10 Steps To A Simpler Life

Discover the path to a more fulfilling and simplified life with this easy-to-follow guide. These 10 steps to a simpler life offer actionable tips to declutter your mind, and embrace a more balanced lifestyle.

Simple living is when you purposely embrace a slower and intentional lifestyle, with less to do. It’s finding joy in ordinary, everyday occurrences. It’s preserving your energy for activities that make you happy, and clearing the clutter from your life so there is less to maintain. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, the very first thing you need to do is ask yourself this question: is living simply what I really want? If you can honestly answer with a “yes,” then the first step in your journey is behind you. The desire is there, so by using the following tips, transitioning to a simpler life is within reach.

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Clean and Declutter

The first step to a simpler life is clearing away physical items that you don’t need, and cleaning your home. It’s difficult to think clearly when you are surrounded by clutter. This process doesn’t cost any money, and you will be rewarded by increased mental clarity. If you’re worried about where to begin, then start small. Clear off your kitchen counters. If you have a desk, clear the top and tidy the drawers. Work your way through your home, room by room. Don’t give yourself a deadline, just do what you can, when you can.

Downsize Your Possessions

Downsizing and editing your possessions can, and should be, a liberating process. Begin by choosing a spot in your home, and sort by deciding if each item is practical and functional, or if there is sentimental value. Take your time, but only keep essentials or things that bring you joy. Donate or sell things that are in good condition, but no longer serve a purpose in your life. Let go of duplicates, and remember that the goal is not only to physically declutter, but also to create a space that enhances your overall well-being. After you have finished one space, move on to the next. Make sure to set aside the time you need to complete the process. Read our downsizing and moving journey HERE.

Prioritize Your Expenses

Transitioning to a simpler life can be accomplished with a budget of any size. It’s important to remember that simple living is not necessarily spending less money, it’s spending money intentionally to achieve an easier and less stressful life. Take a good look at your budget, and see if you are spending money on things that don’t make you happy, or that aren’t necessary. Trim what you can, so there is money available to explore opportunities that will make your life easier, and bring you joy.

Erase Debt

Debt free living is truly the best kind of freedom. To start tackling your debt, come up with a budget that outlines your income, expenses, and debt obligations. Cut unnecessary expenses, and redirect the saved money towards paying off your debt. There will be the occasional splurge, but do your best to stay disciplined so you can avoid accumulating new debt. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated. Remember, getting out of debt is a gradual process, so be patient and stay committed to your end goal.

Living debt free is a goal we have not yet achieved. Our house on Sutton Place was mortgage-free, so at one time, we were there. When we downsized and moved to a more manageable home, we took on a house payment for a short period of time. I was willing to go back into debt for a simpler life, and I have no regrets. So much stress and responsibility was erased from my life with our move, and I’m very grateful for that. It was definitely a trade-off, but one that, for us, was the right choice.

Edit Your Responsibilities

I once saw this referred to as “unscheduling.” It may take some practice, but it’s important to embrace flexibility by allowing for more free time in your schedule. Rather than overloading your calendar, leave room for relaxation and spur-of-the-moment activities. Prioritize tasks based on importance. Emphasize quality over quantity, so that your free time is spent on things that enrich your life, and make you happy. By unscheduling your time, you create space for self-care, hobbies, and unexpected opportunities, which in turn provide a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Simplify Your Meals

Simplifying meals and meal prep can make spending time in the kitchen so enjoyable. Plan your meals for the week ahead, creating a menu that includes easy-to-cook main dishes and hearty soups with overlapping ingredients. If you love leftovers, prepare larger quantities. Opt for simple recipes, with fewer ingredients. Take shortcuts, like pre-cut fruits and vegetables, or rotisserie chicken. Once your menu is decided, make a grocery list to ensure that you have all the ingredients on hand. All of this will shorten your meal prep time, and the time it takes you to clean up.

Prioritize Self Care

Self care consists of anything that makes you feel better, and makes you happy. It’s regular exercise, and spending time outside. It’s carving out time for sewing or craft projects. It’s getting plenty of sleep, and eating with a healthy lifestyle in mind. It’s nurturing cherished friendships, and spending time with your family. Self-care changes on a daily basis, and it takes practice. We have a tendency to put ourselves last, but if we take better care of ourselves, the people around us will benefit as well.

Simplify Your Wardrobe

It’s important to embrace your own personal style, and wear what makes you comfortable. Dress in styles that make you feel good about yourself. Reduce the number of clothes you own by keeping only what you love and wear regularly. This will make getting ready simpler, it will cut down on decision-making, and it will save time.

Eliminate Overwhelm

Start by prioritizing daily tasks, and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Create a to-do list, and focus on completing one task at a time. Nothing is more overwhelming than looking at the big picture. Embrace the power of saying ‘no’ to avoid overcommitting yourself. Take breaks and take advantage of downtime to recharge your mind and body. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and understand that it’s okay not to be perfect. Finally, be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s essential to prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy balance in your life.

Grant Yourself Grace

The thing about simple living is that it’s not all or nothing. Study these steps, edit them so they meet your needs, decide where you want to start, and grant yourself the grace you need to achieve the level of simplicity that will make you happy. We are all different, with a wide array of needs and wants. Finding your happy place may take some time, but it’s definitely achievable, and so worth the effort!