For the past 8 years, I have been passionate about inspiring others to downsize, declutter, and embrace living with less so they can live more.
One of the most common challenges we face today, regardless of age, is that we live with too much stuff, leading to distraction, stress, and overwhelm. Whether you’re seriously considering moving to a smaller home, looking to simplify your life, or just curious about the benefits of minimalism, this blog is for you.
Downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home is on the minds of many Americans. If you’ve been thinking about it, here are my top 5 reasons why downsizing, decluttering, and living in a smaller home will change your life. It’s a lifestyle upgrade that will lead to freedom, happiness, and contentment—who doesn’t want that?
- Practicality. When you make a conscious decision to minimize your possessions to just what you love, need, and will use, it’s not only a practical choice but one that can lead to a simpler, less complicated lifestyle with less to manage on a day-to-day basis.
Part of this process involves taking the time to determine only what you need and will actually use, so you can plan for just enough space and just enough stuff.
When determining what “just enough space” means, consider the amount of space each item will take up (e.g., queen-size bed or king?). When determining what “just enough stuff” means, consider how useful each item will be and how often you’ll need it on a day-to-day basis.
- Affordability. Once you know how much space and stuff you need, you can calculate the square footage required. From there, you can determine what’s affordable in the area where you want to live based on your income.
Staying within your budget will let you enjoy your home more because you’ll have fewer expenses and less debt. A simple life with less involves making smart financial choices, providing you with more financial freedom so you can live more.
- Livability. A simpler life and a smaller home without a lot of stuff help redefine what living can actually look like.
In addition to providing more freedom and flexibility, it improves your overall well-being because you have more time for what truly matters to you.
- Workability. When you make a conscious decision to declutter your excess belongings, you’re not only doing yourself a favor but also being considerate of your loved ones, who will have much less to deal with after you pass on.
You make it much more workable for everyone involved because you’re helping them avoid the additional burden of cleaning out your home while dealing with their emotional loss at the same time.
Decluttering sooner rather than later also provides the opportunity for your kids to enjoy items they receive from you while you’re still around to see it.
- Sustainability. Having a smaller housing footprint and a minimal amount of possessions is a way to contribute to the environment. Clutter contributes to waste and pollution, while decluttering reduces consumption, leaving a positive impact on our planet.
These are my top 5 reasons to declutter, downsize, and live in a smaller home.
On a personal note, since I downsized 8 years ago and started living a simpler life with less, I can honestly say I’ve never regretted it—not even for a moment.
And…I’ve never been happier! Let me know about your experience with choosing to live a simpler life with less.
Share your story!
Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!
Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.
Follow me on social media for more updates:
YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTER
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services
Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon.
