4 Ways to Live Simply in Your Single Years

In a previous post, I shared about the most transformative time of my life, when my husband and I lived below the poverty line with our two children. We learned lessons on simplifying that are still key principles in our home today. 

Can I let you in on a secret, though? I wish I had figured out how to do this when I was single. 

Old habits die hard, and there’s nothing like marriage to bring light to all of your annoying—and sometimes negative—patterns of living. Unfortunately for my budgeting-and-saving husband, he had to put up with many years of my material-girl worldliness. I’ve known many couples who feel that their financial “health” is the number one strain in their marriage, and we certainly experienced our fair share of strain in those first several years. 

A materially “unattached” life is a wonderful thing to bring into a marriage. Though it’s important to understand the “why” behind such a model of living, it’s equally important to understand the practicals. Learn how to do so now—while you’re single—and your future spouse will thank you (and maybe even me?) later!

To start living a more simple life, I recommend adopting these four basic principles:

1.) Define the “extras.”

Break down everything in your life—from material goods, to food, to activities—into two categories: needs and wants.

Now, most people who have heard a thing or two about simplifying would guess that the “wants” are what needs to go. I, however, disagree. Wants, or “desires,” are not a bad thing. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts (see Psalm 37 for proof on that). Certain desires, dreams, or material goals can have a place in a simplified life, particularly if they support a greater good. 

For instance, I really enjoy downhill skiing. Do I need to ski? No. But I enjoy it for both the physical exercise and the fun. But, downhill skiing (especially in my home state of Colorado) is expensive! Therefore, does living simply mean I cannot ski because it’s a “want” and it’s expensive? Not necessarily. Skiing (or any hobby, for that matter) provides many benefits which might justify the financial implications. Now, that doesn’t mean I should blow thousands of dollars skiing at the most premier mountains every weekend. This is where the “extras principle” comes in.

In your categories of needs and wants, there lies a level of “just enough”—or moderation—and then there’s the “excess.” Doing, possessing, or consuming something in excess violates the rule of living simply, and for that matter, the rule of living a Christian life (see the definition of gluttony for proof on that). In each aspect of your life, define where your extras are, and focus on cutting those out completely. 

2.) Bargain and borrow.

Living simply does not always mean that you can’t buy new things. Some things—like a mattress or personal hygiene items—probably should be bought new. But, for many goods, finding them “used” works just as well. It’s amazing what people decide to sell for a fraction of the cost! Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, your local thrift store, etc. are your best friends in this endeavor. 

Another principle within this train of thought is the concept of borrowing. Just the other weekend, we took a family camping trip by a lake. I ran out of time finding life jackets for all our kids (I bought one used and was looking for a couple others), so rather than giving in and buying brand-new ones, I asked a friend if they had any we could borrow. Before buying anything new, first ask yourself: can I find this used? and can I borrow this from someone? 

3.) Find multiple uses for things.

A couple years ago, I bought an Instant Pot (yes, new, but on a crazy-good deal!). Since owning the Instant Pot, I’ve gotten rid of at least three of my other small kitchen appliances, because it does it all! 

To simplify your amount of “stuff,” look at each category of what you own. Within those categories, notice whether certain items have a similar purpose. If so, ask yourself: do I need both? This is especially relevant within household items (such as small kitchen appliances), and clothing. If you find yourself answering “no”, take a leap of faith and try living without. 

4.) Focus on experiences rather than stuff.

When given the choice, spending money and time on experiences rather than on more “stuff” makes life much more simple and much more memorable! The only thing you can take with you when you die is your merit and your experiences. Spend your hard-earned efforts on what holds the most lasting impact. As a single person, this might mean taking trips, getting outdoors, going to a play…the possibilities are endless!

Start with these principles and you’ll be amazed how living more simply—especially in your single years—gives you more time and money to build the life you truly desire, and a life that is truly desirable.