Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Brian Gardner of No Sidebar.
Last updated:
Today’s world has many luxuries that are supposed to make life easier. At times they may, but other times, they make things more complicated.
Meanwhile, there are lots of people who dream of simple living. They picture spending their days sitting by a lake and enjoying nature. This dream is often interrupted by reality, but it does not have to be that way. There are things we can do to begin living a simple life.
When people hear “simplify your life“, they may think it means moving into a home in the middle of the woods and living off the land. But that is not necessarily a simpler life—and it may not be for everyone.
Instead, choose things that can keep you in the modern world, but still make life easier.
How to Live a Simple Life
- Get a basic cell phone.
It would be nice to say that a cell phone was not necessary at all, but pay phones have disappeared and if you need to call someone in an emergency, you will need a cell phone.
Instead of getting a smartphone with data and texting, opt for a basic cell phone that only makes or receives calls. There are plans that allow you to get a phone for less than $50 and offer free minutes to talk with every month.
- Cut the cable cord.
Many people are spending well in excess of $100 a month on cable television that gives them 500 different channels. Out of all those channels, most people watch 10 to 15.
Instead of having a cable bill, use over-the-air stations you receive for free. Add a streaming service and you will never miss cable. Without cable, you can go back to an old, reliable method of entertainment—talking to one another.
- Get rid of credit cards.
Credit cards are nice. They allow people to buy things they otherwise could not afford and pay for it over time. They also become a burden that drags many people down each month.
Instead of using credit cards, only buy what you can afford. Stick to that plan and the fear of not being able to pay the bills will quickly disappear.
- Declutter the home.
A search around the home will find many things that are not needed or are no longer used. Find different ways to declutter your life and get rid of the things that are no longer necessary. It is even possible to make some money selling these things that can be used to help in other areas, such as paying off credit card debt.
- Get rid of monthly expenses that are not needed.
Many people are paying for gym memberships, mobile internet service, and many other monthly services they barely use. They have often put the monthly payments on their credit card so they do not even realize how much they are spending and not using.
There are often ways to get the same things that you get from these pay services without having to pay. Gym memberships can be replaced with exercising at a local park or walking around the neighborhood. If you need internet service away from home, look for Wi-Fi hot spots. They are found at many restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. It might take effort to do this at first, but once it becomes a habit, it is easy to do.
- Start to track your expenses.
One thing people will benefit from doing is tracking the money they spend. It is the best way to find out when you are spending money and what you are spending it on. It is possible you will find you are spending a lot of money you don’t need to. You may find that second car is an expense you may not need. You could take public transportation to work and get by without a second car and all of its headaches. When you realize that, it becomes possible to make changes.
- Track your time.
Pay attention to how much time you are spending doing things. Look for ways to cut down on time you think is being wasted on unnecessary things.
Time and money are two of the most valuable resources people have. When life gets simpler, the amount of these two things that a person has available will rise. That is the benefit of a simpler life in today’s world.
The great thing about this list is that people have choices. They can choose to do one of them, all of them, or some of them. They can start out with just one and then add some others later.
Life is about choices. Choosing simple living is something that is becoming a popular thing to do.
Simple Living FAQ
What’s the difference between minimalism and simple living?
Minimalism, most commonly, pertains to physical possessions. It means living with just the right amount of things and removing the excess. It means removing anything that distracts us from living with intentionality and freedom.
Simple living, on the other hand, is broader in scope and pertains to focus. A simple life is not filled with complications and distractions, it is a life that is lived focused on things that matter to the person. It can also have varying extremes. For some, it’s as simple as cutting their cable bills and getting rid of the TV, while others can go as far as living “off the grid.”
Minimalism and simple living have a lot in common and many aspects intersect.
What are the benefits of simple living?
Simplifying your life frees up more time, money, and mental bandwidth.
Will simple living save me money?
Lowering your expenses will save you money and put you in a better financial position, as long as those cut expenses aren’t replaced by something else.
Steve says
I’ve been trying to simplify my life for a few years now. For me it’s not a pleasurable thing to do. I’ve found one things that works is to stop pursuing dreams and try not to think… Example: I LOVE to cook, but guess what, cooking requires THINGS, pots, pans, cooking with cast iron, using blenders, beaters, etc etc… Can’t really pursue cooking with 1 skillet, so let go of the cooking dream and just be like everyone else who is blah in that area. I love photography and art, guess what, more stuff – cameras, filters, bags, tripods, a printer to print them out, laptop, software, etc etc… Lose the thought of taking great photos…. I love to work on my car and fix things around the house, oh yeah – tool boxes tool bags, tools all over the place…. You get the idea. If you have any sort of vision, or a desire to really learn how to do anything, it requires STUFF, and a lot of it. But if you’re shallow and boring, have no skills or want to learn how to do anything, forget living a clean simple life. Unless you want to be a philosopher, or maybe a writer, you can talk and write all day in a cafe somewhere, that doesn’t take to many things… but most things need things…. That’s my dilemma, I love to do things, and learn. Rock climbing= ton’s of gear. Fish keeping= tanks, pumps, filters, back up stuff…. No dreams, don’t think to deep, it’s fine… But I can’t do it…..
Jon says
Perhaps applying a minimalist or ‘clean’ approach to pursuing your dreams might provide a pathway to keeping things interesting in life. If youlike to cook, decide what you want to cook and equip yourself accordingly. Likewise with photography, if your interest is landscapes (for example), you won’t need all the equipment that a portrait photographer requires. Gather only the ‘stuff’ that allows you to pursue your interests. If you are no longer pursuing an interest, sell the ‘stuff’ to someone else who is. Simple!
Gilmer Dudley says
You are so right! I say the simpler life may include getting rid of extra stuff. But it’s not realistic to get rid if things you need. And simplicity is not the same as minimalist for some of us. Depends on your family and situation. And if it doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to admit that. (I think minimalists often feel superior.) Just be honest and try to find a way to be conscious of the earth while enjoying the hand you’re dealt!
Tiffany Harper says
I do have a smartphone that I received as a gift from my mom. (She bought it from a dollar store and it’s cheaper) and have Simple Mobile. I’m not that reliant on it anyway. (I don’t talk on a phone for hours–it runs the bill up.) I usually use my laptop for a lot of stuff.
The only time I ever use the tv (not flat screen; the older tvs because I love them–they are irreplaceable to me) is for watching movies and playing video games. There’s hardly anything good on that I really like these days.
I don’t use Netflix because what’s the point? It wastes money just to watch a movie or tv show that may or may not be there. I don’t know why my mom likes to watch Netflix so much, even when she tried to persuade me.
I’m a nostalgic woman who likes the 80s, 90s and sometimes early 2000s.
Robert Dawson says
Check out the site called Hellivision.com, it will change your thoughts in television and life in general.
Jean Hopkins says
I live in place that does not get cell reception so I use my cell phone for just what you say – travel and emergencies away from the house. I have a very simple flip-phone (although it now has a camera) from AT & T that costs me $25 every three months. That’s it. I just slip it in my pocket when I walk out the door. I hope my area never does get cell reception…I don’t want to be tempted to ‘live’ on my phone as I see others (especially the rest of my family) living. But I do love my computer time!
Jeanne says
There is nothing simple about living off the land. Homesteading requires lots of stuff, and constant work dealing with issues, like weather, machines, animals, etc. This is my dilemma– even my growing and preserving of food requires 100 canning jars and other equipment, which would seem to counter a principle of minimalism, owning as little as possible. I might even suggest that the less one owns, the more dependent they are on large corporations for every component of living–corporations that put profit above the environment, people, and community. And credit cards are necessary for booking hotels, renting cars, etc. This is more complicated than a list of blanket recommendations for everyone.
Atilio Renom says
You make some very good points. To stick to what I know, you can book hotels or rent a car with a debit card or a prepaid card. You do not need a credit card. There are some prepaid cards that will even be reported to the bureau and get you a score and credit history.
Randa White says
I’ve done all but number 1. As a deaf person I rely on text and VP services (video phone). I know someone will say use skype, but when I call for doctors apps, hearing family members, etc, Skype doesn’t provide ASL interpreters. I cannot use voice so I budget to have accessible communication means.
ELAINE says
I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT A STREAMING SERVICE IS UNDER #2. CAN YOU GIVE EXAMPLE OF COMPANTY NAMES THAT ARE STREAMING SERVICES? I WILL DO THIS AND I ALSO HAVE A TRACFONE!
laurie houseknecht says
ex… Netflix
Ellen in Colorado says
I have not had a television for 12 years and cable for 18.
Last year I moved to the rural mountains. No cell service, no internet except when my not so smart phone gets a signal.
This is a simpler life. I’m not stuck in traffic staring at advertising messages the stores that are within 100 miles have basics but nothing to tempt me.
I spend my days writing, painting caring for our horses and garden.
I have an AMEX card which extends warranties for free, free bag on flights, no exchange fees on foreign currency and air miles for travel. I pay it off every month. I would not give it up as it would be foolish.
I am very mindful of how I choose to spend my time. I don’t get rid of clothes if they fit, I add them into the rotation so I get value from the original purchase and am not adding to the enormity of waste.
Marie says
I just got a smartphone for the first time! I gotta admit, it’s nice being able to track my calories on the go and scan food :)
I have two contacts in my phone: my mom and my boyfriend. I honestly think I wouldn’t even pick up my phone if it wasn’t for my boyfriend!
I swear if I forget to pick up my phone for 10 minutes there’s 20 missed messages and 5 missed calls from him… it’s exhausting! But that forces me to keep my phone on me 24/7!
Anne says
Is your boyfriend controling you? They may be wonderfully loving messages but you have a life to live! He is robbing you of your time, thoughts and choices.
Jean Hopkins says
I got over having to report in to a guy years ago. Another thing that frees you!
Kris says
Republicwireless.com My unlimited phone plan is $30 and the service is excellent. I’ve been with them about two years. Also Dave Ramsey for advice getting out of debt.
Deb J. says
Dave Ramsey is great. I’ve almost reached my $1k in savings for emergencies (Step 1). I’m at $600. It’s already brought me peace of mind. Next I will tackle my debt using the snowball effect (Step 2).
Jean Hopkins says
The best thing I’ve ever done to simplify my life was work like crazy for a while to pay off my mortgage. Having that huge monthly payment drop out of my budget was extremely freeing – and the snowball effect was real b/c it freed up money to pay off my other debt. I have been debt free for 5 years and IT IS WONDERFUL. Now I am in a quandary about whether to own a home at all. I want to move to the beach but dread another mortgage or even a rent payment. It’s a tough decision.