Frugal, Simple Living and Downsizing

It’s difficult to pinpoint when the simple living movement began. With the exception of royalty and the elite class, our ancestors were the poster children for simple living. The difference between these distant generations is that those in the past did not have a choice, whereas those choosing the simple life today do so voluntarily.

An overarching objective for modern-day practitioners of simple living is to reduce their environmental footprint. Hallmarks of simple living include using less energy and fewer resources, and producing less output. Those living simply may buy food in bulk or from the farmers market, avoid using items that have a lot of packaging, and recycle.

The personal benefits of simple living are numerous. Consuming consciously, mindful of one’s true needs and the impact of choices made, provides a sense of control over the immediate environment. This sense of control leads to a less stressful lifestyle. Although counter to what consumerism preaches, living beneath one’s means to allow for more discretionary time and income creates balance in the checkbook and in life. The "simplicity movement" has taken root within several age groups and socioeconomic groups across the country that want to slow down and make work more meaningful, make time with family and friends a higher priority, and make community service a commitment.

Personal growth is a natural development of simple living. Most often, this growth is attributable to a new conception of money. In pursuit of the American Dream, most Americans equate money with happiness. Yet, the Maryland-based Center for the New American Dream released a study that noted 83 percent of survey respondents wanted more time to spend with their family and 60 percent would take a salary cut to get it. This proof that you can’t buy happiness is also intuitive to those seeking simple living. Those content with the simple lifestyle understand that voluntary simplicity is about satisfaction, not sacrifice.

Reducing wasteful living space is one important element of simple living. Home downsizing is one way to seek a simple and sustainable way of life. Compared to the ambition of keeping up with the Joneses, simple living seeks to achieve more with less: less house, less furniture, less—if any—garage space, less—if any—lawn. Lessening of one’s environmental footprint takes a giant leap forward by home downsizing, as less energy is used per square foot and less property maintenance means less air pollutants from lawn service equipment. For those downsizing to a small home or condo in an urban area, the family car may also be targeted for dismissal. In the city, commuting to work and running errands can be in the form of taking the bus or subway, walking or riding a bike. Reduced fuel emissions are big items on the simple-living checklist.

Downsizing one’s living space works hand in hand with simple living. Contrary to the endless and excessive cycle of buying more stuff to fill more space, then more space for more stuff, living simply looks to buy less stuff. And when there is less space for the stuff, the temptation or compulsion to buy is negated. Those who once thought they needed to buy stuff to fill up holes now stop buying in excess because there are no holes to fill.


Feel like you need hoarding help? Visit my website at http://www.thesmallerhome.com to learn all about how to simplify and let go of all of those extraneous possessions!

Andrzej Kozlowski has written numerous articles on topics ranging from home downsizing to simple living. He is also editor and co-author of the book, "Living Smart: The Money Saving, Eco-Friendly Guide to Downsizing Your Home and Belongings."