Rachel Meeks and her family demonstrate how embracing simple living creates opportunities that traditional lifestyles cannot offer. By choosing apartment living with two children and avoiding accumulating possessions, they saved enough for her husband to take a year off from work and live in Italy. Their philosophy of “less, but better” applies to possessions, time, and experiences.
Family Profile
- Name: Rachel Meeks
- Family: Husband and two children
- Lifestyle: Apartment living by choice
- Philosophy: “Less, but better”
- Achievement: Year-long sabbatical living abroad
- Website: SmallNotebook.org
Tiny Kitchen in Italy
Rachel’s kitchen in Italy
How Simple Living Changed Their Family
Living in an apartment started as a temporary arrangement for the first years of marriage but became a permanent choice after recognizing the benefits. Without needing to furnish a large house, the family saved substantial money that funded their international adventure.
The “Less, But Better” Philosophy
- Quality Over Quantity: Investing in well-made items that last years instead of replacing cheap items annually
- Meaningful Time: Few meaningful conversations rather than many passing greetings
- Focused Leisure: One good movie instead of dozen shows that pass time
- Freedom Through Less: Fewer possessions enable taking risks and leaving comfort zones
Advice for Families Considering Simplifying
Once items are gone, there is no need to think about them. Instead of feeling loss for physical things, simplifying creates a sense of freedom. Taking risks and getting out of comfort zones becomes possible when possessions no longer weigh a family down.
Lessons from Simple Living Families
- Apartment Living Works for Families: Couples with children can thrive in smaller spaces
- Savings Enable Adventures: Money not spent on housing and furnishings funds experiences
- Quality Purchases Save Time: Well-made items eliminate repeated shopping and replacement
- Simplifying Creates Freedom: Fewer possessions mean more options and less burden
- Goals Can Look Different: Simple living helps families realize their goals differ from conventional expectations
Related Simple Living
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Alex
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What a nice interview. Thanks, Alex for reaching beyond the borders of the USA to bring your readers more amazing real life stories.
Rachel Meeks, all the best to you.
Thanks! 🙂