Downsizing and Boatsizing

So, I will admit it.  The word “boatsizing” doesn’t really exist.  At least not in how I use it.  Boatsizing is downsizing on steroids.  It is the lean, mean, no-holds-barred version of decluttering.  And we are currently in the middle of it – big time.

When we owned our home in the Gatineau Hills, just outside of Ottawa, Ontario, we had stuff and more stuff.  2400 sq.ft that includes a full basement allows for that.  Five years ago, we decided to move into the city and all of a sudden “stuff” became something we dreaded and avoided.  Our move to the city was a lifestyle change.  We were tired of the one-hour commute to work and a cute little condo in the heart of Westboro, a trendy little area in the west end of Ottawa, was exactly what we needed.  The downside?  Downsizing!  

We had to somehow fit into 850 sq.ft.  But we did it.  Since then, we have moved again.  This time to a three-story house.  Luckily, we had caught the minimalism bug and our new place has not become stuffed.  We have what we need and not much more. ​

Now we just have to fit it all into about 400 sq.ft.  Yikes!  This is where we are today.  Sorting through gear, cookware, dog stuff, linens etc. and deciding what we will move onto the boat.  Some things are easy – plates and glassware, really anything breakable, has no place on the boat and our warm winter clothes will mostly be donated.  The digital age has also made things less challenging – all our photos and important documents have been scanned and double backed up.  Still, here we are, with a mountain of decisions and sorting in order to fit comfortably onto our boat.  Yes, boatsizing is real but we are up for the challenge!