from Simpler Living: Living well with less
May 3, 2010 at 12:14 pm by Naomi Seldin
Every so often, I realize how much downsizing improved my perspective. So I took a break from editing last night, picked up my journal and started listing reasons I’m glad I did it:
1. You’ll lose hundreds of pounds without having to take a single trip to the gym.
2. If you ever need to move somewhere smaller, you’ll be able to do it with confidence.
3. Your next move will also be less stressful and less expensive.
4. You’ll gain living space without having to move to a bigger house or apartment.
5. You’ll never have to run out and buy something because you can’t find the original.
6. You won’t be fooled into thinking something’s a bargain just because it’s on a sale rack.
7. When you’re bored, you won’t automatically go shopping. Instead, you’ll go hiking, or meet a friend for coffee, or start gardening or volunteering.
8. You’ll learn to say no to people who want you to buy something from them.
9. You’ll think twice about paying someone else to store stuff you don’t use.
10. Taking inventory of your stuff can be a really good wake-up call. When you discover you own 10 pairs of jeans and three hammers, you’ll realize you don’t need more of either.
11. Instead of buying stuff you don’t need, you’ll be able to pay off debt, go on a trip or invest in something more important.
12. Getting rid of clutter is like exercising a muscle. The more you do it, the easier it gets. You’ll also get less attached to stuff in general, and become a stronger and smarter consumer.
13. “Enough,” “want” and “need” will take on new meanings.
14. Dusting is easier when you have fewer knick-knacks.
15. People will give you wine and chocolate-covered bacon as gifts instead of knick-knacks.
16. Coming home will be relaxing instead of stressful.
17. You’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your space.
18. Your children (or other loved ones) will have less to worry about when the time comes.
19. When you open your closet door, nothing there will make you feel guilty. That pair of jeans taunting you since you lost your college waistline? Those heels that hurt your feet too much to wear but cost too much to donate? Gone. Instead, you’ll have a wardrobe that fits you.
20. You’ll appreciate what you do have that much more.
