what is simple living?
What is simple living, and how can it change your life in positive ways? Start out with the basics and work your way from there, adding more tips and habits to your home and lifestyle. From how you live to what you eat, simplicity can affect you in positive ways.
Start on your guide to simple living by knowing more about minimalism and simplicity.
In our chaotic, fast-moving world, many of us long for a life that feels less hurried and more meaningful—a life where we can pause and truly enjoy the moments that matter instead of constantly rushing through them.
Slowing down offers more than just a chance to catch our breath; it allows us to reconnect with ourselves and those around us. By choosing to embrace simplicity and learning to focus on mindfulness, we create space for joy in the little things—a warm cup of coffee, the laughter of a loved one, or the stillness of a quiet morning.
This balance can bring clarity, reduce stress, and help us truly appreciate the present for what it is. Life isn’t about how much we can accomplish in a day—it’s about how deeply we can experience it.
What does Simple Living Mean?
Simple living is about creating a balanced life where there is time for work, time for family, and time for rest.
It encourages us to focus on what truly matters—relationships, meaningful experiences, and personal well-being—while letting go of unnecessary clutter, distractions, or excess in our lives.
It’s not about depriving yourself but creating space for the things that bring joy and fulfillment.
The Benefits of Simple Living
There are many benefits to simplicity, and each one can make an impact on your life and those around you.
- Greater happiness and fulfillment: By focusing on what brings you true joy, you eliminate the constant pressure to accumulate or achieve more. This shift allows you to experience contentment and calm.
- Reduced stress: Less clutter in your home, fewer obligations on the calendar, and a simplified daily routine can significantly lower stress levels. Focusing on simplicity can help create a lifestyle that promotes calm.
- Stronger relationships: With fewer distractions, you have more time and energy to nurture meaningful connections with others. This includes relationships in your family as well as your friends and neighbors.
- Improved clarity: A simplified lifestyle gives you more space to think, learn, reflect, and be mindful.
- Financial freedom: Spending less on unnecessary items means more savings and a chance to focus on experiences or goals that matter to you.
simple living in the home
Simple living starts with a home that’s neat and easy to keep that way. This begins with decluttering—letting go of items you no longer need and keeping only the essentials.
While the process might feel challenging at first, keep in mind the rewards.
The fewer things you hold onto, the less time you’ll spend cleaning, organizing, or hunting for misplaced items. A clutter-free space not only simplifies your life but also creates a calm and inviting atmosphere you’ll truly enjoy.
Take it one step at a time, and remember, every small change makes a big difference.
- Clothes – Keep enough to last two weeks for each season and pare down the rest. Organize your closet in a way that allows you to get dressed without looking for things to wear.
- Dishes – If it’s chipped, cracked, or stained – get rid of it. Invest in a set of dishes that is lightweight and chip-resistant.
- Toys – Go through your kids, grandkids, and pet toys and pare things down to a more reasonable collection. If they are broken, throw them away. If they no longer get played with them, donate them.
- As you go about your day, be on the lookout for excess stuff. When living simply, duplicates are something to reconsider. Keep one and let go of the rest. Yes, it’s scary at first, but after a while, it becomes easier.
Simple Living in the Kitchen
When it comes to simple living in the kitchen, there are easy things you can start doing right now that will have a lasting impact on your space.
- Grow your own food. You can have a large backyard garden full of your favorite fruits and vegetables or a small porch garden with tomatoes and herbs growing throughout. Having a garden allows you to make healthier choices, improving your health and energy levels.
- Opt for locally grown foods. Local usually means fewer chemicals, giving you a healthier option in the kitchen. It also allows you to support small farmers and homesteaders in your area.
- Sort through your small appliances, tools, and gadgets. Keep the necessary and donate the rest. By freeing up space, you bring in breathing room that allows you to cook without feeling cramped. Nothing is more satisfying than a wide open counter to make fresh bread or a healthy salad full of homegrown veggies.
- Consider buying in bulk and preparing meals in batches to reduce the number of trips to the grocery store. This not only saves time but also reduces food waste.
- Opt for reusable storage containers and other items and cut back on what you are throwing away. You can use reusable baggies, paperless towels, and cloth napkins to start.
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Simplifying Your Money
One of the greatest advantages of simple living is the ability to cut down on expenses and take control of your finances. By creating a realistic budget and staying committed to it, you can ensure you’re living within your means.
The key is to focus on what you truly need and think of necessities instead of wants.
This approach helps you save money and brings a sense of freedom and peace of mind, knowing you’re making thoughtful and intentional financial choices.
- Instead of eating out regularly, cook at home. Look for copycat recipes of your favorite restaurant meals.
- Instead of going for the most expensive clothing brands, try second-hand shops near to where you live or shop second-hand online.
- Get more use out of something before heading to the store to buy. Add water to hand soap for more use, or melt down old candles to repurpose them into new ones.
- Grow the food you love rather than buy it. For just pennies, you can start a kitchen herb garden and have fresh herbs to use instead of purchasing expensive options.
simple living in the garden
When it comes to gardening, there are many ways to simplify both the plants you choose to grow and the methods you use to care for them. By streamlining your approach, you’ll not only save time and energy but also create a garden that’s easier to enjoy and maintain.
- Focus on planting and growing the food you know your family eats a lot of, allowing you to preserve overflow and stock your freezer and pantry.
- Grow plants that do well in your area to ensure you get the biggest and healthiest harvest.
- Look for disease-resistant seeds and seedlings that reduce the need of pesticides.
- Look at gardening as a way to enjoy nature and relax so it doesn’t feel like work or a job.
- Set up a compost area to use kitchen waste and other debris to create a natural fertilizer for your garden.
More Gardening Resources:
Adopting a simple living lifestyle
Living is about more than just going through the motions—it’s about embracing meaningful lifestyle changes that truly reflect your values. This could mean focusing on your health by eating whole foods, incorporating self-care by starting a new hobby or nurturing relationships by spending quality time with loved ones.
When your daily choices align with what matters most to you, life feels more authentic and fulfilling.
- Spend your weekends hiking and exploring nature no matter the weather. Use hiking poles to safely walk over any terrain.
- Read a good book rather than watch television. Visit the library and bring home a few selections to try.
- Start a new hobby and work on it in the evenings – try sewing, knitting, or making jewelry.
- Play a game and listen to music instead of watching tv. Dust off that chess set and start a new game with your spouse or grandchild.
- Write a letter to a friend and enclose a few photos.
- Be grateful by listing out three things that made you smile that day. It can be as simple as a fresh cup of tea or a long hike by the lake. Intentional gratitude is one habit that helped to transform my days into more positive ones.
By adopting simple living habits, you can lower stress, save money, and lead a more rewarding, balanced life. It’s a lifestyle that creates space for joy, purpose, and peace of mind.
Adopting new habits, like reducing clutter, reducing waste, and starting your own garden, are just a few ways to simplify your day-to-day life.
The beauty of simple living is that it encourages you to make thoughtful choices every day. By weaving these practices into your routine, you can create a life that’s not only sustainable but also deeply fulfilling and aligned with your values.
