For years, I felt weighed down by stuff and endless bills. My home was full of things I didn’t really need, and my monthly expenses seemed never-ending. One day, I realized that all of this clutter and debt was holding me back from living the life I wanted. So, I made a big decision: to simplify my life.
I started decluttering my belongings, downsizing, and letting go of things that no longer served a purpose. As I simplified, I discovered a new sense of freedom, peace, and a stress-free lifestyle. Let me share how this journey changed everything for me and how you can do it too.
Why I Simplified My Life
In 2023, I started a new job in Oakland, feeling hopeful about this new chapter. But after six months of commuting, I knew something had to change. Each day, I woke up at 5 a.m. just to spend two long hours in traffic. After work, it was another 2 to 2.5 hours in traffic, and I wouldn’t get home until 7 or 8 p.m. By then, I was completely drained. My weekdays disappeared, leaving me no time for myself or the things I loved.
The weekends weren’t much better. I had to squeeze all my errands and tasks into two short days, leaving me exhausted and unhappy. Worst of all, I hardly had any time to spend with my dog, Shadow. It felt like my life was slipping away.
So, I made a bold choice: I quit my job and decided to simplify my life. I didn’t know what would come next, but I didn’t care — I just knew something had to change.
This wasn’t an easy decision, especially since most of my family thought I was out of my mind. But deep down, I knew it was the right choice for my happiness and well-being.
My Plans for a New Chapter
Joining the Peace Corps had been a dream of mine for years. After quitting my job, I applied with hope and excitement. The process was long and took nearly a year. Then, just three weeks before my departure, I received the crushing news that my application had been denied. It was devastating. I had already sold my home and downsized most of my belongings to prepare for this new chapter.
Despite the disappointment, I turned to my backup plan: traveling the world. To make this dream a reality, I had to simplify my life even further. I let go of almost everything I owned and reduced my expenses as much as possible. This was the only way to stretch my limited savings. I knew I had to be careful with my finances and travel frugally, but I was determined to make it work.
By downsizing and eliminating unnecessary expenses, I created the freedom to follow my passion for exploring new places. Simplifying my life wasn’t just about saving money — it gave me the chance to live with more purpose and joy.
How I Simplified My Life
When I decided to follow my dream, I knew I had to prepare both emotionally and financially. It wasn’t an easy process, but by simplifying my life, I was able to create the freedom I needed to move forward. Here’s how I made it happen:
1. Letting Go of Clutter
After selling my home, I went through all my belongings and asked myself if I truly needed each item. Most of the time, the answer was no. I donated, sold, or gave away almost everything that no longer served a purpose. I also passed down my furniture and kitchen items to my daughters, who had just graduated and were starting their own lives.
In the end, I chose to keep only a few essentials, such as my clothes and personal items. Letting go of so much was liberating and helped me focus on what truly mattered.
2. Cutting My Expenses
One of the biggest changes came when I sold my house. My bills dropped dramatically — no more property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, or maintenance costs. I hadn’t realized how much owning a home was costing me until I let it go.
I also canceled subscriptions like Netflix and anything else I didn’t absolutely need. For essentials, like my cell phone plan, I reviewed and downgraded where I could. By switching to Tello, I reduced my phone bill from $80 a month to just $25.
My goal was to stretch my savings, especially since I planned to travel. After simplifying my life and cutting down on unnecessary expenses, my monthly bills went from $4,000 to just over $1,000 when I wasn’t traveling.
3. Emotional Preparation
Simplifying my life wasn’t just about getting rid of things and cutting expenses — it was also about preparing emotionally. Big changes can be scary, and I had moments of doubt.
To stay focused, I reminded myself of my dream: to live freely, explore the world, and find happiness. Letting go of comfort was hard, but I knew it was holding me back. By staying grateful and visualizing the freedom ahead, I stayed motivated and excited for this new chapter.
4. Living Frugally
To make my travel plans work, I learned to live with less. I focused on what truly mattered and avoided spending money on things I didn’t need. I stayed away from expensive hotels, traveled mindfully, and often cooked my own meals. This choice was not only budget-friendly but also healthier.
The Freedom of Simplifying My Life
Simplifying my life was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This life-changing choice has allowed me to explore incredible places around the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures. When I’m not traveling, I enjoy pet sitting and spending time with furry friends, a newfound passion of mine.
The journey wasn’t always easy, but it has brought me more happiness and purpose than I ever imagined.
Simplifying life isn’t just about having less; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. If you’re feeling stuck or weighed down, consider simplifying your life. You may discover the freedom and fulfillment you’ve been searching for.
If you’re inspired to simplify your life, check out my posts on the frugal living ideas and decluttering your home. These guides can help you let go of what you don’t need and make room for a life filled with more freedom and purpose.
