Sharing a 37 square meter loft apartment at the age of 23 taught me a lot about living in small spaces.

Ten years later, when my family and I decided to sell everything and move to Hawaii, I learned even more about what it means to live simply. Our move from adorable Indiana to a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean was for just that: a simpler life. We wanted more space for everyone, for what’s important, for what’s really worth our time, energy and attention.

Here’s what I found along the way:

1. Stop comparing yourself to others

Arguably, this is the most important advice for our lives in general – especially in the modern age where social media is everywhere. For some (not to mention most) social media is the first and last thing we see every day. We spend our days scrolling down, posting, “pinning” photos, refreshing pages while subconsciously comparing ourselves to influencers, those we follow, those we don’t follow, ads and everything else. Even if you’re in the minority and don’t engage in social media, there are certainly plenty of “opportunities” for comparisons.

When I was in Hawaii, trying to adjust to this new lifestyle, I found myself constantly comparing myself to other people’s lives. I was ashamed because I felt that I was not like others who live on an island – carefree and happy with little. We moved to learn to live with less, expand our boundaries and lead a more peaceful lifestyle. However, as ironic as it sounds, I found it difficult to feel truly calm and happy.

Meanwhile, I kept comparing myself to our older neighbor – with its large food pantry and beautiful glass jars (arranged in alphabetical order) – and the huge library, with books arranged so that the colors form a rainbow of a famous designer. Also, I was jealous of the room-turned-dressing-room I had ‘pinned’ on Pinterest…

Wanting to live on less is admirable. Wanting more space or functionality is also OK. But, you have to be honest with yourself about the reasons you want all this. Are you doing it because “others” are doing it too? Does it give you the feeling of “success”? Or maybe it’s part of your identity? The key is to discover meaning and success without having to compete with others.

2. Appreciate the freedom that less gives you

Living in a world where “more is better”, the realization of the freedom of having fewer objects and space invites us to change our way of thinking.

Less stuff means spending less money on things you probably don’t need, will forget you have sooner or later, or get bored of in a few months. It also means less time to clean, organize, pack and buy. Less worry about time and money. Less clutter. Less trash. This alternative approach is gaining more and more followers who adopt a more minimal lifestyle. Of course, implementing all this is not an easy task.

It requires the conscious decision that living with less really is better as well as constant gratitude for the freedom you are given. A diary where you record every day the reasons for which you feel grateful may help you. Set aside a few minutes each day for meditation. Try setting a goal at the beginning of each day or think of a mantra that will remind you not to compare yourself whenever you feel like it.

3. Get creative

While the idea of ​​living with less starts in the mind, there are some practical challenges – but not so big that they can’t be tackled with a little creativity. Finding clever storage solutions is one of the priorities of those living in small spaces – the battle with a pile of laundry, letters, papers etc. is real! The trick is to think of some practical solutions before it all piles up.

There are hundreds – if not thousands – of websites and articles online dedicated to helping you live “simpler.” Minimalism has definitely made its presence felt. Project 333 is a website to create your own wardrobe with a few clothes that allow you to make many combinations. This is an idea that can completely change your days – maybe even your life – and will definitely meet your need for more closet space. I learned the value of a simple wardrobe living in Hawaii with just one suitcase of clothes. Even when I travel, I prefer to take a few clothes with me.

Spend time looking for functional options for your wardrobes and drawers. Take advantage of the space under beds, stairs or windows.

There is not just one way of life. Some may be luckier and have more options – in the sense of financial comfort. However, we can all choose how we think about our lives. Choose less comparison, choose freedom, choose gratitude. All of this will make a difference.