Donating vs. Storing vs. Bringing

Donating

I’ve been downsizing during my downtime lately. It started with myself—my closet, shoes, makeup and lotions, and homeschool materials. I’ve lost 60 lbs over the past year slowly and steadily, so I’ve already been donating a lot of clothes. Although, to be honest, what I’ve donated is probably equal to what I’ve replaced with “new to me” finds from thrift stores. But I do think choosing what to bring will be fairly simple: a few pieces in each category, and I’ll be fine.

I’ve been resisting the constant pull toward new lotions, hair treatments, or makeup that might erase wrinkles. I’ve made a promise to myself not to buy anything else until we move, and instead to actually use what I already have. (If Chris is reading this, he will have no idea what I’m talking about… which honestly makes me laugh.)

With homeschool materials, I’m planning to gift any quality games, books, or math manipulatives to friends. A lot of the books I may bundle to sell or donate.

Storing

We’re currently at four storage bins, which we’re hoping Chris’s parents won’t mind keeping in their attic. One holds baby clothes and sports jerseys—tiny 2T track suits and infant onesies I’m not quite ready to part with (maybe never). Another holds personal memorabilia and photo albums. The third contains fragile family keepsakes and decorations—things I want to keep, but don’t need access to for the next year.

The last is filled with homeschool memories: notebooks, projects, and artwork from the boys. Chris is in charge of sports gear and outdoor equipment, so we’ll see what ultimately ends up needing a home there, too.

Bringing

The boys helped me decide which Christmas ornaments to bring to Spain. We love decorating our tree with handmade ornaments or pieces collected on family trips. I was surprised by how much could fit into a single flat ornament box, which I’m 99% sure will survive a flight if I pack it carefully. These ornaments—and a few other long-loved decorations—are coming with us because I think they’ll help the holidays feel grounded, even in a new place.

I also decided to bring some books in English. I imagine us rereading familiar stories at bedtime, keeping a rhythm that still feels like “home,” even when everything else is new. A couple of well-worn blankets that have traveled with us from Virginia to Colorado will also come to Spain—small, physical reminders that not everything is changing.

What I keep noticing is that downsizing isn’t only about getting rid of things. It’s about figuring out what still carries the feeling of home—and what we can release without losing it.

I’m curious… what would you find most difficult to part with?