I have enjoyed a downsizing lifestyle for years. I love all the rewards and benefits that come with it. I have not found a single “downside” to downsizing.
By downsizing, my life has gotten much less complicated; my expenses have gone way down, and my moves to new homes are infinitely easier. I can’t say I miss any furniture, toys, or long-held possessions I gave up.
Living with less has given me greater contentment, relaxation, and appreciation for the simple things in life. I have found that simple things provide more lasting fulfillment than things you spend money to experience.
If you now live in a huge house full of stuff and reviewed my list of possessions (below), you’d probably think I was crazy. And you’d probably think that I must be done downsizing. I am not.
I am continually downsizing. The most downsizing I’ve done has come when I moved to a new home. I’ve moved many times over the years. Because I have moved so often, I have no fear of moving to a new home or city. And I have no fear of giving up possessions during each move.
Fear keeps some people stuck in the same old house full of stuff they are afraid to part with. It’s unfortunate because downsizing and moving, especially to a new city, creates personal growth. This happens by default. The degree to which you grow is dependent on your attitude. If you fight the change, you’ll gain very little. If you embrace the change, you will benefit greatly from the transition.
I just moved into a brand-new home. So before moving, I once again downsized even further. I estimate that I sold, gave away, or donated about 1/3 of my stuff, which had already been downsized many times.
Before I give you my list of possessions, let me share my ultimate downsizing goal. Own a small (Class B+) but “nice” motorhome and an ultra-secure small house that I have designed and built. Why ultra-secure? I want this because I will travel in my motorhome most of the year. 😀
Here’s my list of possessions, from the most to the least valuable.
- Small Light, Agile Car
- Desktop Computer
- Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
- HDTV Computer Monitor Combo
- Laptop Computer
- Wireless Printer, Scanner, Copier Combo
- External Hard Drive
- Smart Phone
- Computer Desk
- Manager’s Desk Chair
- Memory Foam Mattress
- Memory Foam Bed Frame
- Multi-Purpose Workout Bench
- Various Free Weights
- Small Kitchen Appliances (blender, pressure cooker, toaster)
- Digital Antenna (free TV)
- Clothing (mostly shorts, jeans, t-shirts, and one suit — corporate uniform)
- Linen (2 sets of sheets & towels.)
- Eating Utensils (2 sets of glasses, dishes, and silverware.)
- Small Multi-Purpose, Foldable Table
- Tiny End Tables (two)
- Small Bookcase
That’s it! Downsizing and simplifying personified. A true Spartan-like lifestyle.
Downsizing to this extreme is not for everyone. However, I believe everyone can benefit by downsizing at least one step beyond his or her comfort zone.