Everyone has their own Definition of the word “simple.” To some, it means avoiding clutter and keeping things neat and tidy. For others, it means settling only for the basics, the necessities, while forgoing the optional luxuries in life. When it comes to simple Living, the definition is simple – making the most out of what you have and not letting anything go to waste. Keep reading to discover the various aspects of a simple life.

1. Owning Less “Stuff”

If you take a quick walk around your house, how much clutter do you see? Maybe it’s a pile of magazines you’ll never read or a closet full of clothes that no longer fit. One aspect of simple living is Owning less and embracing a more minimalistic lifestyle. To simplify this part of your life, do a purge of all the things you haven’t used in the last year or if you’re really discerning, the last six months.

2. Stop Buying Things

If you’re going to embrace the simple life, you need to stop purchasing things you don’t need. Before you buy something, ask yourself whether you really need it. To answer that question, consider whether something you already have could fulfill the same purpose or whether your “need” is really a “want.” It will take practice, but eventually, you’ll get into the habit of asking this question of everything you buy.

3. Use What You Already Have

Most people own way more than they actually use. Whether it’s a pantry full of canned goods or a closet full of shoes, you probably have more than you need and more than you could ever use. Once you’ve taken inventory of the things you have, start brainstorming creative ways to use them. Look for recipes featuring canned foods or barter some of that unworn clothing for something you’ll really use.

4. Slow Down and Do Less

Living a simple life isn’t just about owning less, it’s also about doing less. This doesn’t mean that you become lazy or neglect your obligations and responsibilities, it just means that become more intentional about how you use your time. Stop taking on needless work, delegate whenever possible, and learn how to maximize your productivity so you have more time to enjoy the simple life.

5. Create a Daily Routine

Simplifying your life doesn’t have to mean forgoing things like spending time with friends or enjoying a night out with your spouse. You’ll have more time for those things if you start making better use of your time and that means creating a daily routine. When you have a set pattern for the majority of your day, it clears up space in your mind and you’ll find that you feel better and can be more productive with the time you do spend working or fulfilling obligations.

6. Be Content with the Simple Life

Living the simple life is not just something you do, it’s something you embrace. If you feel like you’re depriving yourself or forcing yourself to get rid of the things you love, you’ll never truly adjust. Living the simple life requires you to reset your perspective and that is something that can only come with time and with practice.

Now that you have a better idea of what simple living looks like, what are you going to do about it? If you’d like to simplify your own life, just take what you’ve learned here and put it to work!