Because your caravan is many things… but a storage unit is not one of them.

So, you’ve decided to trade walls for wheels, suburbia for sunsets, and your lawnmower for a pair of comfy camp chairs, we'll help you downsize before moving into your caravan

Welcome to the Slow Lane Life — where simplicity rules, neighbours change monthly, and you’ll never again argue with anyone about whose turn it is to clean the pool.

But before you hitch up and drive off into a glorious retirement of flip-flops and braai smoke, there’s one crucial step: downsizing.

Yes… that word.The one that strikes fear into the hearts of sentimental hoarders everywhere.

Don’t panic — here are the 20 things you absolutely MUST downsize when planning to live in a caravan permanently (with a little humour to ease the trauma).

1. Clothing (aka: you don’t need 17 jerseys, Karen)

Caravans hate excess clothing. Storage space is measured in nibbles, not cupboards. Keep essentials, comfy basics, and one outfit for when you need to pretend to be respectable.

2. Shoes (your caravan is not a shoe boutique)

If you can’t walk in it, hike in it, or wear it to the ablution block, it doesn’t make the cut.High heels? Darling… where exactly are you planning on wearing those?

3. Kitchen Gadgets (yes, even the airfryer collection)

Pick one:– Airfryer– Microwave– ToasterPick one. Maybe two. But not all six. Your caravan plug points have trust issues.

4. Pots & Pans

If your pot set came in a box with “12-piece cookware set” on the front, donate 9 of them.A big pot, a small pot, and a pan. Life in a nutshell.

5. Linen

Two sets of sheets. Two towels each. Anything beyond that is just travelling laundry.

6. Furniture

Newsflash: your L-shaped couch is not fitting through the caravan door.

Camp chairs. Folding table. Bed. You’re done.

7. Décor

Your caravan is not Mr Price Home. Pick a theme and let the rest go. Yes, even the inspirational quote signs.

8. Books - you can definitel downsize before moving

If you can’t read it twice, don’t pack it once. Kindle = marriage saver.

9. Tools

Caravan tools are not the same as “I used to have a double garage” tools.Downsize to:– A screwdriver– A spanner– A hammer– Duct tapeCongratulations, you’re now a mobile maintenance professional.

10. Cleaning Supplies

Keep the basics: broom, disinfectant, microfibre cloths.The industrial mop bucket can stay behind with the memories.

11. Food Cupboard Stock

Bulk-buying is a luxury of the past. Your caravan pantry holds exactly 1.5 dreams and half a packet of pasta.

12. Toiletries

Minimise the collection of half-used lotions from 2012.If you don’t use it weekly, toss it.

13. Electronics

Between your cellphone and one laptop, you’re sorted.That drawer of “mystery cables” does not get to come along.

14. Sentimental Items

Pick a box. A small box. That’s it — that’s your sentimental quota.The rest? Photograph it, thank it, release it into the universe.

15. Hobbies

Caravans love compact hobbies like fishing, sketching, photography, or yelling at the rugby on your phone.Scrapbooking with 47 albums? Eish… maybe rethink that one.

16. Bedding & Blankets

Choose your favourites, keep two warm ones for winter, and donate the rest.Remember: space is limited, but back pain from shoving things into cupboards is unlimited.

17. Office Supplies

Pens, notebook, laptop.If you used to run a stationery shop from your third drawer… those days are over.

18. Appliances

Kettles, heaters, fans — caravans accept these in limited quantities only. Anything that hums, buzzes, or draws power like a small municipality should be reconsidered.

19. Knick-Knacks & Trinkets

If it serves no purpose other than “I thought it looked cute,” it’s going to live in storage.Your caravan thanks you.

20. Your Expectations

This one is cheeky but true. Downsizing isn’t about giving things up — it’s about gaining a lighter life.Fewer belongings, more experiences.Less clutter, more sunsets.Less “stuff,” more Slow Lane Living.

Final Thoughts

Downsizing for permanent caravanning isn’t just a chore — it’s a fresh start. A chance to let go of the old, simplify the now, and embrace a future of adventure, community, and quiet moments under wide African skies.

Pack light. Laugh often. Live slow.