Downsize these 3 areas and enjoy a simpler, slower, more intentional life — starting today!
Does your home feel more cluttered and chaotic than you’d like?
Does your schedule feel fuller than it should be?
Does your life feel like a constant juggling act… just waiting for the “balls” to come crashing down?
Do you wonder if you’ll ever make noticeable progress toward enjoying a simpler life?
If so, you’re not alone… nor are you without hope!
I challenge you to consider ways you might “downsize” your life today…
One definition for the word “downsize” is: “to reduce in size or number”.
So let’s look at 3 areas of our homes and lives and consider what it might look like to “downsize” or to “reduce in size or number”.
- Downsize the things in your home and life.
- Downsize the commitments on your calendar.
- Downsize the expectations for yourself and others.
Keep in mind that downsizing most likely won’t change your life overnight… but eventually, you will start to see the unmistakable correlation between your efforts to downsize and your ability to enjoy a simpler, slower, more intentional life!
1. Downsize Your Things
It’s no surprise that decluttering is a key component to downsizing and simplifying!
With less stuff to store, organize, pick up, clean around, and maintain, it’s no wonder so many people are jumping on the minimalist bandwagon these days!
As I mentioned above, I am not a minimalist, but I do consistently remove items we don’t currently need, use, want, wear, or love…. even if we might need them later.
No matter how big or small your living space, you’ll enjoy that space more if you downsize your things so everything has a home.
Starting today, work 15-20 minutes of decluttering time into your daily schedule and marvel at how much progress you’ll eventually make over time.
As you work through your home, really think about how you’d like to use your space and how your excess stuff is potentially preventing you from using your space in that way.
Be honest…
- Do you really need your “backup toaster”? Or would you rather have more room in your kitchen to cook and entertain?
- Will you realistically wear your business wardrobe now that you’re working from home? Or would you rather have more breathing room in your closet?
- Can you even remember what’s inside all those storage bins? Or would you rather use this space in your basement/garage for a different purpose?
Over time, your efforts will result in a simpler, more organized home for you and your family to enjoy.
RELATED POST: Solve your Stuff Problems with a Space Budget
2. Downsize Your Commitments
One of my goals as a mother is to create a home environment that doesn’t feel rushed, hurried or frazzled — running from one activity to the next, constantly shouting orders, and prodding the littles to “hurry up” over and over again.
I’ve even gone so far as to challenge myself to never say “hurry up” to my kids (I still catch myself on school mornings though!)
Whether we want to admit it or not, mothers have a HUGE amount of control over the family calendar — after all, we’re the ones who sign our kiddos up for all those extra-curricular activities, we’re the ones to pay for lessons and clubs, and we’re the ones who spend countless hours driving them back and forth.
Yes, our children can learn many life lessons and useful skills from these extra activities… but they aren’t 100% necessary.
Fun… yes.
Valuable… probably.
Necessary… no.
In that post I wrote:
Yes, use your gifts and talents to serve others. Use your time and energy to be a blessing to those in need. Use your money to make a difference… but also use discernment and say “no” when you have too much on your plate.
There’s an unlimited number of “good things” you could say “yes” to every day… but if you don’t take care of your health, your family, your home, and your life, you will eventually burn out and realize you sacrificed an awful lot for those “yeses”.
I often think back to that post when I need a little boost of encouragement to say “no” — because the truth is, I LOVE saying “yes” (especially to my kids!)
I’m sure you can relate.
But for my own happiness and well-being (which eventually trickles down to my family’s happiness and well-being), I must exercise restraint when extra activities pull our family in too many directions at once.
There are seasons of life that are just busier than others — that’s to be expected.
However, if you feel like you’re treading water and losing steam with no relief in sight, it’s time to take a step back and downsize your commitments.
RELATED POST: Six Strategies to Take Your Weekends Back
3. Downsize Your Expectations
This one is huge! I’ve said it before, and I’m certain I’ll say it again… expectations matter!
Whenever I reflect on times of disappointment in my life, it almost always comes back to having unrealistic expectations — everything from the cleanliness of my home, the growth of my business, the behavior of my children, weight loss after each baby, and even new bread recipes (true story!)
A few years ago, I realized I simply had to lower my expectations for my home, my business, my children, and even myself… not because I needed an excuse to be lazy, but because I wanted to be happier!
I am still very intentional in everything I do, but I don’t put nearly as much pressure on myself.
NOTE: one helpful way I lowered expectations was by stepping away from social media which often encourages unrealistic expectations.
Having realistic expectations for our lives won’t magically transform everything around us into a blissful oasis of happiness and simplicity… however, “downsizing our expectations” for ourselves, our spouses, our children, our friends, our jobs, our homes, and our lives is a helpful step to a more joyful, less stressful life.
RELATED POST: Our Expectations Matter
Let’s Get Started!
The hardest part right now is motivating yourself to actually get started. I get this!
Maybe you feel too busy (ironic, huh!) to add one more thing to your plate… or maybe your home is so cluttered that you don’t think downsizing will actually make any amount of difference (honestly, it might not in the beginning).
Don’t focus on everything you want to do at once… instead, choose one bothersome space in your home to start decluttering, pick one task to remove from your schedule, and acknowledge one area in your life that could benefit from lowered expectations.
Then get started!
With continual effort, downsizing these 3 areas will eventually lead to a simpler, more purpose-filled life!
What area of your life could benefit the most from some downsizing?
Holly S says
Perfect timing on this post. My “kids” have now graduated from college but they were very active all through high school in all the things and I remember people asking me what I was going to do with all my spare time also when they graduated. Unfortunately, I became a workaholic but I’m working on that. I will be having foot surgery in a month and a restriction of no weight on my foot for 6 weeks means I’m going to have to greatly slow down and be home much more than I’m used to. Your post has me super motivated to clear the mess and clutter so my time at home will be more relaxing. Thank you!
Andrea says
yay — I’m thrilled to be a source of motivation for you 🙂
Kerri says
I have decided to downsize Christmas this year. I small tree, minimal decorations, no lights and leaving the gift unwrapped in the Amazon packing it came in.
Andrea says
you’ll save SO much time by not wrapping the gifts! my only problem with that is we usually get many gifts in one box and they are for different kids — so I need to open the boxes to separate 🙂
Tara Hoftiezer says
I’ve been thinking about downsizing our possessions even more over the last couple months. My family of 7 is living in a 2 bedroom rental for a couple months while we wait for our new house closing. Most of our stuff is in storage so we have very few of our things around us. That has made living in a tiny house so doable. I also have so much more discretionary time because I’m not managing so much stuff. It has inspired me to take another aggressive pass through our possessions so that we can keep living like this even when we get all our stuff unpacked and in our new home. Thanks for the simple-living inspiration!
Andrea says
wow — what a great realization for you and your family. I’m sure things are tight, but I’m so glad you had this opportunity to see the benefits of living with less!
Also, I really hope you get into your new house SOON!
Laura B says
I have found in my life part of the problem is I have a pretty large home (2800 sq feet with a small attic and a 2 car garage with an attatched room) and my adult kids assume I have space for their things also since it’s just me in the house now. I need some ideas on how to address this. At first I didn’t mind helping with storage but it’s just gotten messy and there never seems to be enough time for them to go through their things and take want they want home and the rest to the dump or other.
I love your ideas and how your home looks cozy!!! I keep my kitchen and Living room and 1 bathroom pretty clutter free… it’s my own bedroom that things without a home end up in, and the other 3 bedrooms when family comes over and stays get messy and I only have so much time.
Andrea says
oh good questions — I don’t have perfect answers though 🙂
I’d say you should definitely address the situation if it’s bothering you. It could be as simple a group email to your kids and their spouses saying that you’re looking to declutter and would like to have all their things out of your home by _________ (set a specific date). You could also offer that if they don’t want their things, you will gladly donate them (that might motivate them more!)
Laura B says
Good ideas!! Thanks. I don’t know why I haven’t already done that!
Monica Bender says
Hey Andrea!
Your tips for simplifying life have truly changed how I think and live. My family and church benefits! Thanks for all your great posts!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Monica.
I went through a period of time when I questioned if simple living really even mattered in the broad scheme of life — but then I realized that SOOOOO many others benefit from my efforts to simplify my home and life. I have much more time for my family, for volunteer opportunities, for church activities, for friends, etc. I’m thrilled you have realized this in your own life too!
Samantha says
Love this post. Saying “No” can be so hard for me, although I tend to be understanding when others need to step back from commitments. I continually look forward to your blog posts. They are a perfect short break during my day and I always feel lighter and happier after reading! Happy Fall!
Andrea says
Thanks Samantha — I’m thrilled you’re enjoying my blog posts!
And yes, it isn’t it interesting that we tend to be more approving and understanding of others than of ourselves!
Chris says
This is a great post. I want to “downsize” what I bring into my mind. I saw an idea online about making a 30-day habit for each month. I decided to go 30 days without Facebook and 30 days without looking up pandemic news (both of which I had been spending a LOT of time on). I didn’t meet my goal, but I’m on my 8th day and only spent about 15 minutes on Facebook and 15 minutes reading the news in over a week, when before it was probably at least 1 to 1-1/2 hours a day. So I’m downsizing my internet consumption. My mom and I like to read articles on saving money. She told me once, “I already do everything they say in those articles”. I also rarely see anything new, so what is the point of my spending my time continuing to read them?
I have found the value firsthand in decluttering. I totally organized my bedroom and have been enjoying keeping it clean and tidy. It is so little work to keep up with it. It takes one to two minutes to make the bed and tidy each morning – this is also something new for me to keep a bed-making habit – and then about 5 minutes each week to dust and vacuum. Every other week I wash the sheets and every other week I clean the lamps with a lint roller.
I love seeing your family enjoy the lake. I would love to go back to Michigan even though I have been there three times on vacation. It is SO beautiful!
Andrea says
yes – it’s SO much easier to maintain a space once it’s decluttered and organized! I’m glad you are reaping the benefits of your hard work!
and… good for you for downsizing your time online! I know from experience how much of a difference that will make in your life!
Ann says
See if there is a “Buy nothing” group near you. (Look on fb.)
It is so much easier for me to let go of things when I know it is what someone else needs/wants. I can’t tell you how many times i see a post and try to figure out what I could give to meet it!
Andrea says
great tip Ann — thanks for sharing!
Margaret McCarthy says
I love your approach to this, and always enjoy your posts about downsizing, simplifying and just, in general, being a good steward (of home, family, work, etc). It’s funny how difficult the word NO can become as an adult! Have you read the book Do More Better by Tim Challies? A great resource for an approach to commitments and expectations that is driven by a faith-oriented mission and life goals.
Andrea says
Thanks Margaret!
You’ll LOVE one of the posts I have ready for next week (99 ways to say NO!) Seriously, I have 99 different options for you!
And no, I haven’t read that book. I’ll have to check it out from the library! Thanks!
Trixie says
Such good advice! I like to think of it as being realistic about what I and others can do and still stay somewhat sane. 🙂
Andrea says
yes, being realistic while staying somewhat sane — good goals 🙂
Barbara says
I appreciate this post! I see that asking the question: “Will this help my (health, home, family, life)?” is a good one, when making choices.
Yesterday, I copied the Time Management Matrix (also known as the Eisenhower Matrix) for myself, as a help in setting priorities. It divides activities into 4 priority areas, based on their importance and urgency. Using it, I eliminated 2 activities that I thought that I would do this week. The matrix can be a useful tool for others working on simplicity, health, and peace (my 3 life intentions).
Andrea says
great questions to ask! Thanks for sharing.
JJ says
Love the picture of you with your kiddos! Those smiles speak volumes!!! Thank you for the message to downsize expectations. I so needed that today!!! I’m my worst enemy.
Andrea says
expectations are HARD for me too — I have to constantly remind myself to lower mine 🙂
Michele says
I love your approach to life. Your parents instilled some wonderful values in you!!! I’ve always wondered, where did you get that simplify sign?
Andrea says
Thanks Michele!
I actually made the Simplify sign 🙂
It’s a huge piece of century-old wood that we pulled from our kitchen walls during the renovation. Then I attached the metal word and stars to it!
Trina says
Another great post that resonates with me and gives me motivation to do something to make my life better. That’s why I keep coming back to your blog. You are positive, realistic and I take something away from it practically every time. And by the way, I think you look the most fit I’ve seen you even though you say you need to wear baggier shirts. I think your body changed a lot when you started adding more raw foods, fruit and veggies, to your diet. It’s inspiring me to take those baby steps in that direction too!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Trina! I appreciate your kinds words!
And yes, baby-steps for sure!