5 Things I’ve Learned While Downsizing for VanLife (Home, Car, & Personal Possessions)
Maybe you’re like me, about moving into a van down by the river. Trading in our suburban fortresses and daily grind for a mobile castle on wheels sounds like a dream, right? Well, having recently embarked on this downsizing adventure myself, I’ve picked up a few gems of knowledge along the way. Here are the top 5 things I’ve learned during this wild ride.
1. If you are Selling a Home, having a Good Realtor Is a Must
Selling a house can be stressful and time consuming. Enter the good realtor. Why invest in a good realtor? They handle the nitty-gritty details, market your house like a pro, and ensure you get top dollar.
My realtors are rockstars who turned my mostly empty-yet-lived-in home into a pristine showpiece that would make Marie Kondo weep with joy. The brought in a professional cleaner, and the photographer they hired was top notch. Together they managed to stage my house to look like I had my life together. If you’re around the Metro Detroit area, give Your Real Estate People a shot.
2. When Selling Possessions, Most People on Marketplace Are Not Serial Killers
When I first started listing my items on Marketplace, I half-expected one of Dexter Morgan’s serial killer targets to roll up in a minivan. Spoiler alert: It never happened. Instead, I met an eclectic mix of bargain hunters, locals, and lake homers who were more interested in my outdoor furniture than in my liver.
The couple that bought my patio set said they may feature it in their DIY Instagram so that’s fun knowing my stuff is going to good use elsewhere!
3. Some RV Companies Take Cars in for a Trade. Yay, Tax Savings!
I had no idea about this one until I stumbled across it in conversation with my RV rep. Your old sedan can help finance your dream van. Many RV dealerships offer trade-in deals where your vehicle becomes a down payment on your RV. The best part? You save on taxes because you’re only taxed on the difference. It’s like getting paid to upgrade your life.
Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the awkwardness of trying to explain to potential car buyers why the backseat is covered in pet hair and the trunk smells like last summer’s camping trip. Let the RV dealership worry about that.
4. Carvana versus Private Sales
Speaking of avoiding awkwardness, Carvana is pretty legit. Imagine selling your car without the hassle of meeting strangers or haggling over price. Carvana offers a quick online appraisal, and if you accept their offer, they come to you. They pick up your car and hand you a check. It’s almost unbelievable, and if you don’t believe me, check out some of the reviews from r/Carvana.
What could this mean for you? No more late-night Craigslist meetups in sketchy parking lots. Just a straightforward, hassle-free process. And you get to keep your dignity intact.
5. Everything Takes Time
If you’re anything like me, you probably thought you could Marie Kondo your way through downsizing in a weekend. Reality check: it takes time. A lot of time. Way more time than I had anticipated and I thought I had good headway. Sorting through years of accumulated stuff, selling, donating, or trashing it all, and then dealing with the emotional baggage of literally letting go of many of my favorite backpacks (I’m so sorry, r/ManyBaggers) is no small feat.
Give yourself plenty of time. Start early, stay organized, and keep a sense of humor about the whole process. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I’m guessing the van won’t be packed and ready to go in one, either.
Conclusion
Downsizing for VanLife is an adventure, full of unexpected twists, turns, and a fair share of laughs. Whether you’re navigating the wilds of Marketplace, trading your car for a shiny new RV, or simply figuring out how to fit your life into a van, remember to enjoy the ride. Because in the end, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Happy trails!
-J
