Each step below gives you back control over your living situation as you advocate for positive change.

• • Step 1 – Organize and Declutter:

Cleaning up and organizing your space reduces mess and confusion, and gives order to help you feel calmer. Create a weekly plan that sets aside time for chores. This gives you a sense of control in making your home more inviting. Get rid of items you no longer use. Aim to live as a minimalist by bringing your attention away from materialistic gain. 

• • Step 2 – Redecorate With Your Well-Being in Mind: 

Make your home a happier place by using natural light, indoor plants, and calming colors. 

For instance, a fresh coat of paint will make a big difference in how your home feels. Bring nature inside. For instance, you could add indoor plants, use materials like wood and stone, or decorate with nature-inspired art. You can also support wildlife by putting up bird feeders and creating a wild garden in your outdoor space (if you have this). Just make sure to avoid harmful chemicals when gardening. Add a personal touch by hanging photo prints of your adventures and loved ones in each room.

• • Step 3 – Make Your Home Secure:

Improve your home’s safety by installing strong locks on doors and windows. Make sure you’re using effective security systems, and strengthen all entry points. Regularly check and maintain these security measures to prevent potential problems. Home security helps you feel safe and peaceful by reducing the chances of break-ins.

• • Step 4 – Get Involved in Your Community: 

Make a positive impact in your local area by starting or joining projects that address issues you care about. Support non-profit organizations financially or by volunteering. Remember, local changes can spread to the whole country. Keep up to date with government policies, and social issues. In doing you’ll be able to make informed choices and have meaningful conversations.

• • Step 5 – Become a Member of a Local Club: 

Do you have a hobby? Is there an activity you’d like to try? Look for a social group or class nearby that supports this hobby. For instance, this could be a language class, a dance class, or a soccer team. This step will help you make friends, connect with like-minded people, and feel part of your community. This is essential for building a happy home environment.

• • Step 6 – Vote for Change:

Use your right to vote in local and national elections. Voting allows you to have a say in how your area and country are run. This is fundamental for driving the changes you want to see in your environment.

• • Step 7 – Explore Nearby Natural Places:

Nature is nourishing and promotes happiness. Most areas have nearby natural spots like parks, forests, rivers, or mountains. Find these places and prioritize visiting them to see your local environment in a better light. Remember to treat these areas with respect and care for them.

• • Step 8 – Build the Community and Social Groups You Want: 

Start support groups, arrange social gatherings, and lead projects to fill gaps in your community. This will make your living environment more fulfilling and satisfying for you and others. You’ll also make friends and connections to feel valued in your community.

• • Step 9 – Reduce Waste and Recycle: 

Use reusable items, compost leftover food, and put recyclables in the right bin (not the trash). You can also choose products with less packaging and go for eco-friendly options. This will protect the environment and keep it clean and healthy for everyone. Buy second-hand and repurpose items. Think like a minimalist to consume only what you need. 

• • Step 10 – Address Climate Change: 

Climate change can cause bad weather events like floods, heat waves, and strong storms. These events hurt people and damage the environment, creating unsafe places to live. You can play your part in addressing climate change by incorporating the following steps in your life:

• • Use clean energy by switching to a renewable energy provider. If possible, install renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, in your home.

• • Use energy-efficient light bulbs and other appliances. Look for those that are ENERGY STAR certified. 

• • Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use. 

• • Use a thermostat to control your home temperature. 

• • Vote for laws that help clean the air and mitigate climate change.

• • Use public transportation, carpool, or bike when possible. 

• • Choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles.

• • Reduce your meat consumption by substituting meat with plant-based options. 

• • Support local agriculture by buying in-season and local food (when possible).

• • Participate in local tree-planting and nature conservation initiatives. 

• • Where possible, install energy-efficient technologies in your home. For instance, upgrade your home insulation, install double-glazed windows, and ground/air source heat pumps.

• • Step 11 – Relocate if You Need To:

Certain factors are beyond your control. Examples include adverse weather, extended commutes, limited healthcare access, sparse job opportunities, safety concerns, environmental issues, and noisy neighbors. You must recognize these issues as valid reasons to move when they cause distress. The below steps will help you move to a new place smoothly:

• • Research areas that don’t have the problems you’re dealing with.

• • Spend some time in the newly selected area to be sure this is where you’d like to live. 

• • Speak to neighbors and others in the neighborhood to find out if they’re happy in their living environment. 

• • Make sure there are job opportunities in these identified areas, and apply for these positions. Consider learning new skills and retraining if you need to. 

• • Find accommodation in the new area.

• • Let the right people and authorities know about your move.

• • Make the travel plans you need to get to your new home.