The problem with printed content isn’t just that it takes up space. Paper can also add unwanted weight. The solution is to go digital. You may be wondering: Does the IRS accept digitize or scanned versions of my documents instead of paper documents? The answer is yes. If you don’t have a multi-page scanner, take your important legal and financial documents to a self-serve kiosk at Staples. Be sure to back up those documents to a cloud server and/or hard drive or thumb drive. From today forward, take a photo and digitally file all new receipts and documents or use the Shoeboxed or Evernote app.
Got photographs? It may be worth it to pay for a professional service that will scan them for you. Or you can scan batches of 100 fast and free at any Family History Center.
Paper maps and travel brochures are great for planning, but they don’t update themselves. Periodically cull your collection. As for product manuals, did you know that they can be found online? Just search the database by category or name. Once found, ditch the paper manuals.
And let’s not forget about books! Many RV parks have a guest library where you can leave a book you’ve read and pick up a new one. Or you can ask Santa for a Kindle. Yes, it’s not the same as holding a printed book in your hands, but I love that you can read in bed in the dark.
Hi Donna! Just entered you giveway and want to wish you all the best on your retirement. Hopefully soon I can join you in the RV community. Have awhile before retirement. We plan on road tripping this coming summer for a couplr of weeks. I really like this blog and will follow your adventures!
Cheers! Krista Coakley
Thank you for the well wishes on my retirement! I only just decided after writing that article that I wanted to retire. I’ve been self-employed all my life and always loved the freedom I had. I never really thought about the fact that I had the freedom to quit any time I wanted – kind of like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz who had the power along to get herself home. I’m definitely at home on the road and look forward to having more time to do the things I love with the people I love. All the best to you!
I agree on the items listed and want to add one more. Pet beds, crates, bowls, and toys are a space hog. We have a toy hauler because it allows for us to pick and choose the layout. No matter how much room we have – with two big dogs, we need more.