Downsizing for Travel: How to Get Rid of Everything You Own And Live With Less

Downsizing frees up space and energy 

by Carolyn Ray

If you’ve felt the urge to travel, but don’t know how to downsize your possessions, this is your call to action! Not only does downsizing clear out the clutter of things you don’t need, it can also help us shift into a new lifestyle. Perhaps you’re thinking of moving into a smaller home, travelling more or becoming nomadic… Imagine how much easier it can be to travel when you have less physical possessions to worry about! 

It has been seven years since I sold my house, auctioned off my furniture and felt the first twinges of freedom. That was in 2018, right after I turned 50. I left my corporate job and sold everything I owned to travel full time. Then, I was invited by JourneyWoman’s founder Evelyn Hannon and her daughter and my friend Erica Ehm to carry on the legacy of JourneyWoman. That tells me that there’s a lot of wisdom in this world, and that the universe has a plan for us. 

Do I miss any of the things I grew up with? My family antiques, china or piano? Not for a minute. Instead of feeling trapped by my possessions, I am free of that burden. Instead of waiting for my daughter, who’s now 24, to come visit from London, she meets me wherever I am in the world and we create new memories together. Home, I’ve discovered, is where we make it, as long as we’re together. 

Here are my tips to help you get started, along with some articles on our site with more practical advice.