This year I have been very focused on living a more simplistic and minimalistic lifestyle. For me, that’s being grateful for the things I do have and living with less. Along with that, comes organizing my life to where everything is in one general area. These are obtainable ways to simplify your life. You can choose one to start or a combination. My biggest recommendation and I can NOT stress this enough because I speak from experience – Start Small.
I’m just going to start off with this is what works for me. There are THOUSANDS of books on minimalism and simplistic living. I use these words interchangeably. Some people have hard drawn in the sand lines on what each word means. It’s honestly whatever comes out of mouth at that time if I’m being honest.
Sometimes it seems really easy and at times I have struggled. I have probably struggled more than getting it right if I am being honest. But in the times that I struggled I learned from it. I will admit right now it’s a struggle to be a minimalist or simplistic because it’s a process. My mind is very one way or another on some topics in my life being I want it all done now.
My biggest struggle is I like to buy things and I like organization. I have spent so much money on organization stuff to justify my spending. Sometimes I don’t even need it, but it’s the thrill of it. I’m working on not buying things I don’t need and only having what I truly need. I have gotten better since creating a capsule wardrobe and making a wish list for things in other areas of my life.
Benefits of Simplistic Living
- more space
- more time
- more energy
- reduce stress
This can be tricky because there is so much information out there about this topic. I am also a person who researches a topic to death then I will implement it. (by the way, it really leads to information fatigue) I recommend finding a few people that resonate with you and follow them.
A few books that I recommend are Essentialism, The Happiness Year, The More of Less.
Go to the library and check books out about this type of lifestyle. If you aren’t feeling it stop reading and move on to the next book. One book that I wanted to really like was by Emily Ley because I have followed her for years, but the book wasn’t for me. AND THAT’S OK!!!
The first thing you need to figure out is what is your why behind decluttering or living simply. Things will get tough and if you don’t know your why you’ll get off track or stop altogether. Check out my post about minimalistic living.
Ways to Simplify Your Life
These are things that have worked for me over the years. Some work now, and some don’t. Trust me I hate that it’s trial and error because I wanted a book on how to live more simply than implement it. It’s not how it works though. Take what resonates and adapt.
- One in, One Out
This has worked very well for me because it helps with my impulse shopping. I have to stop and think of what is leaving the house. Sometimes it’s just the act of picking something up that gives me that dopamine hit. This works great on any area of your house or your life.
2. 72 hour Rule
I have seen this throughout my research. This is not something that I have tried. I am slowly starting to implement it but it’s more as wish list than a 72 hour list. If I find it as a good deal or someone asks for a gift idea, I give something off the list. The easiest way I found creating a list is through amazon. (I have storefront that has lists for days.)
3. Create no spend days, months, years, etc
If you are on social media, I would also tell people you are doing this. Accountability is your best friend when starting something new. I have a friend who is doing a no-spend year. I know that she loves to read, so I sent her books that I have read or that were given to me. You never know how your friends and community will show up for you.
4. Workspace Clear
Everyday before I leave work, I make sure my workspace is clear. Things are put back in their spot. Each Friday before I leave I clean my space with baby wipes.
5. Timer – Pomorodo Method
I have found that the Pomorodo method works for me. Pomorodo is where you work on ONE thing for 25 minutes then take a 5-minute break. I do that 4 times then take a longer break. There are times that I have worked for 50 minutes and then took a 10-minute break. It depends on what I am doing. For writing, I set the timer for 50 minutes.
6. Get Outside
Go for a hike, the park, or walk downtown. Get outside and don’t use your phone. Enjoy the calm. There has not been a time I didn’t feel better after being in nature.
7. Organization Binder
All important documents are in one spot.
8. Experiences over Things
9. Quality over Quantity
I go back and forth on this. I do think quality is a good thing, but I am also fine with getting something cheap. Not all things in your life need to have quality.
10. Sustainable Products
I never thought I would say this or be this person, but I am obsessed with finding sustainable products for things. I used to love my mini travel items because I could just throw them away. Now I am all about finding things I can reuse. My favorite has been Billie Razors.
11. Start small
Do not try to overhaul your life at once. Trust me I speak from experience, and I STILL continue to do it. Start small! Even if it’s only 1 item per day. Some days or weeks it might be more, but getting rid of 1 thing is still progress.
My favorite way to start is by getting rid of 1 thing every day. I have a bag that I put on my porch once a month that are things to be donated. At the end of the month, I take them to a shelter or Goodwill.
12. Focus on one area of your life
This can be one area of your home or life. I would recommend starting in one room, one drawer, and go from there. Trust yourself, and if you start to get overwhelmed take a break.
13. Choose an intention or mantra
This goes along with the one above. When things get tough a mantra or affirmation works for me. Mine for this area is
“Everything has a place and a purpose.”
When I am struggling with whether or not to keep something, I remind myself that everything has a place and a purpose. If it doesn’t have those it’s outta here.
14. Eviction Box
There are going to be stuff you aren’t ready to part with AND that’s ok. I have tons of stuff around my place that I am not ready to part with, BUT I did give myself a deadline.
When I was creating my capsule wardrobe, there were some clothes I wasn’t ready to part with. I don’t remember where I saw or heard this but they said give it an eviction notice. If you don’t use it by X, get rid of it. There are several things with a date on the bottom. If I don’t use it by then throw it away or get rid of it.
I also have things “hidden” around the house. It’s mostly clothes that I am not ready to get rid of but I have them in a box. If I really need it, I still have it. honestly, I have only grabbed from there once.
15. Brain Dump
When I was doing my research on ways to be more simplistic, I saw Erica Layne call it a thought download. I love this!!
16. Schedule your day.
I have also seen this called a YES day. There is where you say yes to everything and do it. Or the opposite if you want to sleep all day that’s fine too. Your body needs rest. I speak from experience if you don’t give your body rest, your body will give it to you.
Have a day where you just do you or do nothing.
17. Digital Detox or Declutter
It can be a detox or break from all things technology or decluttering everything. I do both. I schedule at least 1 day (the goal is weekend) without social media. This can be unsubscribing from emails, unfollowing companies, deleting apps you don’t use, uploading your pictures, etc.
I hope these tips can help you on your journey. Remember this is a journey and not a final destination. (I have to tell myself this ALL THE TIME.) Things will happen to knock us off our path. Acknowledge it and keep back on track. You don’t need to start over.
Other Posts You Might Like:
30 Day Declutter & Organization Challenge – This challenge has beginner, intermediate, and advanced options. This challenge is for anyone.