28 04, 2020

9 Simple Ways to Start Living a More Minimal Lifestyle

A minimalist lifestyle is not for everyone. But in this hectic world, many of us are feeling that call — the yearning to have less, to spend less, to do less, to need less.

You read about those folks who make huge, dramatic leaps into extreme minimalist lifestyles, giving away everything they own, moving to an all-white room with just a mattress and a notepad. You can certainly get on the path to minimalism with a similarly grand gesture, or you can work on seeking simplicity more gradually.

We’ve got the beginner’s road map for getting on a path to living a more simple, minimal lifestyle at home (and in life). No one single thing will magically make you into a minimalist tomorrow, but these ideas are a good place to start you on your journey.

150 East Liberty Street Suite 1013 Liberty Village Toronto - Master bedroom detail

 

1. Give yourself a clear, personal goal (and a timeline)

What is your personal definition of a more minimal home and life? Is it to have only the bare minimum of objects? Is it to declutter a whole room of stuff you haven’t looked at in months? Is it to learn to live with less or stop buying things you don’t need? There’s no “right” way to be a minimalist; we can all have our own definitions of simple and stress-free. Just take the time to define it for yourself. Not sure where to start defining what you don’t want in your life? Focus on what you do want — what makes you feel alive, what you’re passionate about — and then begin to strip away the things (physical and otherwise) that are getting in the way of you doing more of what you really want to be doing.

Give yourself a clear goal, with broken-down steps to attain (and remember to write down the things you need to complete those steps). And then give yourself a time frame to achieve each step (not just the final goal). Consider making alerts on your calendar so you are held accountable. And don’t just write down what the goal is — write down why you want to live more minimally (less stress, more money, less stuff to haul on your next move — it can be anything that means something to you).

2. Decide how your home can help you live a more minimalist lifestyle

Your quest for a more minimal lifestyle might point you in the direction of a smaller or simplified home. This is a big step for folks who own or rent homes, but not impossible. Again, start with a goal of what you want — be specific. Not sure what you want? Do some traveling — and look to stay in homes in the size range you’re thinking about. You’ll be able to visualize your future life easier if it’s a size you can downsize to. Or perhaps the size and type of your home is okay but it’s what’s in it…

3. Declutter

This seems pretty obvious, but it can be the most painful step for folks who have a real attachment to many of their items. Start slow and intentionally. Throw out or donate everything you obviously don’t need first. Then take and hide everything you think you could do without for a few months, to give yourself distance to be able to give them away. Then use that motivation to gather the courage to take decluttering as extreme as works for your dream, minimal lifestyle. Keep reminding yourself that stripping away as much stuff from your life will make it easier to achieve a more simple life and allow you to have more freedom. You don’t have to only live with a bed and a laptop; again, you get to decide what living more minimally means to you.

4. Train yourself to live with less

If you’ve been used to creature comforts for a long time, you might not be ready to take a minimal plunge all at once. Consider having comfort-free weekends or months, slowly eliminating comforts and luxuries (even as simple as pricey haircuts or weekly movie dates) and seeing what feels okay to lose, and what things are too valuable to your happiness to give up.

5. Ask yourself “do I really need this?” all the time

Before you swipe your credit card, ask yourself “Do I really need this?” And ask yourself all the time. At first you may easily justify purchases out of habit, but as the question sinks in, you might find yourself realizing you don’t need many of the items you impulsively buy.

6. Be a re-user

Another great habit to explore on the path to a more minimal way of living is learning to be a great re-user. Save packaging to reuse for other things. Learn to repair and fix things rather than replace. Use old clothing for scrap fabric for DIY projects. Be open to being creative to find ways you can reuse something you already have rather than buy something new.

7. Invest in high-quality items

When you do have (or want) to buy something new, splurge on high-quality items that are meaningful for you. Remember that it might be nicer to have a sparse home filled with dreamy designs you adore versus full of things you just sort of like. But also remember that, again, you define what minimal means.

8. Be clear about why you want to be more minimal (and remind yourself often)

Go back to the first step above regularly, especially when things get tough, so you can remember why you’re trying to live more minimally in the first place.

9. Forgive yourself and keep trying

As someone who has given away everything they owned one and a half times now, I can assure you, we manage to acquire stuff at impressive speeds. And also sign up for a lot of work obligations, too. This is just human nature. But don’t give up on your quest to simplicity if you wake up one day and notice you’ve let a lot of unneeded stuff clutter up your home or schedule. Just start over at the top, breathe in, and keep trying.

Source: ApartmentTherapy.com

31 07, 2017

JUST SOLD! 70 Roseheath Avenue – East Danforth


This large semi detached home has been lovingly cared for and meticulously maintained. The covered front porch is a wonderful space to enjoy a morning coffee and enhances the curb appeal of this wonderful residence.

The open concept living and dining rooms boast hardwood floors throughout and large windows allowing for plenty of natural light. The spacious eat in kitchen has plenty of cabinetry and enough room for a large centre island or a second dining area if desired. There is also a walk out to the fenced in backyard. Perfect for barbeque season in the summer months!

The second level features 3 large bedrooms and a 4 piece washroom. The master bedroom includes a beautiful Bay window to let in the morning sun, hardwood floors and ample space for a sitting area as well.

This home also features a full basement with plenty or room for storage and laundry and there’s even a detached garage!

Perfectly situated on a lovely street in a great family neighbourhood, 70 Roseheath Avenue is just minutes from so many great shops and restaurants along The Danforth. Move in and enjoy everything that this home has to offer!

31 07, 2017

SOLD OVER ASKING! 33 Mill Street #2505 – Distillery District


Welcome to Suite 2505 at 33 Mill Street in the historic Distillery District!

Upon entering the suite you are immediately impressed by the open and airy floor plan and the stunning, unobstructed lake views!

The open concept kitchen features modern white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and enough space for a dining area.

The living room is filled with natural light all day long with south facing floor to ceiling windows and a walk out to the large balcony.

The spacious den is ideal for a home office and could also be used as a media room or additional bedroom to suit your needs.

The 4 piece washroom is lovely featuring a modern high gloss vanity, an additional built in storage unit and trendy subway tiles.

The master bedroom is absolutely stunning! High ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, concrete floors, a double closet with mirrored sliding doors and a beautiful light fixture enhance this space. The most impressive aspect of this room is that you get to wake up to views of the lake every morning!

The outdoor space is incredible! The large balcony extends the entire width of the suite and includes a built in bench for storage and enough space for an outdoor dining area. The views include the CN Tower and downtown skyline to the west, the Distillery District to the east and spectacular unobstructed views of Lake Ontario to the south! It’s not often that you will find a condo where you can literally watch the sun rise in the morning, enjoy it all day long and then watch it set behind the Toronto skyline in the evening!

Move in and enjoy the sensational space!

31 07, 2017

JUST SOLD! 58 Myrtle Avenue – Leslieville


Wonderful detached family home situated in Leslieville! Renovated throughout with attention to detail. 2 spacious bedrooms and a finished basement with a walk out to the fully fenced in yard. Parking included!

31 07, 2017

SOLD OVER ASKING! 100 Western Battery Road #1708 – Liberty Village


Welcome to Suite 1708. This spacious condo features an open concept floor plan with lovely flooring and floor to ceiling windows in the living room and kitchen. The kitchen is absolutely stunning with tons of upgrades including premium Chocolate Pear Tree cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, Arctic Cream granite counters and a large centre island. The living room is bright and airy with plenty of room to relax and is open to the kitchen making the space ideal for entertaining. It also features a walk out to the large north facing balcony.

The separate den is perfect for a home office and features the same flooring as the living room and kitchen as well as a sliding door for added privacy.

The master bedroom is a fantastic space with wall to wall closets, enough room to fit a king size bed and floor to ceiling windows. It also has another walk out to the balcony.

The 4 piece washroom is modern and generous in size with a sleek vanity and a linen closet for extra storage.

The impressive balcony spans 30 feet across and offers enough room to have separate sitting and dining areas. The unobstructed north views are so impressive and a rare find living in the downtown core.

Suite 1708 also includes ensuite laundry for added convenience as well as parking and a locker! Move in and enjoy everything that this vibrant neighbourhood has to offer!

31 07, 2017

SOLD OVER ASKING! 173 Seaton Street – Cabbagetown South


This charming Victorian in Cabbagetown provides an abundance of original character mixed in with modern finishes. Soaring ceilings and massive principal rooms provide an open and airy environment. 2 meticulously finished units with amazing Income potential!

The spectacular 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Upper unit has ample natural light and plenty of space to live and entertain. The functional master bedroom is located on the 3rd floor and has a skylight, powder room, and vaulted ceilings. Step out on the 3rd floor deck to enjoy your morning coffee and enjoy the sunshine. The stunning kitchen has a ton of cabinet space, granite counters, a skylight, and a Juliette balcony. Perfect for the home chef.

The charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Lower unit features soaring ceilings with original mouldings and stained glass on the first floor. The beautiful, large eat-in kitchen features stainless steel appliances, wood floors, and original high baseboards. The first floor also features a modern powder room with beautiful finishes, and a walk out to a lovely private garden space to enjoy all season long. The lowered basement has high ceilings with an airy feel and a gorgeous modern staircase that leads to 2 bedrooms, a stunning renovated 4 piece bathroom, and a laundry room.

This functional turn-key property is perfect for any investor or for anyone looking to supplement their mortgage payments. Live in one unit and rent out the other or rent them both out to maximize your cash flow.

31 07, 2017

SOLD OVER ASKING! 201 Carlaw Ave, Loft 129 – Leslieville


This stunning 2-level loft is located in the original section of the building revealing soaring ceilings and exposed brick with plenty of character. Located on Carlaw just north of Queen St. E, the location is what we consider the heart of Leslieville.

1120 square feet of interior living space provides ample room to enjoy. Open concept living, dining, and kitchen feature light laminate wood flooring throughout. Stainless Steel appliances, beautiful granite counter tops and a handy kitchen island to provide the perfect setting for your cooking creations.

The upper level boasts an impressive bedroom with plenty of natural light, exposed brick walls, 12 foot ceilings, and a triple wide closet for plenty of storage. This level also features a beautifully appointed 4 piece bathroom with modern tiles accented with granite counter tops and a large den area that has potential to be converted to a 2nd bedroom if desired.

2 separate entrances provide easy access to the street level for everything Leslieville has to offer or to the parking area, perfect for carrying in your groceries from the car!

Just move in and enjoy this spectacular home!

31 07, 2017

JUST SOLD! 122 Glen Manor Drive #3 – The Beaches


Townhouse # 3 was completely redesigned and renovated in 2008 under the direction of the renowned design firm Brian Chaput & Company. It is part of a small secluded enclave of executive townhomes ideally located in the heart of the Beach. Truly an excellent location, steps to the boardwalk, bicycle path, parks, restaurants and neighbourhood shops. This townhome also enjoys lake views under the arbour of stately trees on Scarboro Beach Blvd.

A private brick courtyard with beautiful plantings enhances the entranceway and welcomes guests to this delightful home. The entrance opens to a stylish eat-in kitchen which is beautifully designed, bright and airy with pleasant views of the courtyard. It also features Caesarstone quartz counters, custom designed cabinetry, a stainless backsplash, a large pantry, pull-out and soft close drawers and a fabulous center island.

Open concept, the overall flow on the main level is easy for entertaining. Both the dining and living room spaces are generous. They are enhanced by a walk out to the south facing balcony and a delightful wood burning fireplace that features an attractive honed slate hearth and surround. The large south facing windows ensure abundant sunshine and it is easy to relax and enjoy a pleasant breeze from the waterfront.

An open staircase leads to the second level which features three skylights, two spacious bedrooms and two beautifully renovated full baths. The master overlooks the courtyard and includes two custom designed double closets and a separate set of built-in shelves and drawers. The master bath has a double glass shower, radiant heated floors and Toto fixtures.

The second bedroom features a custom built-in bookcase and work space. The bath is finished beautifully with Toto fixtures, an Oceania soaker tub, and a repeat of the radiant heated floors. There is also ensuite laundry with front loading LG stackable washer and dryer.

Everything in the community is a short stroll from this picture perfect urban home. It is easy to be inspired to walk, jog or bicycle when living so close to the boardwalk and bicycle path. The shops and restaurants are abundant and close at hand as is the public transit for quick commuting to the downtown core.

Enjoy the ease of condo living in a special community, just minutes from the waterfront in our amazing cosmopolitan city!

8 01, 2017

How laneway houses could help solve Toronto’s real-estate woes


The GTA housing market has been operating within a policy of intensification for more than a decade now. This has caused a shift away from ground-oriented homes and moved the market toward higher-density housing, such as condominiums.

Our real-estate market has seen consistent increases in the cost of housing, with the average price of a detached home in Toronto increasing by over 32 per cent this past November from the same month last year, according to the Toronto Real Estate Board.

While those who prefer urban living have embraced higher-density housing, folks looking for traditional ground-oriented housing must move farther and farther away from the city to find it.

So what if there was a way to introduce new ground-oriented housing in the heart of Toronto that could accommodate up to 100,000 people, and the solution was literally in our backyard all along? That is, if your backyard is along a laneway.

Laneway housing is an innovative concept first introduced in Toronto back in 2006. And while it ultimately went nowhere here, it did inspire Vancouver, Ottawa and other cities to introduce policies that embraced it.

The original concept a decade ago contemplated a separate dwelling being legally severed and requiring new municipal services, resulting in the digging up of laneways.

The new groundswell of interest in laneway housing (call it laneway housing 2.0) is focused on taking a different approach, where the new structures will be treated as secondary dwellings on the existing property.

That means the garage at the rear of the property could be rebuilt by the owner to include a secondary dwelling unit, potentially serviced through the existing municipal connections, limiting neighbourhood disruption and creating new appropriately sized, ground-oriented housing units that could range in size from 700 to 1,500 square feet.

This could represent one of the most innovative solutions to a wide range of the city‘s housing needs, including multi-generational households where the owner can provide accommodation for parents or children or introduce much needed rental housing stock and help generate new income from their property. And it would be creating new ground-oriented housing in areas close to transit and existing community amenities, with minimal neighbourhood disruption.

There is no silver bullet solution to solve all of our housing challenges in the GTA, but with approximately 300 kilometres of laneways in the City of Toronto, laneway housing could be a good start.

But this innovation will require that everyone works together: citizens, government and industry. And community consultations are underway. If you’re interested, you can participate by going online to: lanescape.ca/survey to learn more about the initiative and provide your input.

Remember: The best way to predict the future is to help create it.

SOURCE: THE TORONTO STAR

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