Simple Living for Seniors & Empty Nesters

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Simple living for seniors is possible when you shift your focus from possessions to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. By choosing to live with less and focusing on what truly matters, you create room for the things that bring joy.

No matter your age, a helpful guide to simple living can be the key to finding happiness and contentment in your later years. 

As life moves forward, our priorities naturally shift, leading many of us to seek simplicity. Whether preparing for retirement, wanting to explore the world, moving to a cozier home, or ensuring things are easier for your children, the desire to streamline your home and life becomes an important choice.

Simple Living Later in Life

Simplifying life is beneficial at any age, but it can be especially rewarding as we grow older. After retirement, many seniors find themselves with more free time and fewer responsibilities, which can sometimes lead to feelings of boredom, loneliness, or a lack of direction.

As we get older, it’s easy to accumulate more belongings than we realize. This buildup of stuff can be overwhelming emotionally and physically making everyday tasks more difficult.

The great news is that simplifying doesn’t mean parting with everything you own. Instead, it’s about downsizing to a realistic level, striking a balance that brings peace of mind without sacrificing what matters most to you.

What Simple Living Doesn’t Mean

Simple living doesn’t mean living without any luxuries or comforts. It’s about finding a balance between the things we need and the things we want.

Simple living for seniors also doesn’t mean isolating yourself, settling, or giving up on your dreams and goals.

Shift How You Think

Simple living encourages you to focus on intentional decision-making with your home, things, and lifestyle. It’s about slowing down, being mindful of your choices, and finding contentment in the present moment. This shift in thinking can bring a sense of calm and clarity to your life.

Simplify Your Home

Transforming your home into a simplified, clutter-free space can open the door to more comfort, organization, and a sense of calm that brightens every day.

#1. Declutter

Decluttering is a key part of simplifying for seniors and empty nesters. Having less can completely change your home, creating a space you love to be in.

Decluttering can also be overwhelming, especially when faced with an entire home. To help, it is easier to start small and gradually work at a comfortable pace that is good for you. Choose one room to work on at a time, giving yourself small, reasonable goals each day.

Put it into Action:

1. Work on one drawer each day until you have sorted through your entire dresser.
2. Sort and declutter one cabinet daily until you have touched them all in your kitchen.
3. Declutter the floor in your bedroom, working on one area at a time.
4. Save the attic or other storage areas for when you have help. Invite your kids or grandkids over to sort through boxes and containers with a promise of laughter, memories, and a good meal.

Breaking things down or inviting help can make any large, overwhelming job easier to tackle.

#2. Reduce Your Possessions

As you are sorting through your things, take a good look at what you use in your everyday life today. Sure, you may have needed several sets of measuring cups when your family was living at home, but now you can do just fine with one set.

Consider donating the excess to help out others in need. You can also reach out to friends or family to see if they are looking for household supplies. A new homeowner or college student might love a set of dishes or bed linens.

#3. Organize and Create Systems

Once you have pared down your possessions, it is time to organize what remains. Create systems for everyday items that will help keep your home neat and put away.

• Make a specific spot for keys and sunglasses.
• Hang up coats and purses near to the door.
• Have a basket to toss mail inside and sort through things daily.
• Use a drawer organizer or dividers to create more storage in drawers.
• Keep large baskets in rooms to hold bulky items like extra blankets in a family room.

By keeping things in specific places and having systems for daily clutter, you will find that it is easier to maintain an organized home.

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#4. Put Things Away Immediately

One of the biggest reasons clutter builds up is because we set things down rather than putting them away. We may intend to do it later, but then life gets in the way, and things get left out for days, weeks, or even months.

To prevent this from happening, make a habit of putting things all the way away immediately after using it. This includes everything from dishes to clothes to pet toys and household supplies.

Simplifying Your Food

Eating simpler, healthier meals as you get older can boost your energy while keeping mealtime easy and delicious.

#1. Meal Planning and Prepping

Meal planning is a time saver that isn’t only for young families it is helpful for seniors and empty nesters as well. Having a menu for the week ahead can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Put it into Action:

1. Sit down once a week to create a meal plan for the next 5-7 days.
2. Look at what you have in your fridge to ensure you use things up before they go bad.
3. Make a grocery list based on your meal plan and what you already have on hand.
4. Prep ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping veggies or cooking grains, to make cooking dinner a breeze during the week.

#2. Simple Recipes

Look for simple recipes that use minimal ingredients and don’t require a lot of prep time. This will save you time and money at the grocery store, as well as in the kitchen.

Put it into Action:

1. Browse online for easy one-pot meals or sheet pan dinners that require minimal clean-up.
2. Invest in a few good cookbooks with simple, healthy recipes that you can easily make at home.
3. Keep a list of your go-to, quick, and easy recipes on hand for busy days when you need to whip up something fast.

#3. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry

Having a well-stocked pantry can be a lifesaver on those days when you don’t feel like going to the store or are short on time. Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishable and healthy essentials like canned goods, pasta, rice, and beans.

Put it into Action:

1. Make a list of your must-have pantry items and keep track of when you need to restock them.
2. Keep healthy snack options that you enjoy eating.
3. Utilize your pantry staples in meals by creating dishes like bean chili or pasta with canned tomatoes and vegetables.

#3. Meal Delivery Services

If cooking isn’t your thing or you simply don’t have the time, consider signing up for a meal delivery service. These services provide pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, making it simple to cook healthy meals at home without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Put it into Action:

1. Research meal delivery services in your area and read reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
2. Choose a few meals per week from the service’s menu that appeal to you and add them to your delivery schedule.
3. Utilize the meal delivery service as a way to try new recipes and ingredients, but also incorporate your own pantry staples for added convenience.

Simplifying Your Clothes Closet

A messy, disorganized closet can make your mornings more stressful than they need to be. Reducing and streamlining what you wear will help you save time getting dressed and ensure your favorite outfits are always within easy reach.

#1. Declutter Slowly

Don’t feel like you need to overhaul your entire closet in one day. Instead, use the hanger trick to help you more easily see the things you routinely where and what you are skipping over.

Put it into Action:

1. Hang all of your clothes with the hangers facing backward.
2. Each time you wear an item, hang it back up with the hanger facing forward.
3. At the end of a designated time period, any items that are still hanging backward are ones you haven’t worn and may want to consider getting rid of.

#2. Embrace Minimalism

Consider adopting a minimalist mindset when it comes to your wardrobe. This means owning fewer but high-quality, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.

Put it into Action:

1. Take inventory of your current clothing items and look for things that need updating with better quality pieces.
2. Make a list of staple items that you can invest in, such as a well-fitted blazer or a quality pair of jeans.
3. When shopping, think about how each item can be incorporated into multiple outfits to get the most use out of it.

#3. Seasonal Rotation

Storing clothes that are out of season in a separate location, such as under your bed or in the back of your closet, can help free up space and make your closet feel less cluttered.

Put it into Action:

1. At the beginning of each new season, go through your closet and switch out any items that are no longer appropriate for the upcoming weather.
2. Declutter and donate any items you didn’t wear during the previous season.
3. Make sure to properly store your off-season clothes to protect them from damage or wrinkles.

#4. Keep Your Closet Organized

Invest in storage solutions like hanging shelves, shoe racks, and bins to help keep your closet organized and maximize space. These can also help categorize different types of clothing, making it easier to find what you need quickly.

Put it into Action:

1. Sort your clothes by category (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.) or color.
2. Use hanging shelves with drawers for smaller items like socks, leggings, and undergarments.
3. Invest in shelf dividers to hold and organize sweaters.

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How to Start Living Simply

With a simplified home, you can shift your focus to living more intentionally. A simple life helps you prioritize what truly matters, discover greater joy in each moment, and look forward to a future full of meaningful experiences.

#1. Simplify Your Schedule

Take a look at your daily and weekly schedule. Are you constantly running from one commitment to the next, leaving little time for yourself? Consider decluttering your schedule by saying no to things that don’t align with your priorities or bring you joy.

Put it into Action:

1. Take a week off from all non-essential commitments and see how it affects your mental state and overall well-being.
2. Make a list of the activities that truly bring you joy and make them a priority in your schedule.
3. Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities or bring value to your life.

#2. Simplify Your Finances

Managing finances can be overwhelming, but simplifying your financial situation can lead to more freedom and peace of mind. Consider setting up automatic payments for bills and streamlining your budget.

Put it into Action:

1. Automate bill payments to avoid late fees and simplify your monthly budgeting process.
2. Consolidate multiple credit cards or bank accounts into one to simplify tracking expenses.
3. Create a realistic budget that focuses on necessities and eliminates unnecessary spending.

#3. Simplify Your Mindset

A cluttered mindset can often lead to stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. Simplify your thoughts by practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling.

Put it into Action:

1. Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to sit still and clear your mind.
2. Keep a journal to jot down any overwhelming thoughts or feelings and reflect on them later.
3. Focus on the present moment and appreciating what you have.
4. Seek out simple things that make you smile. A grandchild’s laughter, a walk with your dog, and good cup of tea.

#4. Practice Gratitude

Comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Instead, practice gratitude by focusing on what you have and letting go of comparisons.

Put it into Action:

1. Write down three things you are grateful for each day.
2. Limit your time on social media or unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate.
3. Remind yourself that everyone’s journey is unique, and there is no need for comparison.

#5. Adopt a Hobby or Activity

Having a hobby you enjoy to can help you unwind and bring relaxation into your life. Find something that interests you and make time for it regularly.

Put it into Action:

1. Take a class or try out new activities until you find one that sparks your interest. This could be sewing, reading, doing a puzzle, or playing cards with a friend.
2. Schedule time each day or week for your hobby.
3. Use your hobby as a way to de-stress and add balance to your life.

Get tips on how to organize your dream sewing room and make space for a fun new hobby!

#6. Make Time for Family and Friends

Spending time with loved ones can bring joy and laughter to your life. Make it a priority to schedule regular catch-ups, go for a road trip, or plan fun activities with family and friends.

Put it into Action:

1. Plan a regular dinner or game night with loved ones.
2. Take time to call and chat on the phone.
3. Write a letter to one grandchild a month and let them know how proud of them you are.
4. Reach out to old friends you haven’t seen in a while and make plans to catch up.

Finding peace and happiness in your golden years can happen when you incorporate simple living into your daily life. Clearing out the clutter—both physical and mental—lets you concentrate on what makes your days brighter.

It’s all about enjoying a life that feels meaningful, intentional, and filled with little moments that make you smile. Keep this guide on simple living for seniors so you can make changes at a pace that is right for you.

More Guides for Simple Living:

• Simple Frugal Living Tips
• Simple Cooking Tips for the Kitchen
• 10 Simple Life Habits