I think we all crave a simpler life. As technology and society progresses, we move further away from our biological needs and what makes us human. We have less socializing, less time in nature, and less quiet. We have MORE responsibilities, distractions, pressure, and shame.
If you want to roll back on that stress and live a little simpler, here are five easy first steps.
1. Notice what’s not working.
Before you start ripping your life up or starting from scratch, pause. Let’s figure out exactly what isn’t working.
Ask yourself:
- What feels overwhelming right now?
- Where does my time or energy feel stretched too thin?
- What’s draining me daily?
- What things am I only doing out of obligation, or because I feel like I’m “supposed to”?
Simplicity starts with awareness. You can’t simplify what you haven’t named. Try using the above questions as journaling prompts to dig into it and receive some insight and clarification.
2. Define “enough”.
Simple living is not about having nothing. It’s about having enough—for you, your life, and your values.
So we need to do some more introspection here.
Ask:
- What does “enough” look like in my home?
- In my schedule?
- In my wardrobe? My to-do list? My relationships?
- What do I truly need to be happy?
Clarity here helps you say “no” to unnecessary and unwanted tasks and requests with confidence.
3. Start decluttering—one tiny area.
Decluttering your physical space brings ease of daily function, a clearer mind, and easier focus. It also forces us to practice letting go of things that don’t serve us.
So let’s start by decluttering one small space. Not the whole closet. Not the whole garage.
Pick one drawer. One shelf. One corner. One pile of discarded mail.
Use this question: “If I were starting fresh, would I keep this?”
Let your space reflect who you are now, not who you used to be—or who you think you should be.
To simplify the simplification, here’s a flowchart that will practically make decluttering decisions for you:
4. Create a simple daily reset.
A daily reset doesn’t have to be this long, complicated routine. Just one daily habit that helps you feel grounded is an amazing way to start. Here are a few ideas you might choose from:
- 10-minute tidy after dinner
- A quick brain dump or journaling session
- Morning coffee with no phone
- A “5-things-reset” in one room
- An evening meditation on your porch
- Reviewing your goals and affirmations
Simplicity grows through consistency–not intensity. Making small, incremental changes that feel good is the sustainable way to improve and simplify your life. Trying to change too much at once will lead to burnout and abandonment.
5. Remove one thing from your schedule.
Yep, just one.
Quit a group. Cancel a subscription. Say no to something that doesn’t align with your values or energy.
Time clutter is just as exhausting as physical clutter—and sometimes sneakier and harder to spot.
Be selfish when it comes to building your schedule. Don’t over-commit. Say “no” to things when it feels right to. Be sure you’re carving out enough time for yourself to stay functional and content.
And remember: You don’t have to do it all today.
Simple living is not another thing to “get right.” It’s about making space for what matters, for who you are, for rest and peace and breathing.
I hope these five steps are inspiring for you! If you’d like more help to clear your home, establish routines, and simplify your household maintenance, please check out Home Heal: De-Stress Your Space.
Good luck, and happy simplifying!
