I learned an important life lesson when I left Dallas for Australia. I downsized from 356 sq mt and moved into 111 sq mt. It’s still a lot of space, but when you have double the stuff, it’s a bit of a challenge. I had to think mindfully about what I brought with me, what I chose to decorate with, and ultimately, how to live a more simple and meaningful life. I want to share my learning from the experience. 

Shop Mindfully 

When you move house, how much do you sell off, give away, or donate? It’s probably an uncomfortable amount of material wealth. It’s easy to buy every gadget and shove it to the back of the cupboard when you’re over it. It’s easy to buy new clothes when you get tired of the ones you wear. But, whether you’re living in a tight space or you want to live more simply, you need to shop mindfully and buy only what you need and will use. 

Spend With Purpose 

When you shop, spend with purpose and buy items that are practical for the use you intend them for. 

Colour Carefully 

Look at your home, think about the colours you use, think about the colours you love and shop within that colour palette. It can be really tempting to splash out on something different, but if it doesn’t fit with the space it’s going to end up gathering dust in storage. Have an idea in your mind about what you want your space to look like and stick with it. Your space will feel far more calming when you choose aesthetics you find pleasing. 

Australians are already minimalists, they’re only just finding that out. For too long, we have been bonded to bad habits, but by choosing meaningful ways to make life simpler you are empowering yourself to rise above it. I did it; so can you.