10 Minimalist Habits to Simplify Your Life

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I used to think minimalism was just about having a perfectly curated, neutral-toned home. But over time, I realized it’s so much more than that—it’s about simplifying life, reducing stress, and making space for what truly matters.

As a busy, work-from-home mom, life often feels overwhelming. But by letting go of things—both physical and mental—that weren’t serving me, I found more peace and clarity. Minimalist habits have helped me reclaim my time, my energy, and even my finances.

If you're craving a little more simplicity, here are 10 habits that have made a huge difference for me. Maybe they’ll help you, too!

1. The 90/10 Rule

I used to be all or nothing. Either I decluttered my entire house in one weekend, or I didn’t bother at all. Then I read Atomic Habits, and it completely changed my perspective.

Now, I apply habits 90% of the time and give myself grace for that 10%. If I don’t feel like doing the dishes one night, it’s fine. If toys are left out, it’s not the end of the world. The goal is progress, not perfection.

2. Read Before Buying More Books

I love a good book haul, but I’ve realized it doesn’t make sense to buy a bunch of books I won’t read for months. Now, I challenge myself to finish my current books before I buy new ones. It keeps my shelves (and my mind) clutter-free.

3. Buy Preloved First

Before I buy something new, I check if I can get it secondhand. Apps like Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay have saved me so much money on high-quality, barely-used items. Plus, it’s better for the planet.

4. Pay Attention to Materials

I used to buy things without thinking about what they were made of. Now, I check the materials—whether it’s clothing, cookware, or furniture. Small swaps, like choosing natural fabrics or glass over plastic, can make a big difference over time.

5. Rethink Before Upgrading

I’ll be honest—I love an aesthetic upgrade. But now, before I buy something new, I ask myself: Do I actually need this, or am I just bored? Most of the time, what I have works just fine.

6. Monthly or Seasonal Decluttering

Instead of doing a massive, overwhelming declutter session, I do small edits every month. When I swap out seasonal clothes or decor, I take a few minutes to get rid of things I no longer use. It keeps my space feeling fresh without the stress.

7. Digital Declutter

Physical clutter isn’t the only thing that causes stress—digital clutter is just as bad. I’m working on organizing my photos, deleting unnecessary files, and unsubscribing from emails I don’t actually care about. It’s a work in progress, but it makes my online life feel lighter.

8. No-Buy Months

Doing a no-buy month was a game-changer for me. It made me so much more aware of how often I mindlessly shop. Now, I try to do these regularly to reset my spending habits and focus on what I actually need.

9. Unsubscribe & Unfollow

I’m super intentional about what I allow into my space—including my inbox and social media. I unsubscribe from marketing emails that tempt me to buy things I don’t need and unfollow accounts that make me feel like I should be buying more.

10. Stop Wearing “Busy” as a Badge

Being a mom and running a business means my plate is always full, but I’m learning that being constantly busy isn’t a flex. I’m making more room for rest, play, and unstructured time—both for me and my daughter.

Minimalism isn’t about having nothing—it’s about making space for what actually matters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try incorporating even one or two of these habits. Small steps lead to big change.

What Minimalism Has Done for Me

Since embracing minimalism, I’ve noticed some incredible benefits:

• Less stress: Clutter used to overwhelm me. Now, my home feels calm and organized.

• More time: I spend less time managing stuff and more time with my daughter.

• Better finances: I’m more mindful of my purchases, which has saved me money.

• Clearer mind: Fewer distractions mean I can focus better on my goals.

Minimalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It looks different for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it. Whether it’s simplifying your wardrobe, decluttering your home, or cutting back on commitments, find what works for you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting, don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. Start small. Pick one habit from this list and see how it feels. Minimalism is a journey, not a destination.

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Do you have any minimalist habits that have changed your life? Let me know in the comments!