Do you want to sell-up, leave the daily grind and soul-destroying commute to live a simple, self-sustainable life? If so, the following downshifting tips will give you a few essential tips.

1. Write down why you want to downshift and create an action plan of how you’re going to do it.
2. Tally up all your outgoings, including those day-to-day expenses such as snacks, newspapers and meals out. Start reducing your expenditure on luxuries now! Before you purchase anything, ask yourself whether you really need it. If not, save your money and let it work in a more positive way to bring you the lifestyle you desire.
3. Look out for bargain buys for clothes, footwear and essentials.
4. Start paying off your debts and don’t take on any credit card purchases or store cards.
5. With the spare money you have each month, build up a cash fund in a savings account to cover for emergencies.
6. Reduce your clutter - sell anything that you no longer require to raise some extra income towards your move.
7. Be more self-sufficient. Start learning about what you will need to do to take care of yourself and your family in your new lifestyle. Will you be growing your own vegetables and tending to livestock? Learn as much as possible before you start.
8. If you are planning to move, could you buy without a mortgage? If not, could you re-mortgage at a better rate?
9. Take control of your finances. Is your spare cash earning the best rate in the market? Seek advice.
10. Plan how you will keep income coming in when you adopt your new life style. Will you be setting up a new business? If so, research, gain experience and plan thoroughly for the best chance of success.
11. Do a SWOT analysis on your downshifting plans to be aware of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
12. If you’re downshifting with a partner or family, make sure everyone is completely happy with the changes that will take place.