Are We MINIMALISTS Yet? How We Got Rid of (Just About) ALL of Our Stuff

Episode 6

Welcome back to the Life on a Stick podcast! This week we're diving deep into our journey toward minimalism. We'll share how we decided to take on a more minimalist lifestyle by selling our house (and all the contents inside it) and moving our family into our campervan. We'll also reflect on the ups and downs of downsizing and leaving behind the conventional lifestyle.

The Decision to Downsize

When we first started considering minimalism, it wasn't just about freeing up space or reducing clutter. It was a life decision that extended to every aspect of our lives. We wanted to teach our kids to appreciate the little things in life and see the positives in everything, even in the dreary Swedish weather. Downsizing, for us, was not merely a trend but a necessity to live a life full of purpose.

Selling the House and Moving into a Campervan

One of the most significant steps we took in our minimalist journey was selling our house. It might sound extreme, but for us, it was liberating. We moved everything into storage and hit the road in our campervan. The amount of unnecessary stuff we accumulated over just four or five years was insane. We made countless trips to the second-hand shop and the donation center, getting rid of everything we didn't need.

We found that, while liberating, the process was also eye-opening. Unpacking and sifting through our old belongings made us reflect on why we had so many items in the first place. It was then that we realized how easy it is to fall into the trap of overconsumption.

Living With Less

Living in a van has its own set of challenges, but it also brings immense joy and freedom. The limited space forces us to be mindful about what we buy and keep. We have learned to make do with fewer kitchen utensils, and our kids have become excellent at using their imagination instead of relying on a mountain of toys.

There's something so rewarding about this minimalist lifestyle. Cleaning the van takes about 10 minutes, and everything immediately feels fresh and in order. You can't compare this to the never-ending cleaning cycles we had in our old house.

Challenges of a Minimalist Lifestyle

While we enjoy the simplicity of living in a van, there are moments when we miss having a "proper" home base. For instance, it's difficult to invite people over for dinner without a permanent home. We either have to meet in the forest or go to someone else's house, which might not always be feasible. But these small sacrifices are worth the peace and calm we get in return.

The Emotional and Psychological Benefits

One unexpected benefit of downsizing and embracing minimalism is the emotional and mental clarity it brings. There's less inner stress when the environment around you is clean and uncluttered. Even our kids seem to be much happier and more imaginative since we got rid of most of their toys. It’s clearly not just about having fewer things but having more meaningful experiences.

The Future of Our Minimalist Journey

So what's next? We're not entirely sure, but we know that even if we go back to living in a house, we will carry forward these minimalist principles. It might be easy to slip back into old habits, but now that we've experienced the benefits of minimalism firsthand, we're committed to maintaining this lifestyle as best as we can.

New Podcast Segment: Give Us a Lift

We’ve also introduced a brand new segment called "Give Us a Lift," where we share something uplifting or inspiring that we’ve encountered over the past week. From heartwarming stories to personal achievements, we want to spread positivity. This week, Malin shares an inspiring moment she witnessed involving kids learning about her stoma, while Tom tells us about an incredible story of a hiker surviving 10 days lost in the Californian mountains.

Final Thoughts

If you've ever thought about downsizing or embracing a minimalist lifestyle, we highly recommend giving it a try. Even if you're not planning to move into a van like us, reducing clutter and unnecessary items can bring unexpected relief and joy. Trust us, it's worth it!

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Make sure you hit the follow button for more episodes of our video podcast. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please consider leaving us a review. It helps us reach more people and grow our community. Until next time, stay minimal!