How to Start Living Simply: 7 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “There’s just too much”? Too much clutter. Too many commitments. Too much noise. That’s exactly what nudged me into researching how to start living simply. I didn’t want to burn everything down and move to a cabin in the woods (though that did cross my mind once or twice). I just wanted to breathe again. And maybe enjoy my morning coffee without feeling like I was already behind.

If you’re reading this, you might be feeling the same way.

So let me walk you through the seven small changes that helped me ease into simple living, without being overwhelmed. This is beginner-friendly. No extreme minimalism. No guilt. Just tiny shifts that made a surprisingly big difference.

A cozy flat lay featuring a cup of tea, orange slices, a small jar, a book opened to a page, and a sprig of greenery on a textured background.

1. I Stopped Multitasking (And My Brain Thanked Me)

I used to think multitasking was a badge of honor. Juggling emails, cooking dinner, and replying to texts all at once? Totally normal. Except… I was exhausted. And honestly, not doing any of those things well.

One day, I read that multitasking can actually reduce productivity by up to 40%. That statistic shook me. I decided to test it: What if I just did one thing at a time?

So I tried this:

When I made dinner, I only made dinner.
When I read a book, I left my phone in another room.
When I had a conversation, I looked people in the eye.

It felt weird at first, like I was going too slow. But then I realized I was finishing things faster, and feeling more present while doing them.

Tiny shift: Choose one moment each day to do a task with full attention. No phone. No tabs open. Just that one thing.

2. I Gave Everything a “Home” (Even My Keys)

You know that stressful feeling when you can’t find your keys or wallet… and you’re already late?

That used to be me. Daily. Until I implemented a game-changing (and super simple) rule: Everything gets a home.

For me, that meant:

Hooks by the door for keys and bags
One basket for all chargers and headphones
A drawer just for pens (why are pens always everywhere?!)

This small organizing shift didn’t require a label maker or a trip to The Container Store. I used stuff I already had. A little bowl here. A shoebox there.

Tiny shift: Pick three items you always lose and give them a dedicated home. You’ll save yourself minutes (and headaches) every day.

3. I Decluttered the Easiest Thing First: My Bathroom Drawer

The idea of decluttering my entire house felt… paralyzing. So I started tiny. I picked the smallest drawer in my bathroom. Just one.

That drawer held expired cough drops, broken hair clips, and five half-used tubes of mascara.

It took me 10 minutes to clean it out. But the effect? Massive. I opened that drawer the next day and smiled. It was clean. Calm. Useful.

That little success gave me momentum. Next came the sock drawer. Then the fridge.

Tiny shift: Choose one drawer or shelf and clean it out today. Celebrate it. That feeling? It’s addictive, in the best way.

4. I Learned to Say “No” (Without Feeling Like a Monster)

Saying “yes” to everything made me feel needed. Useful. But also: drained, irritable, and sometimes resentful.

I didn’t realize that simple living wasn’t just about stuff. It was about my schedule, too.

The turning point? I was invited to a third baby shower in the same month. I adore babies, but I was tired. Broke. Overextended.

So I said no. Kindly, but clearly and the world did not explode. In fact, my friend appreciated my honesty, and we met up one-on-one a few weeks later for coffee. It was even better.

Tiny shift: Say no to one thing this week that you don’t really want to do. Make space for rest, or for something that lights you up.

A warm candle on a wooden surface next to a notebook and glasses, surrounded by green leaves.

5. I Created a “White Space” Hour (And Protected It)

We all need time to just be. Not scroll. Not plan. Not achieve. Just breathe.

So I started scheduling what I now call a “White Space Hour” each weekend. For me, that usually looks like:

Journaling with tea
Sitting outside barefoot
Reading before bed
Wandering a bookstore with no agenda

At first, I felt guilty. Like I should be doing something “productive.” But I quickly realized that this was the most productive thing I could do for my mental health.

Now, it’s non-negotiable. My mind feels clearer. My creativity sparks again. And I’m way less snappy with my partner.

Check out our article: 10 Best Gratitude Journals to Cultivate a Daily Mindset of Positivity

Tiny shift: Block off one hour this week for unstructured time. Protect it like it’s an important meeting, because it is.

A close-up of a potted plant and a lit candle on a wooden surface.

6. I Stopped Buying “Just in Case” Stuff

Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought something because you might need it someday. Yep. Me too.

That “just in case” thinking led me to hoard things like:

Extra sets of measuring cups (why?)
Obscure craft supplies I never used
A backup toaster I still don’t need

A woman sitting at a wooden table working on a notebook and pen while looking at a laptop, surrounded by papers and a pen.

When I got honest with myself, I realized most of these items were taking up space and weighing me down.

Now, I ask myself:

“If I didn’t already own this, would I buy it again today?”

That question alone helped me let go of so much clutter, and stop new stuff from creeping in.

Tiny shift: Choose one area (like your kitchen tools or hobby supplies) and ditch the “just in case” items. Trust that you’ll figure it out if you ever actually need them.

7. I Let Go of the “Perfect Simple Life” Fantasy

Here’s the truth: Simple living isn’t about being perfect. It’s not about white walls, capsule wardrobes, and zero possessions.

It’s about intentionally choosing less, so you can enjoy more.

I had to learn to let go of the Instagram-worthy version of simplicity. The one with handmade soap and color-coded everything.

My version of simple living looks like:

Rewearing my favorite outfit 3x a week
Having more screen free time and slow mornings
Letting my home be clean-ish and organized, not spotless

When I embraced real-life simplicity, I finally felt free.

Tiny shift: Let go of perfection. Choose what simple looks like for you, even if that means mismatched dishes and a junk drawer that still exists.

Two women smiling and holding mugs while sitting at a table, enjoying each other's company.

You Don’t Have to Burn It All Down

Starting to live simply doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul. It starts with one small choice. Then another. And another.

Here’s a quick recap of the seven small changes that made a big difference for me:

Focus on one task at a time
Give everyday items a “home”
Declutter just one drawer
Practice saying “no”
Schedule a White Space Hour
Stop buying “just in case” stuff
Let go of the perfect-simple-life image

And remember: Start where you are. Use what you have. Take what serves you, and leave the rest.

If I can go from stressed, scattered, and over-scheduled to feeling lighter and more grounded, you absolutely can too.

A woman sits by the window, enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a book.

Have you made any small changes toward simple living lately? Or is there one from this list you’re excited to try? Let’s talk in the comments.

Ready to begin? Start with that bathroom drawer. I’m cheering you on.

With love,

Bri and Cat