.  Since we are in an apartment that is not an option.

Goodwill – they take almost anything except mattresses