Living a Simpler Life
We’ve all heard the property agents’ adages: “starting out” when buying our first home, and “slowing down” or downsizing once the children leave the nest. But do we really need to upsize in between? It’s not just about the houses we live in; it’s also about the possessions we accumulate, the goals we set, and the stressful lifestyles many of us lead—along with the number of children and pets we bring into our lives.
While it’s wonderful to have a spacious home, a growing family, beloved pets, beautiful possessions, stylish furniture, and all the modern conveniences money can buy, there’s value in moderation. If stress from your current lifestyle or commitments is weighing you down, now is the time to reassess and embrace a simpler way of living.
Your Home
It makes sense to choose a home that fits your needs, but many of us opt for houses larger than necessary, often for status. However, status can come with added stress—a realization that often comes too late.
Just a few decades ago, large families, including extended relatives across generations, lived in homes smaller than many of today’s oversized houses for smaller families. The trend of “bigger is better” often ignores actual needs. Lifestyle matters, of course—if you have older children, they need privacy, which influences the number of bedrooms and bathrooms required. If you work from home, a dedicated workspace is essential. If you entertain frequently, a dining room or outdoor patio might be a priority.
If you can afford a large home without added stress and it suits your family’s needs, that’s perfectly fine. However, always prioritize your family’s well-being over societal pressures.
Balancing Family, Pets, and Possessions
Family and children are central to life, but balancing quality time with other responsibilities is crucial. Constant work-related stress can strain personal, professional, and social relationships. Similarly, overscheduling children with activities can reduce valuable downtime, which is essential for relaxation and health.
Creating balanced schedules doesn’t require complex planning—just practical common sense. Jobs can be demanding, so it’s vital to carve out time to unwind. This applies to children as well. While sports and extracurricular activities are beneficial, overloading their schedules can lead to stress and reduce downtime. These activities can also be costly, adding financial pressure.
Discuss activities with your children, guiding them to choose selectively. They may appreciate your efforts to simplify their lives, fostering a healthier balance.
Similarly, gym or club memberships can encroach on family time. Instead, consider outdoor activities like jogging or walking together and focus on healthy eating at home. While many North Americans struggle with obesity, gym memberships or expensive home equipment rarely solve the issue. A simpler, healthier lifestyle can be more effective.
Your Pets
Pets are cherished family members, but being an animal lover isn’t enough. Your home must be pet-friendly, and you need time to care for them, especially larger dogs requiring regular exercise and attention.
Beyond the initial cost of acquiring a pet, consider ongoing expenses like food, grooming, and veterinary care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or small animals like hamsters. If your home isn’t equipped for pets, they may damage furniture or furnishings, increasing costs.
Your Possessions
While not everyone hoards, most of us accumulate possessions over time. If you’ve lived in one home for years, you may not realize how much you’ve amassed. Items like pots and pans, clothing, or shoes often pile up in cabinets, rarely or never used. Frequent movers tend to shed possessions more easily due to practical constraints.
Marketers excel at convincing us to buy items, claiming they’ll simplify our lives. While some products are useful, question whether you truly need the latest food processor, solar-powered flashlight, or garden tool kit. Even upgrading devices like computers or phones can create financial or learning-curve stress.
Your Commitment to a Simpler Life
Living bigger, faster, and stronger can trap you on a relentless treadmill, making it hard to step off. If stress is overwhelming, it’s time to embrace a simpler life with fewer demands. Reflect on what you truly need versus what you think you need. By doing so, you’ll acquire fewer possessions, work less, and find greater fulfillment in a simpler, more meaningful life.
