How I Accidentally Stumbled into Simple Living
When I first started working on myself, my life was, well, let’s just say ‘a mess’ would be putting it kindly. I had just escaped an emotionally abusive relationship, I was between jobs, and my mental state resembled my bedroom—cluttered, chaotic, and full of things I needed to get rid of.
Then, I made a huge decision: I took a job in a different country. This meant I had to pack up my entire life into two suitcases. Two. Suitcases. I was convinced I’d be back soon to collect more of my things, but something weird happened—I realized I didn’t actually need all that extra stuff. The clothes, the shoes, the random knickknacks that served no purpose other than to collect dust—all of it? Completely unnecessary.
And just like that, I unknowingly embarked on a journey of simple living.
What Is Simple Living, Anyway?
At its core, simple living is about focusing on what truly matters and reducing unnecessary clutter—both physical and mental. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about liberation.
Here’s what you can expect when you start simplifying your life:
Less stress, more peace. Less clutter = less chaos = less stress. Simple math!
More financial freedom. Buying less means saving more. You can finally pay off that credit card debt or save for a dream vacation!
Better health. A simplified life often leads to healthier habits, like eating real food and getting outside more.
A newfound appreciation for life. When you’re not drowning in stuff, you start noticing the little things—the morning sun, a good cup of tea, the way your cat judges you from across the room.
A happier planet. Consuming less means wasting less, which means Mother Earth will give you a high-five (if she had hands).
Ready to Get Started? Here Are 4 Steps to Kickstart Simple Living
1. Clean Out That Closet! (Yes, Really)
Okay, let’s be honest—your closet is probably harboring some questionable fashion choices from years past.
You know that pair of jeans you’re keeping because “maybe one day I’ll fit into them again”? Yeah, let’s be real—if that day comes, you deserve to buy yourself new jeans. Let those old ones go. Donate them. Sell them. Turn them into an avant-garde denim sculpture (if that’s your thing). Just get them out of your life!
If you have kids, you probably have a stash of outgrown clothes that could be a blessing to another family. Time to pass them on and free up some space!
Fun fact: Studies show that reducing the number of choices you have to make in the morning lowers stress and prevents decision fatigue. Translation? Less clothes = easier mornings = more brainpower for important things, like remembering where you left your keys.
And if you’re feeling fancy, try selling your designer or vintage pieces online for some extra cash. Win-win!
2. Audit Your Subscriptions (Because You’re Probably Paying for Stuff You Forgot About)
Subscriptions are sneaky little money vampires. One minute, you’re signing up for a free trial, and the next thing you know, you’ve been paying for “Premium Alpaca Yoga” for six months without realizing it.
Go through your bank statements and see what’s quietly siphoning away your hard-earned cash. Do you really need five different streaming services? Are you actually using that gym membership, or is it just an expensive guilt trip?
Cut out the ones you don’t use. You can always re-subscribe later if you really miss them. Your wallet will thank you.
3. Rethink Your Dining Habits (Put Down the Takeout Menu!)
Look, I get it. Cooking every night can feel like a Herculean task, especially after a long day. But ordering takeout five times a week isn’t doing your bank account (or your waistline) any favors.
Try this instead:
Cook in batches so you always have leftovers.
Buy fresh produce on sale and plan meals around it.
Keep a few easy, go-to recipes in your back pocket for nights when you’re too tired to think.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also cut down on waste (because let’s be honest, those takeout containers pile up fast). And who knows? You might even start enjoying cooking. (Or at least, tolerating it with minimal complaining.)
4. Swap Out Single-Use Items for Reusable Ones
Your kitchen is probably filled with disposable items—plastic wrap, foil, ziplock bags, etc. But guess what? There’s a better way!
Invest in:
Reusable food containers (good quality last longer, IKEA got some cheap decent ones that for me has lasted a couple years now)
Beeswax wraps (an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap like these here)
A good reusable water bottle (If you are drinking tap water)
And while we’re on the topic, do a quick inventory check—if you have a collection of Tupperware lids without matching containers (or vice versa), it’s time to part ways. It’s tough, I know. But it’s for the best.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Start Somewhere
I know making changes can feel overwhelming, but remember: this is not an all-or-nothing deal. You don’t have to go full Marie Kondo overnight. Take baby steps. Celebrate small wins. And most importantly—make it fun!
Maybe start with just one step this week. Clean out your closet on Monday, cancel that forgotten subscription on Tuesday, cook dinner instead of ordering takeout on Wednesday—you get the idea. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a simpler, more stress-free life.
And don’t forget to reward yourself! Make a cup of tea, sit back, and bask in the glow of your newly decluttered space. You’re doing great.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to take the first step toward a simpler life? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts (and any accidental hoarding confessions).