Imagine downsizing from a three bedroom home into a minibus. That’s exactly what Cassia Cruz, her husband, Vitor Penalvad and two young children did.

The decision to downsize was largely to free up the weekends.

“We lived in a relatively big house, my husband and I ended up having to spend most of our weekends doing house shores and organising. The minimalist life permits us to focus on what really matters; which is our time with family and friends,” Cruz said.

After much research and talking to other families who had made similar changes, they decided a minibus would give them the space and the flexibility to move.

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“The van fits into parking spaces when we go grocery shopping etc. the windows are wide enough to open when it’s hot. We bought the bus from Canberra because that was the best value.”

The couple designed the interior and had a professional convert the minibus into a home, which cost approximately $40,000.

And the best thing she has found about downsizing? Feeling more grateful for the simple things of life.

“We sold all our things on FaceBook Marketplace and it felt like I was getting rid of 20 kilograms in my body. It felt great after all the stress of moving and decluttering. We’re grateful for our family’s health and happiness. It really lets us focus on what matters - our family.”

“Interestingly enough, we could still get rid of half of what we have in the bus! I have literally one shelf for my clothes. The kids have one small drawer each for the clothes and there are still some clothes they don’t use.”

While they have saved some money living with less, the main costs now are spent on tourist park charges.

“Just like a home we have wear and tear, plus the tourist parks are pretty much the same cost as living in a unit, but we did save a bit. It allowed my husband to focus on his own business without the financial pressure, after spending more than 15 years in the big corporate world.”

Cruz added that at times she does miss her personal space, yet on the other hand, the family time together is so valuable.

“The morning routine is a challenge because everyone needs to get ready for the day at the same time. The kids off to school and kindy, I work full-time as a marketing and communications manager and my husband starts his meetings at 8.30am.”

How to declutter

Jennifer Manefield, organising professional at Decluttering Solutions has been helping clients declutter and downsize for eight years.