If you find yourself with three loads of laundry piled up on the couch and a mysterious, unpleasant smell lingering in the fridge, now is definitely not the best time to embark on a rigorous, four-week minimalist deep dive. However, the great news is that minimalism doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or extreme process. In fact, it can be quick, easy, and surprisingly enjoyable — particularly if you begin with small, manageable steps and keep your bigger goals and dreams in mind. And of course, a playlist.
Living Simply & Sanely isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your life transform into something lighter, freer, and more joyful. (More square footage)
Here are 10 ridiculously simple ways to start living with less (and liking it more):
1. Declutter One Basket at a time
Grab a laundry basket. Fill it with things you no longer need. Trash, donate, or relocate. Boom — minimalism, mom-style.
Pro tip: This is a great nap-time or post-bedtime power move.
2. Do the Backpack Check
Toss out the broken crayons, stale Goldfish, and notes from October. Minimalism isn’t just for your closet — it’s for your kid’s backpack too.
Reinforcing minimalism with your kids things is a win/win. They truly learn by example.
3. Declutter One Tiny Space at a time
Pick one drawer, one shelf, one corner—not the whole house.
- Ask: Do I use this? Do I love this?
- *Toss, donate, or relocate-no “maybe” pile.
Starting small prevents feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. When you clear just one space, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. The little victories allow you to build momentum and not feel like you’re drowning in clutter. It’s proof that small wins lead to big changes.
4. Simplify Your Schedule
- Say no to things that drain you.
- Prioritize what truly matters—family, rest, joy.
- Use a weekly reset to stay organized.
A cluttered schedule is just as exhausting as a cluttered home. Simplifying your time means fewer obligations, more energy, and the ability to actually enjoy your life instead of rushing through it. That’s it. You don’t need an entire weekend. You need ten undisturbed minutes and a solid playlist.
5. Tidy One Space While Coffee Brews
The 5 minutes you wait for your coffee to finish brewing? Or cool off enough to take bigger sips. That’s your new tidy window. Today: the junk drawer. Tomorrow: that weird kitchen cabinet you’re afraid of.
Doing things daily and creating a habit. A good habit of tidying up your space in the mornings, this way you can come home and relax, then slowly start dinner or order out.
6. Purge While You Fold Laundry
If it has holes, mystery stains, or no matching pair, toss it. You already hate folding laundry — make it more satisfying.
Placing items back in the laundry basket for the 3rd time, waiting for its mate to show. Toss it or use it as a rag and then toss it, you know it’s clean enough to wipe the table.
7. Buy Less, Choose Better
- Quality over quantity—fewer but better clothes, toys, and essentials.
- Stop impulse shopping—wait 48 hours before buying.
- Teach kids simplicity—less stuff, more experiences.
Every purchase is a decision about your future—will this item add value or just take up space? Choosing better means spending less, stressing less, and surrounding yourself with things that truly serve you.
8. Declutter Your Phone, Too
Minimalism isn’t just physical. Delete 10 apps you never use. Clear out screenshots of screenshots. Say goodbye to your digital chaos.
Your phone will thank you by opening apps a little quicker and moving a little faster.
9. Ask the “Would I Buy It Again?” Question
It’s a quick gut check. If you wouldn’t spend money on it today, don’t keep it around taking up space. Applies to jeans and that mini waffle maker and the butter cookie gun cutter.
10. Visualize Your Dream Space-Dream Big with Less Distraction
Minimalism clears mental clutter, too.
- Less cleaning = more time for goals.
- Less stress = more energy for dreams.
- Less stuff = more freedom to focus on what matters.
When your home, schedule, and mind are clear, you finally have room to dream. Simplicity isn’t just about less—it’s about making space for more of what truly matters.
Picture your home feeling calmer, cleaner, and easier to maintain. Every tiny declutter moment brings you closer. You don’t have to be perfect — just purposeful.
Simply Sanely
Minimalism for moms isn’t about having stark white walls or giving up the joy and warmth of home — it’s truly about making meaningful space for what matters most in your life. By starting small and manageable, you allow yourself to build big wins gradually without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Imagine that calm, peaceful sanctuary you dream of — then begin by tackling just one drawer, one toy bin, or one closet at a time, making steady progress toward that serene environment.
You’ve got this. Minimalism doesn’t need to be magical. It just needs to be manageable.