As we grow older, we inevitably feel more challenged to keep life simple. We accumulate more and more things, not really knowing what or how to discard as we lose space for them in our homes. This has given rise to minimalist lifestyles that advocate more modest ways of living.
How do you start to do this? There’s a checklist to see how good you are at living with the least amount of things and if you are efficient with the resources that are at your disposal.
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How Efficiently are you Living?
#1. Being in a smaller living space.
If there was a sudden need to leave, would you be able to put all your belongings in one bag and agree that everything in that bag is enough?
If you were to live in a motorhome, could you manage? Would you be able to adjust to the small living space, and let this compel you to be more adventurous, travel more, and see the world? Are you flexible enough to be mobile and to put yourself in a lot of varied situations?
#2. Wasting as little as possible
Are you efficient with the use of your utilities? Do you conserve energy when you can? A good way to check this is through your monthly utility bills.
Are the amounts reasonable for the average consumption of your household, or are they too high? There may be ways to save water, or reduce your waste, or lessen your carbon footprint, for instance.
On a related note, you should consider your source of electricity. There are a lot of energy companies in Dallas that provide solar energy plans that are affordable – you can go green without worrying about a hefty price tag.
#3. Having minimal or zero debt
A good way to measure the efficiency of your lifestyle is if you are able to live within your means. Are you spending less than what you are earning, or is it the other way around?
Instead of letting you live more freely, the debt may be holding you down. Consider the practice of living below your means in order to not acquire debt, or let it pile up.
This will also help you save, which should be a priority as you evolve your efficiency habits.
In any case, there are ways you can downsize in order to adjust to your debts, or just to continue on the path of living a more minimalist lifestyle. If doing all of them at once is too much, you can always take baby steps first.
Making the Most out of What You Have
These are just some of the things to consider on your journey toward living more efficiently, and living lighter.
In the end, when you are able to discard the things that you don’t need, and are able to live with less, you will find that you will also be able to breathe more, and make the most out of life in the process.
