Back to Basics for a Simple Life
This guide on Back to Basics for a Simple Life is here to help you rediscover the joy of slow living. Honestly, the older I get, the more I feel the need to scale back and slow down. The hustle of daily life isn’t just exhausting—it’s at times even frustrating. If you’ve been craving a slower, more peaceful pace, this is a great place to start.
If you’re ready to make a change, this Guide to Simple Living will inspire you to take the first steps toward a calmer, more fulfilling life.
For years, my mantra was “hit the ground running.” Back when I was younger, the pace I kept as a mother and hobby farmer was nonstop. Even now, when I look back at everything I used to juggle, I can’t help but wonder: how did I manage to keep it all going? And, more importantly, why did I feel the need to stay so busy all the time?
These days, it feels like the entire world is built around staying busy. Just look at the stores—we’re surrounded by convenience foods, online shopping, and gadgets all promising to make life easier. But really, they just help us do more, faster, so we can cram even more onto our plates.
It’s like being stuck on a dangerous hamster wheel. And if you’re not careful, you could end up falling off before you even realize you need to step off.
What is Back to Basics Living?
Back to Basics Living is really about simplifying life and bringing more of it back home. It’s about relying less on stores and more on timeless skills from the past, but with a modern twist so they fit into today’s world.
It’s a slower, more intentional way of living that lets you set the pace and take control of what comes into your home and your life.
Even if you’re not into DIY, you can still try out a few old-school skills with a modern spin to cut back on some of the busy chaos.
Back to Basics for a Simple Life
Have you ever noticed how sometimes life feels too full? Not full in a good way, like a heart full of laughter or a house full of love, but full in the sense of crammed and cluttered. The truth is, there’s a beauty to paring down and getting back to basics. When you create more space, you give yourself room to breathe, and that simple shift can make every day a little lighter and a lot more joyful.
This isn’t about a complete overhaul. It’s about small, actionable steps to simplify your life, stay out of the stores, shift how you look at each day, and be more self-reliant at home. From the kitchen to your closet, here are some practical tips to help you find joy in simplicity and bring a bit of calm back into your daily morning routine.
Back to Basics in the Kitchen
The kitchen really is the heart of the home. It’s not just about cooking—it’s where you catch up with family, visit with friends, or even enjoy a little alone time. Simplifying this space can have a ripple effect across your entire day. Here’s how you can get started:
- Cook from Scratch: Instead of relying on premade meals, try making more food from scratch. Not only is it much healthier, but it also cuts down on packaging waste and trips to the store. Start simple with homemade bread, vegetable soups, or even salad dressings.
- Stock a Pantry with Essentials: Focus on versatile staples that can be used in many ways. Things like rice, beans, flour, broth, tomato sauce, and canned vegetables. These items can be the base for countless meals, lowering the need for those last-minute grocery runs.
- Batch Cooking: Spend a few hours one day a week making meals ahead of time. Soups, casseroles, and even breakfast muffins freeze beautifully. This lets you rely less on convenience foods during busy and hectic evenings.
- Grow Your Own Ingredients: Even if you don’t have a big garden, you can create a DIY kitchen garden and plant a few useful items like herbs in small pots. Basil, mint, or parsley take up little space and can make a big difference with your meals.
Back to Basics for Cleaning
Cleaning doesn’t have to mean stocking up on store-bought products packed with harsh chemicals. Honestly, simple, homemade cleaners often work just as well, if not better, than those pricey bottles and sprays. Plus, simplifying your cleaning routine not only saves you money but also cuts down on the chemicals in your home.
- DIY Cleaning Products: White vinegar and baking soda are your best friends. They can handle everything from scrubbing a sink to freshening up countertops. Add a few drops of essential oil, and you can make a cleaner that rivals any bottle from the store.
- Less is More: Did you know that decluttering your kitchen is the ultimate cleaning hack? The less stuff you have, the less there is to clean and dust. Got clutter? Start with one drawer or one shelf, and see how freeing it feels. Focus on keeping what you use and let the excess go to someone who really needs it.
- Focus on Multi-Use Items: Ditch single-purpose cleaners and go for multipurpose options, whether store-bought or homemade. For example, a mix of water, vinegar, and a touch of dish soap can clean glass, counters, and even floors.
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Back to Basics for Entertainment
Entertainment is the perfect area to bring back some good old-fashioned fun. Turn off the screens, dial down the noise, and really soak in the time with the people around you. The memories you make will stick with you so much longer than any time spent in front of a screen.
- Rediscover Old Favorites: Board games, puzzles, or even a deck of cards offer endless fun that doesn’t require tech. Plus, these activities encourage quality time with family or friends. Keep a few in your family room to remind you to get them out and play.
- Get Outside: Whether it’s a walk in the park, a picnic in your backyard, or stargazing on a clear night, nature has a way of refreshing and grounding us. Make it a habit to start and end your day with some time outdoors.
- Learn a New Hobby: Ever wanted to try knitting, painting, or baking? Taking up an old-school skill can be a fun, rewarding way to spend your evenings. Look online for beginner kits for an affordable way to try out something new.
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Back to Basics in the Closet
When it comes to your closet, less really can be more. Simplifying your wardrobe not only makes it easier to find what to wear in the morning but also frees up space, making your entire room feel lighter and more organized. It’s all about focusing on what you love and actually use, rather than holding onto things that just take up room.
- Capsule Wardrobe: Build a small collection of easy-to-mix basics that match your style and feel comfortable to wear. Stick with neutral tops, classic jeans, and a few standout pieces you love. Keep one or two dressier outfits on hand for special occasions that work no matter the season. It’s all about simplifying while still feeling like “you”.
- Fix It Instead of Tossing It: Got a torn shirt or a missing button? Don’t rush to replace it. Try fixing it yourself—it’s easier than you might think, and there are tons of online tutorials to walk you through it. Not up for DIY? No problem. Look for a local professional who can repair clothes, hem items for a better fit, or even fix shoes. Not only will you extend the life of your favorites, but you’ll also be supporting small businesses. That’s a win-win!
- Donate What You Don’t Wear: If you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s probably time to pass it along. Let someone else enjoy it while you give your closet some much-needed breathing room. There’s something so satisfying about a closet that feels organized and isn’t bursting at the seams with clothes you never wear.
Why Paring Down Feels Joyful
A home should be a haven not chaotic and cluttered. Spend time every day simplifying different areas and bring more sturcture to your space. By stripping away the excess in life, you make room for what truly matters. A neater home that is easier to care for, and a simpler schedule that gives you less stress.
Stay out of the stores and rely more on your creativity and resourcefulness; you might even find yourself with extra time to savor a quiet cup of coffee out on your porch or get lost in a good book in a cozy reading nook of your home.
Remember, paring down isn’t about losing things; it’s about gaining freedom. Freedom from messy clutter, from busy chaos, and from feeling like there’s never enough time in the day. And with that freedom comes joy, because a clear space really can lead to more focus and happiness each day.
Take it one step at a time. Even the smallest changes can add up in a big way. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself living back to basics for a simple life, full of intention and ease, and it’ll feel perfectly, effortlessly yours.
