Leading a more self-sufficient and minimal life can contribute towards a happier life and a happier home. It can mean something different to everyone so you add different elements into your life that suit you and your needs. You may want to start with one thing and slowly add other elements, so here are some ideas on how to get started.
1. Declutter
Decluttering your life is a great way to start. You don’t have to do it all in one go, you can do it room by room or even just spend an hour a day decluttering something in your home. One of the best places to start is with clothes, books, toys and shoes. These are things we can sometimes keep even if we no longer use or want them. They just clutter up spaces and make homes look disorganised and messy.
2. Grow your food
A simple way to start being more self-sufficient is by growing your food. You can start small with a simple herb garden. You can even grow herbs in pots on the windowsill so great if you are living in an apartment. When you are growing your food you can control your health as you won’t be spraying chemicals on them and will be eating them straight out of the ground. Some food is shipped all around the world before it ends up on our plates.
3. Repair and reuse
So many things get wasted each year just to be updated or simply thrown away if something small is broken which can be easily fixed. Our society is full of consumers but it is a great skill to learn to repair and reuse what we have. Whether it is sewing a hole in your jeans to give them some more years in them or fixing appliances and outdoor power equipment then buying new, it can save you a lot of money in the long term.
4. Reduce plastics around the house
Now, you won’t want to get rid of all the plastic as things like Tupperware or toothbrushes you are currently using are fine then it would be more wasteful to throw them out and buy new ones. Use what you have and when you need to buy a new washing up brush or storage opt for stainless steel or glass. Something better for the environment and better for you and your health.
5. Start a compost bin
If you have space in your garden, starting a compost bin is a great way to be more self-sufficient and reduce the waste in your home. Any scraps or offcuts can simply be thrown in the compost bin where it will break down and eventually turn into compost. You can then use this for growing your own food and won’t have to waste money buying compost. It is also a great place to put any leaves or mulch you have in your garden in winter. It helps everything break down a lot easier.
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