6 Ideas for Living a Simple Life Now

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As a homesteader, living a simple life kind of comes with the territory. But how we get there — and why we choose it — looks different for everyone.

For me, it started out of necessity. We had to cut our budget, plain and simple.

I wasn’t someone who chased fancy things just for status — small-town life kept me pretty grounded that way. But I still fell for the same consumer culture trap so many of us do. I grew up with commercial TV constantly whispering: buy more, upgrade, don’t be satisfied.

Eventually, that noise got too loud to ignore. I found myself sitting at my desk one day, wondering why I was dragging myself to a job that barely paid the bills… just to come home exhausted, stressed, and disconnected from the life I actually wanted.

That moment — that burnout — forced me to reevaluate everything. What did I truly need? What did I actually want?

Turns out, that shift was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Simple living, I discovered, isn’t just about spending less or doing less. It’s about living more intentionally.

And over time, it brought way more peace, clarity, and joy than I ever expected.

Why Live a Simple Life?

Are you thinking about simplifying your life?

For me, choosing a simpler lifestyle has been one of the most freeing, grounding decisions I’ve ever made. Here are a few reasons why I keep choosing it—day after day, season after season.

Helps Us Live Within Our Means

One of the first things I noticed when we started simplifying was how much easier it became to live within our budget… and without feeling deprived.

When you stop believing you need every new thing that catches your eye, it’s easier to say no to spending that doesn’t align with your values or goals. You stop justifying impulse buys with “I deserve it,” and start asking, “Do I really need or even want this?”

Let’s just say… my definition of “needing” new clothes has changed a lot since my college days!

We’ve been able to prioritize paying off debt and building stability, rather than accumulating more stuff (often purchased with credit cards and later regret).

Provides Freedom

The less you need to be happy, the more freedom you have.

Simple living taught me that when you’re not chained to debt or a high cost of living, the possibilities open up. What could you do if your living expenses dropped to $30,000… or even $20,000 or $10,000 a year?

Work less? Travel more? Start your dream business? Stay home with your kids?

Simple living isn’t about going without. It’s about spending and living with intention. It’s about choosing what matters to you, not what everyone else is doing.

A Life We Don’t Need a Vacation From

When you stop chasing after the next big thing, you can start being present in the life you already have.

Instead of living for the weekend or the next vacation, simple living helps you slow down and enjoy the everyday. You become more content, more grounded, and more in tune with what really brings you joy.

You stop working a job you hate just to buy things you don’t need. You become a conscious consumer—someone who chooses purchases intentionally, rather than mindlessly collecting clutter.

And with fewer distractions, you have more time and energy for the things that matter most:

• Your heart’s deepest desires
• Your family and friends
• Your health and well-being

Better Health

Simplifying our diet was one of the most powerful changes we made.

By eating real, whole food instead of obsessing over calories or chasing the latest diet trend, I found that food became nourishing again. It became joyful.

When your body is well-fed and balanced, cravings settle down. You stop thinking about food as a problem to solve and start seeing it as a way to care for yourself.

And honestly? Cooking and eating simply just makes life easier (and tastier).

Helps the Environment

Our resources are precious—and simple living honors that.

When we only take what we truly need, we reduce waste, use fewer resources, and step more lightly on the Earth.

That means a healthier, more sustainable future for our children. And a way of life that supports the wellbeing of our communities and ecosystems, too.

6 Ideas for Living a Simple Life Now

When I first got the simplifying bug, I wanted to change everything right away. But as I quickly learned, that doesn’t usually work.

Simple living is a journey, not a destination. It takes time to let go of old habits, discover what really matters to you, and build a life that reflects those values.

And here’s something important to know: simple living isn’t about a lack mentality or being cheap just to be cheap. It’s not about living without or denying yourself.

Instead, it’s about intentionality — making mindful choices about how you spend your time, energy, and money. Sometimes that means buying something big or expensive, but you can afford it because you’ve chosen to cut back in other areas that don’t matter as much.

The beautiful thing? Simple living will look different for everyone. In fact, if your version doesn’t look like anyone else’s… you’re probably doing it right.

For me, living simply means:

• Treading lightly on the Earth
• Taking care of my health, because it’s my true wealth
• Being frugal with purpose — so we can pay off debt, build something meaningful, or give back
• Living with intention, reaching out to others, and trying to do good in the world

If you’re feeling called to simplify, here are some gentle ways to begin:

1. Choose a Smaller Home that Needs Less Upkeep

A lot of people discover that their homes are too big — and not just in square footage. Bigger homes often come with higher costs, more chores, more clutter, and more stress.

We currently rent a home that gives us outdoor space for a garden and chickens, which is perfect for us. It’s a manageable size and still affordable — a rare combo, and we feel really lucky.

(2021 Update: We’ve also lived in an apartment and still managed to homestead — so yes, it’s possible!)

All of our furniture is secondhand, borrowed, or gifted — except for our couch (which ironically needs replacing the most!).

While I love the idea of tiny homes and admire those who live that way, I don’t think it would work for us long-term — especially with long, cold winters where we spend a lot of time indoors. That said, I dream of one day renovating or building a small home with smart, cozy storage solutions.

2025 update:
The girls and I now live in a multigenerational home with my dad and sister. I NEVER thought I’d enjoy that (and honestly, I didn’t at first), but now I see it as such a gift.

People often comment on how nice it is that we can live this way — and they’re right. Raising kids with family around has turned out to be the most rewarding way to do it.

Honestly? For me, it’s the only way that really works.

2. Own Fewer Clothes

One of the simplest ways to simplify life? Cut down your wardrobe.

We try to buy fewer clothes overall — and when we do shop, we:

• Look for secondhand options first
• Shop sales next
• Only pay full price as a last resort

We’d rather spend money on experiences — like trips or hobbies — than constantly chase new clothes. But I also prioritize quality. I’ve learned that a well-made piece lasts longer, feels better, and saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.

A capsule wardrobe isn’t for everyone, but being intentional about your clothing is a simple, powerful shift.

2025 update:
I still look for used clothes first — it’s a habit that helps me save money and invest in better-quality pieces that actually last.

Honestly, the quality of most “affordable” clothing brands has really gone downhill in the past few years. I’d love to get into upcycling old clothes and thrift store finds, but I haven’t carved out the time for it yet. Maybe this will be the year I finally dive in!

3. Eat Simply 

We eat mostly homemade, real food. The kind that’s grown in the garden or bought in bulk and prepared at home.

We try to avoid restaurants and convenience foods as much as we can. Not just for health reasons (though that’s part of it), but because simple food is often the most nourishing and the most affordable.

Avoiding processed and pre-packaged food has helped us lower our grocery bill and eat better, which feels like a win-win.

2025 update:
Eating this way has been such a gift — not just for my health, but for my kids’ health too.

I see so many people around me struggling with health issues I no longer deal with, simply because I chose to eat more cleanly and intentionally.

Now that I’m heading into my 40s, caring for my body feels more important than ever. Real food makes a real difference.

4. Simplify Commitments

This one’s big: say no to the hustle whenever you can.

We try not to pack our schedule too full, and I always block out at least one weekend a month where we just stay home and recharge. That space makes a world of difference.

I don’t like feeling rushed, frazzled, or stretched too thin (who does?). So we prioritize what matters most — time together, time with loved ones, and space to breathe.

Sometimes life gets busy. But having a baseline of margin built into our lives helps everything feel calmer and more manageable.

2025 update: I go deeper into this in my hygge series coming soon!

5. Par Down Possessions

Stuff takes up space — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore minimalist, but I do like having fewer things to clean, manage, and store. Clear spaces help me think more clearly and feel more relaxed.

That said, I have two kids who love their toys — and they are definitely not minimalists! So it’s a balance. But I try to be intentional with what I allow into our home, so we’re not overrun by clutter.

My goal is to own our things — not let our things own us.

2025 update:
My sister and I are now in that season of life where we’re going through our parents’ belongings and letting go of the things they accumulated over the years.

My mom passed a couple of years ago, and my dad feels overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff they had.

It’s made me even more grateful that I’ve already done this work in my own life — it really does make things lighter, in every way.

6. Try Homesteading (Even a Little!)

Homesteading is one of the most fulfilling ways I’ve found to simplify and reconnect.

Growing your own food, making your own medicine, and learning old-fashioned skills gives you a sense of freedom that’s hard to describe. It’s empowering. It slows you down in the best way.

And no — it’s not all-or-nothing. You don’t have to move to a farm or go off-grid to homestead. Start with a few herbs in pots, a sourdough starter, or a backyard garden bed. Anything that reconnects you to the land and the rhythm of the seasons is a beautiful place to begin.

Simple Lifestyle FAQs

Is simple living the same as minimalism?

Not quite. Minimalism is more focused on reducing possessions and clutter, while simple living is broader — it’s about designing a life that feels grounded, meaningful, and low-stress.

That often includes owning less, but it might also mean slowing your schedule, cooking from scratch, or spending more time in nature. The two philosophies can absolutely complement each other, but they don’t have to be the same.

Do I have to do X to live simply?

Nope! Simple living isn’t a checklist — it’s a mindset. What feels simple and nourishing for one person might feel rigid or overwhelming to someone else.

The goal is to shape a life that feels good to you — even if that includes some areas that are a little messy, busy, or full. It’s not about perfection. It’s about peace.

Making Simple Work for You

Living simply isn’t about following a rigid set of rules. It’s about creating a life that feels good to live.

For me, that’s meant slowing down, tuning in, and letting go of things (both physical and mental) that don’t serve me or my family.

It’s a process, not a destination, and it looks a little different for everyone.

If you’re feeling the pull toward a simpler life, trust that small shifts really do make a difference (and consider looking into inner landscape design to help you along.)

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Just start where you are, follow what feels right, and let the rest unfold naturally.

Here are some more articles to help you on your journey:

• How to Afford to Homestead (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
• What is Abundance Homesteading? And Ways You Can Tap Into It
• How Do I Grow My Own Food? Tips for the Budding Homesteader

What does simple living look like for you?