Making the leap into full-time RV life is one of the most exciting lifestyle decisions an Aussie adventurer can make. But before you hit the open road, there’s one crucial step that can make or break your experience: downsizing.
Transitioning from a house, apartment, or even a large camper setup to a streamlined, mobile lifestyle requires more than just packing light. It calls for a complete shift in mindset—from owning things to living experiences. And while the process can feel overwhelming at first (especially when you’re staring down a garage full of “what-ifs”), the rewards are tremendous: less clutter, lower stress, and more freedom.
Downsizing forces you to evaluate what truly matters. What do you actually need to live comfortably, cook efficiently, and enjoy life on the road? What’s just taking up space or collecting dust “just in case”? How can you keep some items for later without dragging them everywhere you go?
This guide will walk you through a step-by-step downsizing system tailored for RV life in Australia. You’ll learn:
What to keep with you in your van or motorhome
What to store safely offsite
What to sell or donate
And how to handle the emotional side of letting go
Whether you’re preparing for a permanent nomadic lifestyle or testing the waters with seasonal travel, this article will help you simplify with purpose—and start your RV journey on the right foot (and with a lot more space!).
2. Assessing Your RV Lifestyle Needs Before You Start
Before you even open your first cupboard or touch a single drawer, take a moment to reflect on your RV lifestyle vision. Downsizing isn’t just about what fits in your vehicle—it’s about choosing what supports your daily life on the road. Your answers to a few key questions will shape everything you decide to keep, store, or sell.
What kind of RV travel are you planning?
Are you:
Living in your RV full-time with no fixed home base?
Travelling seasonally, such as during winter or school holidays?
Going on extended trips for a few months at a time?
The more permanent your RV lifestyle, the more essential your choices become. Full-timers need to carry nearly everything they need, while part-timers can afford to leave more items in storage.
Who’s travelling with you?
Are you going solo? With a partner? Kids? Pets?
Every extra body (and paw) adds layers to your space and gear requirements. Families may need extra clothing, schooling supplies, or pet essentials—while solo nomads may prioritise work setups or hobby gear.
Will you work remotely from the road?
If your RV journey includes digital nomad life, you’ll need space and gear for productivity:
A reliable laptop
Mobile internet gear (dongle, booster, SIMs)
Charging solutions and desk space
Balancing work and travel means your downsizing must account for functionality as well as comfort.
What type of travel will you be doing?
Are you sticking to powered sites and holiday parks, or heading off-grid into national parks and the outback?
Your intended travel style affects what you need:
Powered stays: You can bring more appliances and electronics.
Off-grid: You’ll need solar power, extra water tanks, and minimalist living systems.
Which climates will you explore?
Australia offers everything from tropical heat in Cairns to alpine cold in Tasmania. If you’re covering multiple climates, you’ll need to pack strategically:
Compact cold-weather gear
Lightweight summer clothing
Humidity- and dust-proof storage containers
3. Categorizing Everything You Own
Now that you have clarity on your RV lifestyle, it’s time to take inventory—room by room, box by box. This is where the real downsizing begins. Instead of asking, “What should I get rid of?” flip the mindset to: “What truly deserves space in my new RV life?”
Use the 4-Box Method: Keep, Store, Sell, Donate/Trash
As you go through your home, assign every item to one of these four categories:
Keep – Items essential for life on the road
Store – Sentimental, seasonal, or high-value items worth saving
Sell – Items in good condition that can help fund your RV life
Donate/Trash – Non-essentials or worn-out goods with little resale value
Use clearly labelled boxes, bags, or even colour-coded stickers to avoid confusion as you sort.
Do a Room-by-Room Walkthrough
Instead of tackling your whole house at once, go one space at a time:
Kitchen – Focus on multipurpose, compact, and RV-safe items
Bedroom – Narrow down to seasonal clothing and sleeping gear
Garage/Shed – Tools, outdoor gear, hobby equipment
Office – Important documents, work tech, minimal supplies
Bathroom – Travel-sized toiletries, first aid, medications
Living Room – Electronics, books, decor—likely minimal keepers here
Use this process as an opportunity to declutter—not just physically, but emotionally.
Practical Tips for Sorting
If you haven’t used it in 6–12 months, it probably doesn’t belong in your RV
Ask yourself: “Would I buy this again if I didn’t own it?”
Be honest about duplicates (you don’t need three spatulas or six pairs of shoes)
Consider weight and fragility: the road isn’t kind to heavy or breakable items
Watch Out for Emotional Attachments
We all have items tied to memories—gifts, souvenirs, photos. But downsizing doesn’t mean erasing the past. It means being selective:
Digitise photos and documents
Keep one special item per memory, not the whole collection
Take photos of items you’re not keeping but want to remember
Once everything is sorted into categories, you’ll see how much lighter your life is already becoming. The next step? Deciding what actually goes into your RV.
4. What to Keep for RV Life: Essentials Only
When living in an RV, every item you bring must earn its place. Space is tight, weight is limited, and convenience is everything. The golden rule? Keep only what you use regularly, love deeply, or absolutely need. Below are the key categories and must-have items for life on the road in Australia.
Clothing: Functional Over Fashion
You won’t need your full wardrobe. Instead, aim for:
Lightweight, layerable clothing suitable for various climates
A small selection of everyday wear, activewear, and weather gear
One nice outfit for rare formal occasions
Quick-dry fabrics and minimal ironing requirements
Footwear: 1x walking/hiking, 1x casual, 1x thongs
Tip: Stick to a neutral colour palette to mix and match easily.
Kitchen Gear: Compact, Durable, Multipurpose
Space-saving RV cooking gear makes a huge difference:
Stackable pots and pans with removable handles
One good quality knife, cutting board, and cooking utensils
Collapsible mixing bowls, colander, and containers
A stovetop kettle or electric one (if you’ll have power)
Coffee gear (French press or Aeropress for many)
Reusable dishware and insulated drink bottles
Basic pantry spices and essentials (limit bulk shopping)
Tools & Maintenance: Be Prepared, Not Overpacked
Even new RVs can need roadside fixes or setup help:
Compact tool kit (screwdriver, wrench, pliers, tape, etc.)
Duct tape, zip ties, superglue, WD-40
Spare fuses, bulbs, and batteries
Levelling ramps or blocks
Power cords (10–15 amp), adapters, hose fittings
Grey water hose, fresh water hose with filter
Tyre pressure gauge and portable inflator
Outdoor Living Essentials
Much of your RV life happens outside:
Foldable camp chairs and table
Outdoor mat or rug
Awning tie-downs or shade walls
Portable BBQ or gas cooker
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Tech & Entertainment
Stay connected and entertained:
Phone, laptop/tablet, chargers
Mobile Wi-Fi router or dongle
Noise-cancelling headphones
E-reader or compact books
Streaming apps, offline playlists
First Aid & Safety Gear
Safety is non-negotiable:
Fully stocked first aid kit
Smoke and CO detectors (many RVs lack these)
Fire extinguisher and fire blanket
Torch/headlamp with spare batteries
Emergency GPS locator for remote travel
Maps or offline navigation app (e.g. Hema, WikiCamps)
Important Documents & IDs
Always carry:
Driver’s license, vehicle rego, insurance papers
Medicare card and private health info
Passport (if planning international side trips)
Copies stored both physically and in cloud backup
The goal is to build an RV life toolkit—one that supports your comfort, safety, and freedom without overwhelming your storage or weight limits. Up next, we’ll cover what not to bring, but still keep in your life: stored items.
5. What to Store: Items Worth Saving Off the Road
Just because something doesn’t belong in your RV doesn’t mean it needs to be sold or discarded. For long-term or full-time RV travellers, it’s perfectly normal to keep a small personal storage system for the things you can’t take—but don’t want to lose.
The key is to store intentionally, not emotionally.
Sentimental Items
Some things hold deep meaning but serve no practical use on the road:
Family heirlooms
Childhood keepsakes
Photo albums and art
Trophies, awards, schoolwork
Store these in a climate-controlled environment or with a trusted family member to protect against damage.
Seasonal or Bulky Gear
If you plan to return home occasionally or swap items out seasonally:
Winter coats or ski gear (if spending summer up north)
Surfboards, scuba gear, or bikes (if not used regularly)
Specialty tools or appliances not used on the road
Holiday decorations or party supplies
Some RVers rotate seasonal gear during visits home or short stopovers.
Furniture and Appliances
If you own valuable or custom-made home furnishings and plan to settle back later:
Consider long-term storage (only if truly valuable or hard to replace)
Avoid storing low-value, mass-produced items—reselling them later may be easier
Wrap and label properly to avoid damage during long-term storage
Financial and Legal Records
While digital copies work well, there are times you may want to store originals:
Property deeds, wills, business paperwork
Tax records (7 years)
Academic documents and birth/marriage certificates
Backup hard drives or encrypted USBs
Keep these in a fireproof lockbox or safe within your storage unit—or entrust them to a reliable family member.
Digital Storage as a Tool
Many once-physical items can now be stored digitally:
Scan old letters, documents, and photos
Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
Consider a digital inventory of what’s in storage (with photos)
Label boxes clearly: contents, date stored, future purpose
Best Storage Options in Australia
Self-storage units: Monthly rental, 24/7 access, climate control available
With friends/family: Free but less secure—only do this if long-term trust exists
Storage sheds on rural properties: Affordable for those with rural ties
Storage at home base (if you rent out or keep a property)
Tip: Store less than you think you need—you’ll rarely go back for most of it.
Next, we’ll explore what to sell, donate, or discard—and how to do it efficiently before hitting the road.
6. What to Sell or Donate: Letting Go of the Non-Essentials
Let’s be honest—most of us have far more than we actually need. Downsizing for RV life is the perfect opportunity to cash in on clutter, help others in need, and step into your new lifestyle feeling lighter and freer.
Everything that doesn’t make it into the “keep” or “store” pile deserves one of two outcomes: sell it or give it away.
What to Sell Before RV Travel
Focus on quality, resellable items in good condition:
Furniture (couches, tables, beds, shelving)
Appliances (fridge, microwave, washer, air fryer)
Electronics (TVs, speakers, laptops, gaming consoles)
Excess homewares (dinnerware, blenders, decor)
Fashion items, handbags, shoes
Outdoor tools or hobby gear
Vehicles, trailers, or bikes not needed for RV life
Selling these can help fund your RV fit-out or trip expenses.
Where to Sell in Australia
Gumtree – Great for furniture, appliances, local pickup
Facebook Marketplace – Fast sales, wide reach, no fees
eBay – Best for higher-value or shippable items
Garage sale or moving sale – Quick way to clear many items
Local buy-swap-sell groups – Often great for niche items
Tips:
Take clear, honest photos
Include key details like dimensions, age, condition
Price competitively and be ready to negotiate
What to Donate
For items not worth the hassle of selling—but still usable:
Books, DVDs, puzzles, games
Linens, towels, excess clothing
Kitchenware and small appliances
Children’s items, toys, unused school supplies
Toiletries and unopened hygiene products
Where to Donate in Australia
Salvation Army (Salvos Stores) – Clothing, furniture, household goods
Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) – Clothes, homewares, accessories
Local op-shops or church-run charities
Community shelters or women’s refuges – Ask what they currently need
Pay it forward groups – Share on local Facebook groups to help someone directly
What to Trash or Recycle
Broken, stained, or heavily worn items
Expired products and cosmetics
Outdated paperwork no longer needed
Old electronics (recycle through e-waste programs)
Batteries, chemicals, paints (dispose safely)
When in doubt: if you wouldn’t give it to a friend or use it yourself, it probably doesn’t need to come.
This step often feels the most liberating—and once you see how much lighter you’re living, you won’t miss a thing.
7. How to Emotionally Let Go of Stuff (Minimalist Mindset)
Downsizing isn’t just about sorting and packing—it’s deeply emotional. Letting go of possessions often means confronting memories, identity, and even status. But embracing the minimalist mindset can transform downsizing from a chore into an empowering experience.
You Are Not Your Stuff
That box of souvenirs? The shelf of unread books? The outfit you haven’t worn in five years? None of it defines you.
Downsizing gives you permission to disconnect your identity from your belongings. The memories and meaning are within you—not the physical object.
Shift from Ownership to Experience
Think of it this way:
Owning a canoe isn’t the same as paddling down a river
Owning 30 cookbooks isn’t the same as cooking one great meal
Owning furniture doesn’t equal feeling at home
RV life prioritises experiences over possessions. You’ll trade clutter for sunsets, shelves for shoreline campsites, wardrobes for walks in the bush.
Let Go with Gratitude
Struggling with items that were expensive or gifted? Use this method:
Hold the item
Thank it for its purpose or memory
Release it (sell, donate, or recycle)
This mindset, popularised by Marie Kondo, helps reduce guilt and increase peace.
Digitise Your Sentimental Items
Love your old journals, childhood art, or concert tickets? Scan or photograph them. You’ll keep the memory without the bulk.
Apps like Google Photos or Evernote can organise these into digital scrapbooks that travel with you.
Keep One, Let the Rest Go
Collections are meaningful, but you don’t need the whole set. Keep:
One postcard from that Europe trip
One photo frame from your wedding
One favourite toy or keepsake from your child’s baby years
You’ll honour the memory without drowning in stuff.
Connect with Other RVers
Talk to others who’ve downsized and embraced full-time travel. Online groups, forums, or Facebook RV communities in Australia (like “Full-Time RVers Australia” or “Grey Nomads Australia”) offer support and encouragement.
Hearing how others let go—and don’t regret it—can help ease your own transition.
Downsizing is a process. Be kind to yourself. Each item you release makes space—not just in your RV, but in your mind and lifestyle.
8. Smart Packing & Storage Tips for RV Life
Once you’ve downsized your belongings and chosen what to bring, the next challenge is fitting it all in efficiently. Living in a confined space requires clever packing systems, durable containers, and smart organisation. Done right, your RV will feel spacious, not suffocating.
Use Vertical Space Wisely
Install hanging organisers behind cabinet doors
Use wall-mounted racks for spice jars, knives, toiletries
Add hooks and hanging baskets for small items like keys or torches
Magnetic strips work well for tools or cooking utensils
Choose the Right Storage Solutions
Clear plastic bins: Let you see contents at a glance
Vacuum-sealed bags: Compress bulky clothing and bedding
Collapsible items: Bowls, dish racks, laundry baskets save space
Stackable containers: Keep dry goods, toiletries, or cables organised
Drawer dividers and cubes: Ideal for clothes, tools, and kitchen items
Pro Tip: Use square or rectangular containers—not round ones. They fit better and waste less space.
Prioritise Accessibility
Pack with your daily rhythm in mind:
Store frequently used items (toothbrush, charger, kitchenware) near the top/front
Reserve hard-to-reach spaces for backups or seasonal items
Keep heavy items low to maintain RV balance and reduce shifting
Secure Everything for Travel Days
Even the best-packed RV becomes chaos if things shift while driving. Make it road-ready:
Use non-slip mats in drawers and cupboards
Install bungee cords or latches on open shelving
Tension rods in cabinets help prevent items from falling
Place soft barriers (like towels) between fragile items
Designate Zones by Function
Create mini “zones” so you always know where things go:
Coffee station near water and power
Electronics nook with charging station
Outdoor gear in one external hatch
Tool bag stored in a rear compartment
First aid and safety items in easy reach near the door
The fewer decisions you make daily about “where’s that thing?”, the more relaxed RV life becomes.
Rotate & Reevaluate Every Few Months
RV life evolves—and so should your gear. Every 3–6 months:
Reassess what you haven’t used
Swap out seasonal clothing
Clean out expired food or toiletries
Adjust storage based on new routines or destinations
Efficient packing transforms your RV into a smooth-running home on wheels. You’ll feel the difference every single day.
9. Downsizing Mistakes to Avoid
Downsizing for RV life can be incredibly freeing—but it also comes with its fair share of pitfalls. Many new RVers make avoidable mistakes that lead to clutter, frustration, or wasted money on the road. Here’s what to watch out for, so you can start your journey stress-free and streamlined.
1. Overpacking “Just in Case” Items
Fear of being unprepared often leads to bringing far too much. Remember:
If you haven’t used it in 6–12 months, you probably won’t miss it
Most towns in Australia have shops for essentials
You can always buy something if a rare situation arises
RV living is about adaptability—not carrying your entire house with you.
2. Keeping Too Many Duplicates
You don’t need:
Four spatulas
Three pairs of thongs
Multiple jackets for similar climates
Pick the best version and let go of the rest. One high-quality item is better than five mediocre ones.
3. Storing Things You’ll Never Reuse
Many RVers regret paying for long-term storage of furniture or household items they never return to. Before you pay monthly fees:
Ask: Would I use or want this again in 1–2 years?
If not, it’s often cheaper and less stressful to sell and replace later
4. Underestimating Weight Limits
It’s not just about space—RV weight matters. Every item you bring adds to your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), and overloading can:
Increase fuel costs
Wear down brakes and suspension
Make your setup illegal or unsafe
Always weigh your RV after packing and compare it to your compliance plate.
5. Forgetting About Accessibility
Packing tightly may look neat, but if you have to unload half the RV to find your hairdryer, it’s not practical.
Think daily use first
Pack by frequency, not just by fit
6. Not Leaving Room for New Finds
Many RVers forget to leave space for:
Local souvenirs
Fresh food shopping
Unexpected gear upgrades or seasonal swaps
Keep 10–15% of your space free when you first hit the road.
7. Ignoring Emotional Burnout
Downsizing takes mental energy. Trying to do it all in a weekend can lead to burnout and bad decisions.
Take it room by room, box by box
Pace yourself with breaks and milestones
Get help from a friend or downsizing professional if needed
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a lighter, smarter, and more enjoyable RV lifestyle—right from day one.
10. Final Downsizing Checklist Before You Hit the Road
With the heavy lifting nearly done, it’s time to run through one last checklist to make sure you’ve downsized thoroughly and intentionally. Think of this as your pre-launch RV minimalism mission control—checking all systems before you roll out.
Decluttering Complete
All belongings sorted into: Keep, Store, Sell, Donate/Trash
You’ve decluttered room by room with clear intention
Sentimental items reviewed, digitised or safely stored
Emotional release acknowledged and celebrated
RV Essentials Packed
Must-haves loaded into RV based on your actual lifestyle plan
All heavy or fragile items packed safely and low
Packing prioritised by frequency of use
Daily zones and routines established
Storage Sorted
Remaining items securely stored (not forgotten or stuffed in)
Labelled boxes with contents listed (on paper or app)
Documents, heirlooms, or backup gear stored in climate-safe space
Monthly or annual review plan noted in your calendar
Sold and Donated Items Removed
High-value items sold via Gumtree, FB Marketplace, eBay or local sale
Donation piles delivered to charity shops or shelters
Unusable junk disposed of properly
Cash from sales saved for fuel, gear, or upgrades
Weight & Space Checked
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) confirmed after loading
Adequate breathing space left in cabinets and cupboards
Room set aside for groceries, new finds, or upgrades
Backup gear (tools, first aid) stowed and ready
Final Review Before Roll-Out
Every item in your RV has a purpose, use, and place
You feel confident, not cluttered
Your RV feels like a home—not a storage locker on wheels
You’re mentally ready to embrace simplicity and adventure
With this checklist done, you’re not just moving into a smaller space—you’re stepping into a bigger life on the open road.
11. Conclusion: The Joy of Simplicity on the Open Road
Downsizing for RV life is more than a practical exercise—it’s a powerful shift toward freedom, intentional living, and a deeper connection to what truly matters. When you strip away the clutter, the “just in case” items, and the emotional baggage tied to stuff, you make room for sunsets, stories, and slow mornings by the beach.
Yes, letting go can be hard. But what you gain in return—mobility, flexibility, clarity—is worth every decision made along the way. You’ll find that with fewer possessions, every item becomes more valuable. Every corner of your RV becomes more functional. Every day feels more open, less burdened.
Whether you’re chasing warm weather year-round, working remotely from wild places, or simply testing out the nomadic lifestyle, downsizing sets the foundation for success.
So before you hit the road, give yourself the gift of space—not just in your van, but in your life.
