What if your next great adventure starts with letting go?
For many people, the decision to rightsize doesn’t come from giving something up—it comes from possibility. You’ve reached a point where experiences mean more than square footage. Where travel excites you more than maintaining another guest room. Where freedom and flexibility feel like the real luxury.
I’ve lived this firsthand. And if you’re thinking of rightsizing your life to make room for more travel, trust me—you’re not alone, and you’re not crazy.
But you do need a plan.
Here’s what to consider when rightsizing your home with travel in mind, based on my own journey and countless conversations with people in the same boat.
1. Don’t Go Too Small—Go Smart
It’s tempting to move into a tiny space… until you realize there’s nowhere to store your suitcase, let alone your travel memories. The goal isn’t to go minimal—it’s to go intentional.
Choose a home that:
• Fits your daily rhythm
• Is easy to lock and leave
• Doesn’t demand upkeep while you’re away
• Still allows you to host friends or family when you’re home
You don’t need five bedrooms—but you might still want space for a visiting grandchild or a dinner party for eight.
2. Let Go Room by Room (and Memory by Memory)
Rightsizing isn’t just about square footage—it’s about editing your life. Start in the easiest places:
• Attics & basements: Packed with things you haven’t touched in years
• Closets: Keep the wardrobe you actually wear
• Garage & vehicles: You may not need five vehicles anymore (we didn’t)
• Kitchens: Do you really need three coffee makers?
• Holiday décor: One pre-lit tree might be plenty
Then move on to the harder things—like photo boxes, artwork, and inherited china. Keep what’s meaningful. Pass the rest on with love. We gave personalized photo boxes to our kids, kept one for ourselves, and digitized or tossed the rest.
3. Memorabilia: Keep Just Enough
Yes, you can take your memories with you—just not all of them. When it comes to heirlooms, souvenirs, and holiday keepsakes, be selective. A small, curated collection will bring you far more joy than an attic full of forgotten boxes.
Ask yourself:
• “Would I display this in my new space?”
• “Will I realistically use this again?”
• “Can someone else enjoy this now instead?”
4. Reimagine How You Host and Celebrate
We used to throw Christmas parties for 75 people—three trees, every room decked out, lights twinkling like a Hallmark movie set. Today? It’s cozy, simple, and more meaningful. Just one small tree that folds out and decorates itself.
We no longer host the holiday party at home—most years, we’re not even home. We’re off making memories in Taos or Austin… or spending New Year’s doing a pub crawl in Venice.
That’s the thing about travel-forward living: you celebrate differently. And that’s okay. New traditions can be just as meaningful—without 17 boxes of garland.
5. Bedrooms & Furniture: Design for Who You Are Now
We had five bedrooms—three kings, a queen, and a twin. When we right-sized, we kept just two of the beds. After the whole-house sale, the new homeowners bought two of the bedrooms exactly as they were—furniture, décor, everything. They also purchased the exercise room as-is, along with a good portion of our outdoor furniture.
For the upstairs guest room in our new place, we picked up a pair of twin beds from the previous owners—simple, easy, and just right for what we needed.
And honestly? It worked out beautifully. You don’t have to recreate every room—just the ones that serve your lifestyle now.
Want to start totally fresh? Sell everything. Treat yourself to the bed or sofa you’ve always wanted. This is your reinvention, after all.
6. Linens, Towels & Tea Towels… So Many Tea Towels
Don’t forget the little things. We had mismatched sheets from years ago, dozens of tea towels, and more placemats than we could ever use. What you really need is:
• One great set of sheets per bed
• A few fresh towels
• A small selection of useful linens
You get the picture—you don’t need 12 towels for two people. Keep a few good ones, donate the rest. Better yet, treat yourself to a new set that fits your space and style. And remember, even old towels are welcome at shelters and animal rescues.
Final Thought: You’re Not Losing a Life—You’re Creating Space for a Better One
Rightsizing isn’t about giving things up. It’s about creating space—for freedom, for travel, for flexibility, and for a lighter way of living. It’s the difference between managing your home and living your life.
And here’s the best part: every item you let go of is one step closer to passport stamps, golden sunsets, and unforgettable memories waiting for you out in the world.