Minimalism

Minimalism gets a bad rap. People think it is about living in an empty room with one chair and a single fork. For us, minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It is about making room for what actually matters. It is the deliberate act of clearing out the clutter—physical, mental, and digital—to reclaim your time and energy. In this section of The Real Life with D & J, we explore minimalism as the engine that powers our “Midlife Freedom.” We couldn’t have moved into 300 square feet without it.  

We cover this topic because it was the hardest and most rewarding part of our transition. Selling our house was just paperwork. Getting rid of twenty years of accumulated “stuff” was an emotional wrestling match. We share our journey not to brag about how little we own, but to show you that you are carrying more weight than you realize. We talk about the freedom that comes when you stop managing your possessions and start managing your life.

Here, you will find the blueprint for your own downsizing journey. We share the specific methods we used to purge our home. We tackle the sentimental items that are impossible to throw away. And we discuss the “one in, one out” rule that keeps our RV from bursting at the seams. You will learn how to detach your identity from your things. Whether you want to live in a van or just want to park your car in the garage again, these posts will help you lighten your load.