Living in approximately 68 square feet doesn’t allow me to have too many tangible possessions.

I’ve been living in my cozy little home on wheels (on purpose) since October 2015 – minus a couple years when I took a hiatus from the road to move in with Dad to care for him.

Downsizing For Van Life Taught Me A Habit

My home on wheels is a simple, self-converted Ford Transit cargo van of approximately 68 square feet.

My van includes everything I need… a kitchen, bathroom, bed, storage, office and more… all in one tiny room without inner walls.

Tidbit: My van really does have everything I need! I once spent three days inside the van. I share the story in my There’s A Lesson In All The Rainy Dreary Days Of (Van)Life post.

Prior to moving into the van, I had to downsize.

As I gave away or disposed of my possessions, I began taking pictures of everything.

I even took pictures of the pictures in my picture albums before giving the album to a family member who wanted to keep them.

My picture taking extravaganza proved to be a worthwhile habit!

Using My Phone To Take Pictures

I use my phone to take pictures. The less gadgets I have to deal with, the better!

I’ve set my phone to automatically upload my photos to the cloud (in more than one place).

By automatically backing up my photos… if I happen to lose my phone or drop it in the ocean while taking pictures off a bridge… I still have the pictures.

Reminiscing About Possessions That Are Long Gone

I enjoy scrolling through my pictures. It’s a great way to reminisce when I don’t have the tangible possession at hand.

My picture taking habit may have turned into an obsession.

I now take pictures of (almost) everything – including new purchases, receipts, weird things I see in my travels and more.

As For My Current Possessions

I keep a few personal treasures with me in the van.

My treasures include small gifts my daughter gave me through the years and memento’s I kept from Mom and Dad (both have passed away).

The vast majority of possessions in my cozy little home on wheels are necessity items such as kitchen items, stove, fridge, bathroom items (including porta-potty), clothing, food, a twin bed, bedding, portable solar system and whatnot.

If I Were To Lose My Possessions

My physical possessions include my home on wheels and the tangible items mentioned above.

I would be sad if poof… everything was gone in an instant.

Sadness is most likely a natural, initial reaction.

The good thing is, I have virtual pictures to help me reminisce and the tangible necessities can be replaced. In some cases, I’d probably figure out I didn’t need the tangible items as much as I thought.

I’ve lost a lot in my life… possessions, people and the ability to live normally (due to MCS).

I’m well aware I think differently than most people… but losing everything presents an opportunity to start over… often with knowledge you didn’t have the first time around.