Learn to Live with Less

Known as the “Minimalists,” Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn spend their time helping people to learn to live with less. They say a typical house contains as many as 300,000 items; and their advice is to rid yourself of items that do not add value to your life. While obviously easier said than done, if you are an older adult who is trying to downsize for a move to senior housing, the following tips may help.

One suggestion is to start by decluttering; not only does it give you more space in your new home but living around clutter has been linked to anxiety and stress. When you throw away or donate stuff cluttering up your home, it gives room for the things you really like. Less stuff lightens your load and helps you get into the habit of not buying things you don’t need. Not only does this mindset save money, but Fields Millburn explains, "Understanding the why behind simplifying gives us the leverage we need to begin to let go and helps us understand what is excess.”

The Minimalists recommend letting go of items you are hanging on to under the “just in case” category. Remember most things can be easily replaced if needed and in the meantime your load will be that much lighter.

Other suggestions include getting rid of blurry or duplicate photos, junk mail, documents and paperwork no longer needed, and old magazines and newspapers. If you want to further reduce your physical load, scan photos as well as paperwork you wish to save. Throw away broken or damaged items, or missing parts. If you have two hair dryers, choose one to keep and one to donate. Do the same with other duplicates. Get rid of books you will never read, clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable, and stuff you never use. Do the same with supplies and equipment from hobbies or sports you are no longer interested in; and if you are retired, downsize your professional wardrobe. Use this mindset when going through the rest of your household items.

We would like to introduce you to the newest senior living in Kirkland, WA. Located in the beautiful Totem Lake area, MorningStar of Kirkland is close to shopping at The Village at Totem Lake, dining, medical facilities and the beaches and parks of Juanita Bay. We offer a refreshing change of lifestyle with predictable budgeting, built-in companionship, five-star dining, and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website for more information about independent living.

MorningStar of Kirkland is guided by a culture rooted in MorningStar’s mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose in our assisted living. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA offers.

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