How I Went from Downsizing to Minimalism

I began my downsizing journey many years ago.  I found that it is more of an ongoing process than an event.  Even though there were many events within the process, it was always focused around the removal of things.  All of those cherished possessions that were taking up all of my time and space.

Each time I moved, I got rid of as many unwanted and unneeded things as possible.  But always, within a short amount of time, they would creep back in.  Gifts from family, purchases that I really didn’t need, items I thought were too sentimental to part with, etc.  All of it, just stuff.

Very little of it actually enhanced my life or well-being. 

Most of these things were relics of a life that I no longer live.  Their purpose has been served and yet I still hang on.  Somehow there is an anxiety about letting go of these things that feels like a loss.  That is when I started thinking about what that means in my life today.  Am I willing to stay shackled to the past because I refuse to release these things?

I started reading more about minimalism and how it is much more of a mindset than a physical activity.  Decluttering and organizing are ways to manage your belongings but it doesn’t help to improve your inner environment.

For me, looking at a clean, sparsely decorated room feels peaceful.  Now it was time to take this to a new level.  I wanted that feeling in all areas of my life, not just my home.  I wanted to feel that way with work, my relationships, social interactions – everything.

Downsizing:  To reduce or decrease in size.
Minimalism:  A style or technique that is characterized by simplicity.

When I looked at the definitions of downsizing and minimalism, the word that jumped out at me was Simplicity.  That is what I am after.  It doesn’t have to be small; it just has to be simple.

I have been slowly inching toward being more deliberate in how I live my life.  Evaluating what brings purpose and joy to me right now and what does not.  

I’ve had to reassess what I truly value and what the cost is to keep it. 

Henry David Thoreau said - "the price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it".

Now, in my 60s, life is more precious than ever and I want to make the most out of this amazing time in my life.

As with most new things, I am starting small and taking it easy.  I don’t need to rush; I want to be thoughtful about this new lifestyle.

I am noticing that the more changes I make the better I feel and the better I feel the more changes I’m ready to make.  I love how it all works together.

Something as simple as turning off the notifications on my email feels like a victory.

Every day I am on the lookout for another area to simplify.  Is it a plant that needs repotting or a shelf that has gotten too cluttered?  Whatever it is, I just take care of it.

All the little things add up to the big things in your life.  It doesn’t matter how much you have as long as you have room for what really matters.
 
Have you downsized but still feel there is more to be done?  Is Minimalism something you would try?  Share your stories and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

My Downsizing Adventure

I’ve been considering moving for several years now. I have wanted to downsize and move somewhere warm and be close to the water.

I’ve grown weary of the cold winter weather in Colorado and no longer need to live in such a big house. I thought a small condo in Florida would be perfect, so I began my scouting mission.

After visiting a few different cities, I settled on Fort Myers in the Southwest part of the state. It’s much smaller than Denver and seems like a very nice area. I really appreciate that the population is much closer to my own age and there are a lot of activities geared toward older adults.

Little did I know that this move would come with plenty of surprises!

A New Lifestyle

Living in that environment would be a dramatic lifestyle change for me. I would no longer be dependent on a vehicle as many areas are within walking distance.

There is also a vibrant downtown area with many year-round activities that I would really enjoy and it would also give me the opportunity to meet more people and be a part of the community.

The Time is Right

As I began sorting through my things, I wondered how many emotional landmines I would hit that might make me reconsider my decision. Surprisingly, there were very few and I knew that I was ready for this change in my life.

I saved the most precious of my belongings and mementos and let the rest go. It was time to make some new memories.

My New Home

I found just the right place, a lovely, secure condo, overlooking the river with everything I wanted right outside my front door. This was so exciting, now all I had to do is put whatever I’m keeping into storage, rent my house and move into my new home.

It’s amazing how much energy you have when you are preparing for something new!

Plans Change

Just a couple of weeks away from the move and I got a call from my realtor. The owners had decided not to sell the condo and were taking it off the market.

I was actually out with my family when I got the call. I thought I would be more upset by the news, but that was not the emotion that surfaced. Somehow, I felt that it was all for the best and for some reason this was not what was supposed to happen.

So now, with no home to go to and no idea of what I was going to do next, I thought seriously about just staying where I am, at least for the time being. That didn’t feel right either, so with no plan – I’ve decided to go anyway.

Opportunities Are Endless

In the past, when I’ve dared to take a big risk, I always asked myself “what is the worst that can happen?” The answer has never been anything that I couldn’t deal with or accept so it made it a lot less scary to go ahead with it.

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Now, after a few of those things turning out better than I could have ever imagined I have learned to ask myself “what is the best that can happen?” The answer to that is why I am going.

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I believe that everything works out exactly as it needs to and that there are so many wonderful possibilities that I must be meant to discover. So, I will take this grand opportunity and see what develops.

The Adventure Begins

So, now that my journey has changed from a relatively safe and easy relocation to an uncharted expedition, I feel nervous and more than a little anxious. Fortunately, I also feel very free and unencumbered. I will pack my one carry-on bag and just see what lies ahead.

The very best that can happen is that I have a fantastic adventure and have many new stories to tell in my next article!


Wishing you all safe and happy travels!

What major life changes have you made since turning 60? Have you downsized or moved to a completely new area? What motivated you to make such a big change in your life? Share you stories and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me