Self storage: The 10 best downsizing tips

Simple life: The 10 best downsizing tips

Never-ending social feeds and a packed calendar are two status symbols of our time. We've grown so used to being constantly switched on that we view "stress" as a normal emotional state. 

We go to bed – and that's when the late-night racing thoughts hit us: 

• I forgot to call Mum back.
• The car needs to go to the garage.
• That presentation deadline is creeping up.

According to the representative Job Stress Index (2018), 27.1% of employed people in Switzerland are exposed to stress. 

One of the main stress factors is feeling like we have to juggle far too many aspects of our lives. That is not healthy. 

How can we free ourselves from this "culture" of self-imposed busyness and simplify our lives?

It's about worrying less so you have more time and energy for the things you love.

 Our 10 tips will help you reduce stress and live a little more simply.

1. Escape the debt trap – with a plan 

Money is a massive stress factor for many people in Switzerland. In fact, a recent study shows that more than 50% of all Swiss residents worry about their finances. 

Almost 85% state that financial worries affect their well-being. Nothing spoils the upcoming payday quite like piling bills and expenses you can't afford. 

Living hand to mouth never feels good. 

Focus on paying off debt and achieving financial freedom. This is proven to work with Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps.

2. Buy only what you need

Don't waste money or space on things you don't need. 

Of course, it's tempting to snap up a cheap bargain or go on an extended shopping spree because you feel like you have nothing to wear.

In the long run, this leads to an empty wallet and a cluttered home (even though we are here to offer you a storage unit – the topic of this post is downsizing). 

Our tip: make a plan to ensure you only buy the essentials. 

3. Get rid of superfluous belongings

Studies show that most Swiss residents feel their home is overcrowded.

25% state that this clutter causes them stress. 

Take a weekend to clear out your home and make it more functional. Yes, you can move some of your things into a storage unit. Other options include second-hand shops or charity shops. 

4. Discover meal prep 

Stressed out by constantly thinking about what to cook next? Meal prep is the answer. Get inspired by food blogs, buy ingredients in bulk, and cook once a week. Simply choose foods that combine well together. The only challenge is keeping it from getting boring. 

Maybe prepping could be your ideal new Sunday activity? Then you'll have more time during the week for self-care or meeting up with friends. 

5. Create a cleaning schedule 

Ah yes, if you don't keep up with household chores... before you know it, the place is clean, but the weekend is over. 

A cleaning and household schedule solves this problem – provided you stick to it.   

For example:

• Tuesday: Take out the rubbish and clean the kitchen 
• Thursday: Clean the floors and scrub the bathroom
• Saturday: Vacuum and dust the living room    

The result: more time to relax over the weekend 

6. Say no

Oh, one of our favourites: how much of your time is wasted on obligatory birthdays and social events you don't actually want to attend?

Busted?

There is nothing wrong with saying "no" – except that it can be really difficult. Don't feel guilty about prioritizing your mental health and declining an invitation. You can use this time to catch up on your to-do list or simply relax. 

7. Get out into nature

It is proven that nature has a positive effect on our emotional state and physical well-being. Schedule daily time for the park, flowers and cute dogs. Or start a garden – yes, even on a balcony you can bring pretty flower beds to life. 

8. Stick to quiet times 

Whether you go for a walk, read a good book or simply sit down with a cup of coffee: never underestimate the healing power of dedicated quiet time. Spend this time alone. 

According to "Psychology Today", some benefits of solitude include:

• Rest for mind and body
• Improved concentration
• Increased productivity

9. Reduce your screen time

How much time do you spend staring at your phone waiting for nothing at all? Of course, it's tempting to constantly check social media and watch cute puppy videos... but when you add up the time you spend on your phone, you'll realise that you could actually put that time to better use, right? 

Imagine all the tasks you could tick off if social media didn't drain your desire to be productive.

Limit your social time and prioritise more important tasks. 

10. Avoid unnecessary information 

Thanks to the internet, we have an incredible flood of information at our fingertips – anytime at the touch of a button. This brings enormous benefits – but the constant bombardment of emails and push notifications can be truly overwhelming. 

Especially when the information makes us feel bad (think horror news and airbrushed Instagram photos...). Turn it off and stop responding to every beep. You won't miss out on anything.  

The world will keep turning. 

If you feel overwhelmed by the flood, only follow people and pages that genuinely add value to your life. We guarantee it will bring you relief.