Joan Craven's Blog

Half the year we live in a fifth wheel and the other half, we move into a thousand–square-foot condo. You would think that living in two relatively small spaces would make me immune to clutter. You would be wrong.

No matter the square footage, “stuff” expands to fill the space available. In the fifth wheel, it’s the extra kitchen gadget, the clothes I didn’t really need, the drawer of miscellaneous cords. In the condo, it’s kitchen things, books and that closet shelf where things quietly go to hide. Different address, same clutter.

What I’ve learned is this: clutter isn’t about space. It’s about habits.

When you live small—especially in an RV—every item has to earn its place. There’s no room for duplicates, “just in case” purchases, or sentimental objects that no longer truly mean something. If something new comes in, something else has to go. That simple rule, taught to me by a good friend,  keeps the fifth wheel livable, and it works just as well in the condo.

I’ve also learned the value of small, regular resets: ten minutes at the end of the day to clear counters, ( I’m not great at this) a monthly look at closets and cabinets. Clutter builds quietly; it must be interrupted intentionally.

And that brings me to downsizing.

The thought of downsizing can feel enormous—not because of the furniture, but because of the memories. Every drawer holds a story. Every keepsake represents a season of life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The key is to think small, not big.

Start with one tiny space. Not the house. Not even a room. Begin with one drawer or one shelf. Set a timer for 20 minutes. When it goes off, stop. Success builds momentum. The timer game works well for me and I’m always amazed at what I can accomplish in a short period of time. 

Use three simple categories:

• Keep
• Gift or Donate
• Let Go

Avoid complicated systems. The fewer decisions you make at once, the better.

Separate the memory from the object. You are not throwing away your child’s kindergarten art—you are releasing the paper. I had saved samples of our kids school things. When I told them to go through the things they had many laughs but in the end everything went to recycling! 

Take photos of meaningful items before letting them go. Create a small digital album titled “Treasures.” The memory remains, even if the item doesn’t.

Pass special pieces forward intentionally. Offer them to family members now, while you can share the stories behind them. 

Ask for gentle help if you need it. A calm friend can steady your emotions and keep you focused. Choose someone who won’t take over but who asks questions that might help you make a decision.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Downsizing isn’t about loss. It’s about lightening the load for the next chapter—keeping what truly reflects who you are today.

One drawer. One story. One step at a time.