READ THIS for the BEST Simple Living Ideas
Simple Living Ideas have a way of tugging at the heart – visions of slow mornings, uncluttered spaces, and a life that feels lighter. But let’s be honest: while it’s easy to pin dreamy photos of linen aprons and tidy pantries, putting simplicity into practice can feel like swimming upstream in a world that thrives on more. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight.
If you’re looking for more ideas on the frugal lifestyle, Old Fashioned Habits to Start Today and Creative Ways to Save Money will help you on your journey.
Simple living is more than just clearing out closets – it’s a mindset that values gratitude, contentment, and the beauty of living with less. It’s about creating space, both in our homes and our minds, for what truly matters: unhurried dinners with family, long conversations with friends, and moments that you can’t buy.
When we strip away the excess, we make room for experiences that light us up and memories that last far longer than any possession. For many, embracing simple living has been nothing short of life-changing.
If you’ve lived a certain way for most of your life, making a significant change can feel like trying to scale Mount Everest…alone…barefoot…while lugging a backpack full of bricks.
But living a simple life doesn’t have to be such a grueling trek. Start small – add just a couple of easy ideas into your daily routine and take one steady step at a time. Once those changes feel natural, move on to the next. This isn’t a mountain we’re conquering – it’s a gentle path toward something better.
So go ahead – drop that heavy backpack, lace up a comfortable pair of shoes, and take your first steps toward a simpler, calmer life with far less stress from the modern world.
Simple Living Meaning
According to Wikipedia, “Simple living encompasses a number of voluntary practices to simplify one’s lifestyle.”
Simple living is about creating an intentional life – one that runs on your terms, not someone else’s.
The first step is figuring out what your version of a simpler life looks like. It’s different for everyone. What feels peaceful and freeing to one person might sound overwhelming to another.
Take my friend, for example. Her dream is a 20-acre homestead filled with cows, chickens, ducks, goats, and more. She wants to live entirely off the grid, grow and raise all her food, and find a creaky old farmhouse that needs a complete restoration to bring it back to its glory days.
That’s her version of simple living. Yours might look nothing like it – and that’s precisely the point.
For you, simple living might mean enjoying a condo lifestyle where there’s no yard work or land to maintain. We’re all different, which is why simple living can’t be defined with a one-size-fits-all approach.
The ideas listed below are here to inspire you as you begin your own journey.
Cozy Living Group
Since you found this article on simple living ideas, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 213,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.
1. Minimalist Wardrobe
Clothing is something many of us accumulate without really thinking about what we actually wear. Choose to build a wardrobe you truly love by keeping only the comfortable pieces that make you feel great.
Everything else is just taking up space – so sell or donate those items to someone who can put them to good use.
2. Simplify Your Pantry
The other day, my neighbor asked if I had condensed milk. Minutes later, she called back. She had found a can in her cupboard. I told her to check the date – it had expired three years ago.
A year ago, I cleaned out my pantry and filled an entire trash can with expired food, which was a waste of money. Now, I keep a running list of my supplies and expiration dates.
When making a grocery list, I check my computer first and remove anything I already have. I buy less, use what I have, and waste nothing.
Simple living is about valuing both your money and your time.
Pantry Essentials
- Glass storage jars with airtight lids – A timeless way to store rice, beans, pasta, and flour while keeping everything fresh and plastic-free.
- Spice jar & label set – Simplifies cooking when every spice has its place and clear labels make it easy to see what you have.
- Stackable baskets or wire bins – Great for potatoes, onions, snacks, or bulk items while keeping the pantry looking neat and minimal. This simple living tip will make organization a breeze.
- Lazy susan – Simple tool that makes oils, sauces, and condiments easy to grab without digging.
- Over-the-door pantry organizer – A practical solution for small spaces that maximizes storage.
3. Simplified Expenses and Credit Cards
Track your spending for a month and see exactly where your money goes. Next month, aim to cut non-fixed expenses by 15%. I’m reviewing all my costs now because I only want to pay for what I truly need.
It’s easy to let expenses creep up out of convenience, but then we work harder to cover them – leaving less for what we actually want. Add up your credit card debt and look for ways to reduce it, like selling unwanted items and putting the money toward your balance.
Small, consistent steps like these can put you on the path to financial independence.
4. Farm Fresh Food
Buy your produce from farmers’ markets or co-ops for fresher food. Once you realize how long grocery store food spends packing, shipping, and stocking, buying local becomes something worth striving for – not just for the community, but for the taste.
One of my favorite books, The Feast Nearby, tells the story of a woman who, after losing both her marriage and high-paying job in the same week, moved into a tiny seasonal lakeside cottage with a shoestring food budget. She committed to eating as locally as possible and proved that intentional living can make eating well on a low budget not just possible, but deeply satisfying.
If you have the space, you can go a step further by growing your food. I’ve shared tips in my article on How to Start a Victory Garden.
5. Combine Your Errands
Combining your errands into one trip saves time, gas, and energy. Keep a running list of where you need to go, and stock your car with a cooler for frozen groceries and a tote for library books, donations, or returns. A little planning means fewer trips, less waste, and more free time.
6. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
I once thought making my cleaning supplies would be inconvenient – now I can’t imagine not doing it.
Buying ingredients in bulk means I always have them on hand, I know exactly what ingredients are in my cleaning supplies, and I can scent them with essential oils for a fresh, custom fragrance. It’s an easy way to save money, protect your health, and embrace simple living.
Cleaning Supplies
- Glass spray bottles – refillable and eco-friendly, perfect for homemade all-purpose sprays or window cleaners.
- Castile soap – A natural, concentrated base for everything from dish soap to floor cleaner.
- Essential oil set – Adds fragrance and antibacterial properties to homemade cleaners.
- Reusable cleaning cloths – Replace disposable paper towels with washable, long-lasting cloths.
- Homemade cleaners book – toss all your toxic cleaners and make your own for a healthier environment.
7. Learn to Say No
Say no to overcommitments and activities that no longer serve you. We often fall into routines without asking if they create the life we want. Chances are, there are things you’ve long wanted to try but never do – because your time is spent elsewhere.
Choose joy over simply “getting through” the day. Track your daily social media use, say “no” to more tasks, and say “yes” to experiences that inspire awe.
8. Less is More
I’m planning a cross-country move, which means parting with a lot of things – some donated, some sold, some given away. Years ago, I was an antique dealer, and much of my inventory ended up in my garage.
One item I sold was a small Italian stone plate with Mary and Jesus. A man drove for over an hour to buy it. That night, he sent me a photo of the plate displayed on a stand, surrounded by glowing candles. It was breathtaking.
Look around your home; you probably have things that would delight another person. Try donating or selling one item a day. It can be as small as a card or bookmark. By year’s end, you’ll have 365 fewer things to clean, store, or repair. You’ll feel lighter and happier.
9. Avoid Conflict
Sometimes we take on things that drain us. I stayed too long in a soul-crushing career and regret it. If your work or relationships cause constant stress, look for ways to step back and change the dynamic.
Simple living means protecting your energy for what truly matters, and letting go of battles that don’t.
10. Time for Bliss
Make time each week to do something you love. Too often, we care for everyone else and neglect ourselves. Self-care looks different for everyone – one friend swears by as massage every two weeks, another spends an hour reading before bed to unwind and sleep better. Whatever it is for you, make it a priority.
Here are 31 Cozy Ideas on Self Care.
11. Less Bad, More Good
Have you noticed how violent movies and TV have become? Even the news bombards us with disturbing images that rob us of our peace. I stopped watching and now read articles online, choosing what I take in.
Be mindful of what you watch – constant exposure to violence seeps into our subconscious. When you remove these influences, you can focus on creating a life that’s truly your own.
12. Learn to Garden
There are many reasons to start a garden – beauty, fresh food, or a relaxing outdoor space. When I bought my first home, I created a front yard flower garden with paths and raised beds. The early work was challenging, but now it blooms from spring to fall, supplying flowers for neighbors and events.
When I move to my new home, I’ll plant flowers in the front and vegetables and herbs in the backyard. Even with just a balcony or windowsill, you can grow something beautiful.
13. Vision Board
Without a vision, life can drift in directions we never intended. Create a vision board – on your wall or a private Pinterest board – to keep your goals in sight.
Include images of your dream home, career, hobbies, travels, family life, and ways you want to make a difference. Seeing your vision daily gives you the nudge to stay on course.
14. Master Learner
I read a book about a New York couple who left their high-powered careers, cashed in their savings, and moved to a small Arizona town. They bought a rundown mobile home, learned to repair it themselves, started a garden, and even built a wall around their property.
What amazed them most was how much they learned, and the joy that came from gaining new skills. What’s something you’d like to know? From making cheese to unclogging a drain, hands-on skills can be deeply rewarding.
15. Nature Girl
Humans thrive in nature – we come alive surrounded by plants, animals, and sunshine. I always feel better after time outdoors, though I don’t prioritize it as much as I should.
Challenge yourself to spend a set number of hours outside each week, and invite your family to join. The benefits will be worth it. For more ideas on slowing down and creating a life you love, check out this article.
16. Borrow, Not Buy
Start a tool exchange with neighbors or friends. Most of us have garages packed with tools we rarely use, so why not share?
I borrow my neighbor’s hedge trimmer, and he uses my paint sprayer – it saves money and space. We don’t need to own every tool; sharing keeps clutter down and makes life easier.
17. Week of Nourishment
Create a simple weekly dinner rotation. Serve easy, family favorites on weekdays, and save weekends for trying fun, new recipes. Meal prepping makes the process even simpler and keeps life stress-free.
Here’s a meal prep cookbook to get you started.
18. Staycation
Who says vacations have to mean traveling? Plan a staycation and explore your hometown – you might be surprised by what you’ve missed. I lived near Seattle for years before finally visiting the Space Needle!
You can also skip the local sites and create fun at home: movie marathons in pajamas, backyard camping, or a family cooking competition. The possibilities are endless. Here are some Winter Staycation Ideas.
19. Vintage Treasures
Buy second-hand whenever you can – it’s an easy way to save money and add character to your home. Most of my decor comes from vintage shops, flea markets, thrift stores, and garage sales, with just a few items bought new, like my couch and bed. A coat of paint can turn a vintage dresser into a showpiece, giving you a unique, budget-friendly home.
20. Dinner Unplugged
Set the table for every meal, with no cell phones or TV allowed. One family I know eats by candlelight every night – a tradition their grown children now keep in their own homes.
For inspiration, check out my list of Themed Family Dinner Ideas and my article on Hygge Family Dinner Traditions to Start Tonight.
21. Create Morning and Evening Rituals
I believe in starting and ending each day well. Good routines set the tone for a calmer, simpler life. Go to bed stressed, and sleep suffers; start the morning unprepared, and the day feels chaotic.
Cultivating mindful routines makes all the difference. Here are two articles to help: Cozy Bedtime Rituals to Try Tonight for better sleep, and Cozy Morning Routine Ideas to create a beautiful day.
Let me know in the comments below how you liked this article on simple living ideas.
Be sure you join our Creating a Cozy Life group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is.
Pin this simple living post below on your my simple life board on Pinterest so you can refer back to it.
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!
More Simple Living Posts You’ll Love!
- Minimalist Lifestyle: Why Others Got Started
- Simple Things to be Grateful For
- The Best Simple Life Quotes
- Grandma’s Rule Book: Life Lessons Worth Keeping
- How to Romanticize Your Life
This is a great
Thank you so much Beth. I really appreciate the comment!
Refreshing and inspiring!
Thank you Sharon – it’s been an amazing journey. I’m still in the learning phase too, but I’m radically changing my life.
REALISTIC ideas/ approach. I’ve been working on minimizing & simplifying my home (approximately 1 year now) and it has literally changed my life. Best decision ever.
Thank you Liz. I complied the list after trying to simplifying my home and I got overwhelmed because I was too hard on myself. Once I realized I was on a journey and not a race, it got easier to check off tasks. Congratulations on working on your home and life. It changes everything, right? 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!
Love.
Love it.
LOOOOOOVE.
Okay, you get the message.
Wow Lorna! I’m so flattered. Thank you so much for commenting…it truly made my day! 🙂
Loved this post!
#15 has a monumental amount of value in it. With so much clutter (technology, personal belongings, etc…) pretending like you’re moving across the country is a great way to downsize.
How many times a year do you do this?
Hi Joel! I used to be an antique dealer – so getting rid of all my old “treasures” has taken awhile. My plan is to have everything gone by the end of 2017. I want a smaller house with a more open floor plan – so a lot more of my stuff will be going. It’s an ongoing process. I sell items as well as donate items. Can’t wait until its all gone!
What a great and simple list! These are all fairly easy things to do if we just buckle down and do them. I love that you included doing something you love every day. I’ve been working on that one for about a year now and most days it actually happens now. Such a great way to relieve stress! Now I need to work on a week of not spending. That’s huge! Love your great pictures with this post too!
Hi Paula! Thank you so much for your comment. It’s the buckling down part that is difficult. I haven’t been getting rid of many things lately, but all of a sudden I’m driven once again. I think you have to have the end goal always in mind and just do a little bit every day! Have a wonderful day!
Yep, that closet sure needs to get cleaned out and organized. My fridge and freezer could use a good go-over too! Seriously, it’s almost like you’ve been in my house;-) Great article!
Thank you for the comment Anissa! I need to continue to clean out EVERY area of my life. It makes life so much better when you don’t have much “stuff” to take care of. Have a wonderful day!
This is a great post! And yes, cleaning out your fridge and freezer is epic :). I also like your tip on buying fresh produce from a local market. It’s a great way to not only eat better, but to also build relationships within your community. That and it most definitely beats the stress of shopping at the supermarket!
Hi Marie! I LOVE going to farm stands. I have one right down the street from my house and it’s the honor system. It’s so wonderful knowing who I’m helping and what it means to her. Thanks for commenting!
So when we decided to move cross country and old take the things we LOVED it was the best experience ever. It also seeped into our daily lives; we no longer buy in excess, we keep a clean pantry and we try to not spend so much time at home. This is such a great list and full of some really amazing and approachable ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Susan for your comment. I know, moving is a real eye-opener isn’t it? It’s important to have only things you love. It’s silly to store stuff whether it’s in storage or your garage. Thanks again!
Love love~
Hello Rara! Thank you for your comment. You made my day! 🙂 Kelly
Wonderful suggestions. Too much stuff inherited from both sets of parents. I am having a hard time letting go of items which remind me of my parents.
Thank you for writing Kirsten. Have you seen the artists that take china and make necklaces out of it? You could also take some of their clothes and make a quilt. That way you can have memories of them with you all the time, not stuffed in a closet. Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Love this post! We’ve been in our present home for 28 years and with all the old folks passing on we’re getting crowded out with stuff. (Husband and I are packrats too which doesn’t help.) We have been talking about all the crap we could sell and donate recently, though. Your post says buckle down, and it’s time. Thanks for the push!
PS–You know you can wifi and blog if you secure your wifi, right? Also if you have a smartphone you can get an app to detect how far outside your house the wifi signal goes. We have secure wifi, and I blog and do all sorts of stuff safely.
Thank you so much Laura for writing in! No, I didn’t know about the whole secure WiFi thing. I’m going to have investigate. Thanks for the advice! Kelly
Just ran across your post. After surgery in December 2017, that required an 18 day stay in the hospital, I had plenty of time to think about making changes in my life. Love your list and ideas to get me started now that I’m healing up. Thank you, tons, T.
Thank you Teresa for writing in. You’re very welcome. I’m so sorry to hear about your surgery, but I’m glad you’re feeling better. Simplicity is a journey – but once you’re on the path, you’ll love it! Kelly
These are all techniques that I grew up with 🙂 and still enjoy. Thanks for spreading the word to more generations 🙂
Hello Jan! Thanks for writing in. In this crazy world, we all need to simplify more. Kelly
This is a very thoughtful and helpful article. I love the outdoors, I make time for a couple of camping trips on my own over Summer, nature is a cure-all. I have several books sitting in my bookshelf I need to read, perhaps a new years resolution? There are definite steps I can take to simplify.
Hi Shar! Thank you so much for writing in. You made my day today! I’ve been cleaning out my office the last couple of days to create a more serene environment because I need more simplicity too! I started reading every night and I don’t look at the news…it has made my world a nicer place to be! Thanks again, Kelly
I can relate to #2 when my mom passed away and I bought my parents house I went thru each room. In the kitchen I went thru her spices she had pepper from 1998! LOL
Wow! That’s old. It’s amazing how easy it is not to pay attention to things like that. Kelly
This is the best list I’ve ever read… and I’ve read many. I’m always looking for ways to simplify but so many suggestions are usually far from simple. I can see myself slipping into most of your suggestions with ease, and I can’t wait to set up my morning and evening rituals. You found a way to turn less into more… more quality of life. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the compliment Kathie. I really appreciate it! Kelly
Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Kelly
Kelly –
While I long to live a simpler life, you didn’t have earning a living in any of your categories. How is this possible? thanks.
Hello Constance! I wrote a separate article on 12 Creative Business Ideas. That may be what you’re looking for. Kelly
Regarding #2 – I like this one! A couple months ago, I went through my spices and my boxes of tea. I purged more of each than I kept, which felt good. I was surprised to find that many of the spice bottles didn’t have expiration dates (!), so they went to the trash first. I only kept spices that had not expired and another set for scenting the carpet when I vacuum, such as nutmeg, cinnamon and thyme; the second set are kept in the laundry closet. As for the tea, I have been known to buy boxes that are on sale, have beautiful designs or sound appetizing. Unfortunately, I don’t drink a lot of tea, so it doesn’t make sense to keep a lot of boxes around. Now I only have a few of each and haven’t added to them unnecessarily. I wish purging other items was as easy for me as tossing out spices and tea!! Thanks for your thoughtful post!! 🙂
Kelly!
I’m so excited to start my new hygge life in our farmhouse in Montana! You have truly inspired me!♥️ 🏡 👩🏼🌾 🌸 🥕
Yay! I’m so excited for you to start your new life. You’ll love Montana and you definitely have the home to creating a home that embraces your beautiful environment. Kelly
30 years ago we both worked, were raising 3 teenagers and had church responsibilities- enter the VCR, we recorded the nightly news, Wheel of Fortune and Jepoardy. Every ( and I do mean every) night we ate supper at the dining table, real meals that either I cooked or the boys did. While the guys did their homework we chilled watching our news & programs which took about 45 mins to 1 hours after we fast-forward the ads, sports news and anything we weren’t interested in. 30 years later we have no broadcast TV, news is from the internet and all our programs are from downloaded (Jane Austen movies, Star Trek, etc) or Prime. Our family is very close and all our boys know how to cook and still eat a family evening meal with their families. You know it’s a matter of priorities!
It sounds like you created the perfect life for your family Jennie! I love that you realized how important simple living is and made it a priority in your life. Kelly
Wonderful article!! I did join the FB Group but left after a couple weeks… people posting pictures of their own homes put me back into the mindset of having to have the idyllic home and it was a major stressor. I’m wanting to be free of that life!
I’m so glad you liked the article. I’m sorry you felt stressed in the Facebook group. Kelly
Love the article. I don’t usually comment but wanted to say thanks for the info. 🙂
Hello Kelly! You made my morning. Thank you for letting me know. I’m Kelly too!
Much appreciated. Great timing now that autumn is near.
Hello Elaine! I’m so glad you liked it. thank you for letting me know. Kelly
Thank you so much Kelly! This article was very helpful! I’ll be sharing it with my daughters. Let’s chat soon my friend!
I’m so glad you liked it Gloria! For sure, would love to talk to you. Kelly
I never knew such a term existed. Going through this post I realized many people in Europe live a simple life but call it differently.
So glad you read the article. Simple living is the dreamy way to live. Kelly
Very nice ideas for the simple life I am looking to create.
Thank you.
You’re very welcome Sherry! The simple life is a slice of heaven. – Kelly
Love this. I wish it was a lists. Hard with all the ads, to print up. This was beautiful!
I’m so glad you loved the article Holly. Thank you for letting me know. – Kelly
I agree with the idea of a simple(r) life. Thank you for a great article and the
many Ideas and suggestions I will add to my goals list . A great confirmation that I’m on the right track.
Hello Carol! I have another article called Simple Habits. I think that will also help your journey. – Kelly
thank you, dear Kelly, for this and all the articles you share with us. I love the mood you describe and I really would like to create it in my home, but sometimes it is more difficult than it seems … i have a lot to learn! I struggle to focus on the details I should be working on and your guides are very useful to me. I always look forward to receiving your newsletter, I love every content you share. Thank you so much … Have a beautiful blessed day further
Silvia
You’re very welcome Silvia! I really appreciate you letting me know. Trust me…we all struggle! But, if you improve just a little bit every day – you’ll get there. – Kelly
Love this, I had jumped through hoops for years to “Be” good enough, only to lose it all ( including my children) because of a very evil ex & judge who helped him. I want the years I have left to be more peaceful than the ones I spent fighting. It’s sort of starting from scratch. 💕
Hi Carrie! I’m so sorry you went through so much in your life. Read my latest article, How to Romanticize Your Life. I found that being thankful for even the smallest things like hot water showers help me when I’m going through a difficult time. Hugs, Kelly
Thank you so much for your reply ! I appreciate it very much. I will read what you suggested- ☺️ Thank you again!