The Minimalist Baby Registry Checklist

Putting together your baby registry is nothing if not overwhelming.

There are over 60,000 options on Amazon.com alone.

You already know you don't need everything recommended to parents-to-be.

Feather Your Nest?

As soon as you enter the world of, say, the "baby" category on Amazon, you're bombarded with things you may have never even considered, along with marketing messages preying on your fears and concern for your baby's wellbeing.

After all, throughout pregnancy, you're biologically primed to "feather your nest" with anything and everything you may need to keep your baby safe and comfortable.

Plus, you may have conversations with other well-meaning parents in which they mention things you never even thought about, things like "pee-pee tents," and "diaper genies."

(Scroll down to the "What to Skip" list for more on this.)

Having been there, done that, twice (and come out on the other side with two kids who are now well past the itty-bitty baby stage) I can tell you definitively that you don’t need most of what is suggested.

Here’s what we did

My husband and I created the first version of our minimalist baby registry years ago for our first baby. We were planning to continue our low-stuff nomadic lifestyle, so everything we purchased needed to travel with us or be easy to pass along when we were done with it.

Then we updated that list for our second kid, and fine-tuned it even more. Today, I’m sharing the results of countless hours of pre-purchase research and in-the-trenches testing through the babyhoods of my two children. I have recently updated this list with what I've learned years down the road, including what I did the same — and differently — for baby #2.

Who it’s for

The checklist below will be helpful for you or any friends or family members you have who are expecting a baby and are on a budget or living a low-clutter or minimalist lifestyle.

Traveling with a baby

This list will also be helpful for nomadic families or travel lovers who don't want to give up those weekend getaways and vacations abroad just because they are having a baby. If you travel frequently, it's important for your baby’s comfort (and your own!) that you can easily create a similar environment on the road as the one at home. Therefore, you don’t want too many specialty items at home that you can’t easily take with you to be part of your baby’s daily routine.

Time range covered

The list is intended to provide for newborns and babies up to 6 months old, but many items will serve long past that 6-month mark.

-—-The Registry Essentials Checklist-—-

This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are 100% my own and not for sale. While not every linked item has been personally tested by me (and baby spit-up on), many of them have been tested in my own personal trenches, as it were.

1. The sleeping situation

We chose a portable playard (pack and play) for a safe and comfy place for our babies to sleep. No crib. Our version from Graco came with a removable bassinet that hangs inside it and can be used in the early months for sleeping. (Here’s a different brand that’s highly rated.)

Last time I checked, the upper bassinet area without an added mattress (just the one it comes with) is regarded by pediatricians as a safe newborn sleeping area, but always do your own research on safe sleep practices and check with the AAP to learn about safe sleep for infants.

Once our baby passed the weight limit (listed on the product), we removed the upper bassinet and put him down to sleep in the bottom, on an after-market mattress purchased separately via a baby furniture store and placed on top of the mattress that comes with the playard. I’ve heard some babies sleep just fine on the thin, foldable pad that comes with the playard, but I wanted something thicker on top of that to ensure a firm and comfortable sleeping surface. For safety, make sure the additional mattress fits very snugly inside the play yard so you don’t have gaps between the mattress and the sides of the playard. Similarly, make sure your fitted sheet is sized to snugly fit the mattress.

If I were going to be in the same place for years, I might buy a traditional crib, but a foldable play yard was a great option for full-time sleeping for us. It travels well, and our first baby slept well when we traveled since it was the same environment he was in at home. It was the same with our second baby.

A playard is also light in weight and has two wheels, so it can easily be rolled into another room, if say, you want your baby to nap in a different spot than where they will be sleeping at night. This versatility made this sleeping set up a win for our family.

2. Baby carrier for baby wearing

I made a decision to avoid strollers for the first four months with both of my children. Having only the carrier was great for bonding with my baby, gaining strength, and losing the pregnancy weight. But it was mostly about bonding with my baby and keeping that little cherub's ear right on my heartbeat, skin to skin, as often as possible.

There are a lot of options, so here I’ve saved you the hassle of looking through every one. It's really important to get one that suits newborn up to 40 pounds and that you can choose from lots of placement options. Meaning you’ll want to have the option do front inward-facing carry, front forward-facing carry, rear forward-facing carry (backpack style), and side hip carry.

I bought an Ergobaby for my firstborn, but later replaced it with the EVEN more adjustable and ergonomic LILLEbaby for my second. The carrier I bought from Ergobaby couldn’t do front forward-facing carry. Turns out they have one that does it all, I just bought the wrong one. Options are so important because you never know what carry position your baby will favor.

The LILLEbaby (here’s the one I recommend) carries baby in all the positions and doesn't require any extra accessories. There's a strap inside that easily folds away when you don't need it; you can put a folded blanket over the strap to support your newborn in the early months when they would otherwise sit too low in the carrier. (Don’t buy a special insert as it won’t be needed after the first month or two. Just use a folded blanket to give you infant a boost.)

It’s me, the author of this blog, wearing my second baby in the LILLEbaby carrier.

I spent a lot of time wearing by babies in both the Ergobaby and the LILLEbaby. The LILLEbaby has advantages over Ergobaby, including a few small but very thoughtful design improvements, such as a pad to protect your chest from the front strap when doing a backpack style carry. Overall, my sense was that the LILLEbaby designers care more about moms and dads because the product is slightly more adjustable, a touch better designed. And just a little better makes all the difference.

I totally love my LILLEbaby. It’s probably my all-time favorite thing on this list.

3. Car seat

A rear-facing infant car seat is a must. And please, please, get one that is easy to uninstall and reinstall. Especially if you travel a lot.

You may want to get one that is part of a travel system (stroller/car seat combination). See below for recommendations on a stroller travel systems.

4. Stroller

We didn't get a stroller until our babies were more than 4 months old. When we did buy a first stroller, we got away with a nice lightweight umbrella stroller.

Later, I bought a used BOB Revolution jogging stroller which I have mixed feelings about. (The feelings: they are not allowed in airports due to their large size, but that size is useful sometimes for protection in a crowd, and it's certainly nice to run with your baby, but on the other hand, running is important alone time if you can get a sitter, friend, or partner to care for your baby while you take care of yourself.)

If you want to make a travel system stroller part of your registry, someone I trust just did a whole lot of research and settled on an UPPAbaby travel system which works from newborn up to preschool age and includes a car seat. UPPAbaby (which always hits my brain as “upper crust baby” or “uppity baby” is a pricey option but you may be able to squeeze it into the budget since you’re going quality over quantity as a minimalist. It really is nice to have a system that works seamlessly. I’ve seen this brand in multiple countries, which tells me that UPPAbaby is a global favorite.

For baby #2, a generous friend gave me a pre-owned Orbit Baby travel system and I really enjoyed how seamlessly it worked. If I could do new parenthood over again, I’d definitely opt for a high-end travel system from the get-go. This is where you want to put your coin. You can send your dubious partner here to read this blog post written by a frugal minimalist mom.

5. Video or sound monitor

This was not on my original list and I regret it. I spent too much time anxious about my baby when he was napping. I didn't have a way to check on him without going into his room, which would potentially wake him up. I'd recommend a video monitor so you can do a quick visual check every time your "mommy anxiety" kicks in.

However, I've heard that it's best to avoid the monitors that go with you when you're running errands or on a date night. Get someone you trust to watch over your baby, and trust them. Otherwise you'll be on the monitor the whole time you're out.

1st Update - So far I have NOT used a monitor with my 2nd babe. We’ll see if that changes. This list is an ongoing experiment. I think what I’ve learned is I have less anxiety with baby #2.

2nd Update - I’ve come to the conclusion that a baby monitor is not necessary if you are low anxiety (anxiety may be lower with second baby as it was for me) and live in a home where you can hear your baby cry from any room. Those of you with higher anxiety and/or a large or soundproof home may want a sound or video monitor so you can hear or see when you baby wakes up from a nap or at night if you’re not room-sharing.

6. Diapers and wipes

For baby #1, we started with size newborn disposable diapers and we had to size up about once a month, so I suggest to parents-to-be that they don't buy too many in a tiny size. Those little bums grow fast! We used about 100 per month in general, and maybe more those first couple months when we changed him more often than was necessary since we were learning his habits (and the amazing capacity of diapers).

For baby #2, we used disposable diapers and cloth diapers. I used disposable when easier or when maximum absorption is needed (traveling, night time, and out of the house) and cloth diapers around the house or when I wanted to keep a few diapers out of the landfill and save some money.

I bought a few second-hand cloth diapers from a friend whose kids are all now potty trained. I found that it wasn’t quite enough. They were a few different brands, and some had Velcro that had worn out, so I couldn’t use all of them. I ended up buying new ones.

Among the various brands I’ve tried, my favorite reusable diapers are these Alva Baby cloth diapers. I like that they come in a set, and they are easy to clean. At first, I wished they had hook and eye (Velcro) closures, but then my baby figured out how to open those! I ended up being really happy long-term with these snap closure pocket diapers (also called modern cloth nappies or pocket nappies).

7. White noise machine

We love this white noise machine. It's small and portable. We used one machine with both babies and only had to replace it after five years of use! It has helped me get great sleep in various hotel rooms polluted by construction and traffic noise. It helps our kids stay asleep while we’re watching Netflix. Highly recommended.

8. Easy clothing

Sometimes I think the designers of baby clothes don't actually have children themselves. I was shocked by how difficult many baby clothes are to use. Seriously. I got sweaty just dressing my baby. This is an area that a good designer needs to take on.

Here’s what you’ll need: a few onesies, rompers, pants, soft hats, and socks. Make sure everything is soft.

Your friends are: zippers and minimal snaps. Your enemies are: buttons and too many snaps. Also, easy access to the diaper area is key. Kids grow really fast (and in spurts) so clothing is a buy-as-needed area.

Update: My sister introduced to me to Parade Organics and I love it. They are the easiest and cutest organic baby clothes I have discovered so far. The two-way zipper on the romper makes diaper changes easier.

9. Large washable underpads (4)

I didn’t know these existed until I went to the hospital to give birth. (It was my bed pad giving me a little extra security of not staining the sheets during recovery.) Then we, oops, stole one from the hospital as we were packing up to go home. When I called the hospital to confess our crime, they told me, understandably, to just keep it.

These have been so useful for years. For changing diapers on, we just placed it on the floor or bed and changed the baby there. We’d throw it in the washer and dryer and it would always come out clean and like new. Oh, it's also good for tummy time. It travels well too, folding up to the size of a light jacket. It even served as an "in case" pad under the sheets during our potty training phase.

It’s likely the hospital sourced these from a medical supply company. However, I later found them on Amazon. Check out this 4-pack. AMAZING. Also good for pets? What? How many uses does this product have? And they are SO washable and durable. I have purchased only two or three 4-packs over the course of eight years, and they are still in great shape.

10. Packaged snacks stashes and (very specific ) water cups with lids. (for you, breastfeeding mom)

Those first few weeks of breastfeeding were tough. When I'd finally get my baby latched on, I'd settle back into the chair, couch, or bed, and immediately get hit with undeniable, dying-in-the-desert thirst along with hunger pangs. But I couldn't move because that would disrupt the latch we'd just worked so hard for. So usually I'd shout for my husband to bring me water and snacks. But sometimes he couldn't hear me or wasn't home.

My solution? Hide PACKAGED SNACKS around your house. Before you go into labor, put them under your mattress, between couch cushions, inside of decorative pottery, EVERYWHERE! (I’m kind of joking. But not really.)

And you'll usually only have one hand available, so don't sit down with a bottle of water. (I can't open a bottle of water with one hand. Can you? Start practicing doing everything one-handed since breastfeeding usually requires one hand.) And don't sit down with an open-top cup because like me, you might be clumsy from sleep deprivation and that water will spill.

You need a jumbo cup with a lid and maybe a straw if it helps you hydrate faster. For me a straw was faster and safer than a cup I had to tilt. See above paragraph about being clumsy from sleep deprivation. You don’t want to drop a heavy metal cup on your baby’s head. Also, sometimes you’ll have zero hands free and a partner or friend will hold your cup for you to drink from. In this situation, a straw also makes things easier. Thankfully you have me to tell you about these new situations that breastfeeding mamas face. It’s not as hard as it sounds if you’re prepared.

When baby is hungry, first fill your cup. Literally. You won't want to, because when your baby is crying all you can think about is making your baby feel better, but learn from my experience, please, so you don't spend that precious breastfeeding time feeling thirsty and deprived.

11. Breast pump

In some places your insurance company is required by law to provide one to you. This is vital to have before the baby comes, as you'll want to have it on hand during those first few days and weeks of learning how to breastfeed – when your breasts are engorged and the baby hasn't learned how to effectively nurse on a very full breast.

(Again, learn from my mistakes. My pump hadn’t yet arrived I was one udderly miserable dairy queen that first week. I had to bring a specialist in to help me get the milk to come out the first time. A pump would have solved the problem in a few seconds.)

When my pump finally arrived, I loved it. You want to go for a “hospital grade” machine. While I didn’t try other pumps, (so I can’t compare it to others) I do highly recommend the one I chose from my insurance company’s offerings. I gave it away after the first baby and purchased a new one for the second when I didn’t have the same insurance plan. It is available on Amazon here.

Update: It looks like there has been some innovation in this area since I pumped for my babies. I’m thrilled to see several hands-free, hospital-grade, in-bra double pumps available today. This one from Momcozy is highly rated. I dreamed about this kind of product back when I was holding my pump to my breast for the whole time (and generally only pumped one breast at a time so that I could have one hand free).

12. 2-4 bottles with nipples for pumped breast milk

If you’re going back to work full time, and plan to pump, you may need a cooler and more than four bottles.

However, for starters, 2-4 bottles should be fine until you get a feel for things. Here’s a highly rated, BPA-free option.

13. Bottle brush for cleaning bottles and nipples

Specialized baby bottle brushes come with a larger brush for inside the bottle and a smaller part for cleaning nipples.

14. Breast milk freezer bags

It’s surprisingly important to have special breastmilk bags that look different than regular freezer storage bags. Breast milk bags are tall, stiff, and narrow, making them easier to defront and pour into a bottle than your standard zip lock bags. Look for BPA-free options.

15. 4-10 lightweight swaddling blankets

These are for swaddling and burping and cleaning random baby messes. These won't last long for swaddling but will be vital for many months for those sudden spills that come out of babies.

16. Sleep sacks

The swaddling days don't last long for most babies, and blankets get kicked off or become hazardous. Get several sleep sacks for chilly nights when your baby’s sleepwear won't provide enough warmth on its own.

As a bonus, a sleep sack keeps the kid safe in bed after that age (about a year) when they start trying to put a leg over the edge of the bed to climb out.

17. Baby wash and shampoo

I haven’t formed a preference for one particular baby wash or soap (usually 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash). I tend to buy something locally that seems as mild, gentle, and natural as possible.

18. Something to soothe sore nipples

Lanolin is the recommended product in the USA. I tried it, but then switched to coconut oil. I prefer the smell, and that it's from a plant rather than an animal. And it seems to heal my skin fast. Whatever you choose, have it on hand before you give birth because sore nipples are as bad as they sound.

19. Baby oil/moisturizer

I prefer a natural plant oil like olive, coconut, almond, or jojoba. These seemed to do the job just as well as a cream specifically branded for babies. Moisturizers marketed to parents for babies tend to have long ingredient listings. It seems simpler and healthier to me to put one ingredient at a time on your baby. Anecdote: coconut oil applied to my baby’s scalp, left on for 15 minutes, then washed off with gentle baby wash/shampoo healed and removed my baby’s “cradle cap,” a yellowish, flaky area of dry skin on the scalp.

20. Diaper rash cream (or coconut oil)

If you’re lucky, your baby will respond well to coconut oil to heal and prevent diaper rash, thus items # 18, 19, and 20 can all be covered with a jar or two of organic coconut oil. For our first baby, coconut oil ended up being more effective than the leading diaper rash cream. It smelled better too!

21. Pacifier (maybe a couple with different types of nipples for baby to try)

I remember being worried that giving my first son a pacifier would make him addicted to it, or confuse him and make it more difficult for him to breastfeed. If I remember correctly, I tried a pacifier after he’d learned to latch on to the breast. And then it made my life so much easier. At some point around 7 or 8 months old he started dropping the pacifier out of his mouth frequently and I took that as a cue that he was done with it. There were a few days of adjustment but then he no longer missed it. Same with my second baby.

We used the ever-popular Philips Avent Soothie pacifiers. I think someone gifted us the one attached to a plush toy animal, and that was a big hit because it was hard to lose and gave our baby something to hold onto.

22. Super seat/stuck seat

The gist is: somewhere you can stick your kid nearby and you know they're safe and occupied while you take a shower. It's a peace of mind thing.

We started using the super seat once baby could hold his head up on his own. Our version was called a super seat because it is a supportive chair, a booster seat, a snack tray, and a toy-holder all in one. Later, he used the booster part in place of a high chair. It came with straps to safely attach to a regular kitchen chair.

We bought something very similar to this (same brand, different toy theme). However, were I to do it again, I’d probably try to find one with higher ratings. There were a few buggy things that could be better. I don’t think toys need to be attached. Babies quickly tire of the attached toys and want to play with something else (see below section on skipping toys). Also, over time the hard-to-clean toys get undeniably… gunky.

23. A napper or co-sleeper.

It's nice to have something safe you can put your baby down in when you want them napping near you, but you don't want to put them in a crib or drag a play yard to your space. They'll quickly grow out of a napper (also called a lounger or bassinet), so make it affordable or get it pre-owned. In Finland they use a cardboard box! It really just needs to be a flat, safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Do your research and get something that suits your lifestyle and parenting style. Ukraine, where I had my second baby, does the same thing Finland does, giving new parents a large box filled with baby essentials. The box doubles as a crib and includes a thin foam mattress; I used the box the hospital gave us for that purpose in the very early weeks when I wanted my little one to nap nearby.

This item makes my minimalist list (barely!) because it was really helpful in the early days. Infants quickly grow out of nappers but they are useful as a safe place to put them down when they take 4-5 naps per day.

24. forehead/Ear thermometer

I had to pick up one of these in a hurry after our son was born. Although the hospital actually gave us a thermometer in a baby gift pack, it was a standard insertion (mouth or rectum) thermometer.

An insertion thermometer is the last thing your baby wants to deal with when she or he is feeling ill. And I can’t blame a baby for not wanting cold metal stuck in any orifice, at any time, sick or healthy. So I found myself delaying taking my son’s temperature when I suspected he had a fever. As soon as we got a forehead thermometer my parental anxiety decreased quite a bit as it made taking his temperature, and usually finding out there was no fever, easy. I recommend getting one that doubles as an ear thermometer. My pediatrician told me the ones that go in the ear are more accurate.

I purchased mine at a CVS store, but if you want to put one on your Amazon Registry, here’s a suggestion.

25. Baby Movement Monitor

I almost left this one off the list. It had a tendency to slip off my baby’s diaper, which meant that there were a few false alarms that had me up in the middle of the night, heart racing, before I checked on him and saw he was fine.

However, recently I had a vivid dream taking me back to those early days of caring for my newborn. I remember how hard it was to actually get restful sleep because I was worried he would stop breathing in the middle of the night. So this item is going back on the list.

I should also tell you I didn’t suffer from anxiety before having a baby. Parenthood changes you in unpredictable ways, and for me there was a huge increase in anxiety.

So my final verdict is that if this device (we bought twice, once for each baby, and recommend the Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor) will help you have peace of mind so you can snatch some good sleep when your baby is sleeping, get it.

I think it’s worth it in those very early weeks if you have a little anxiety or tend to wake up at night just to check that your baby’s breathing is fine. (Which, just FYI, is normal new parent behavior.)

26. Birth Practice Online Birth Preparation Course

Are you due within the next 4 months and planning a hospital birth?

Birth Practice is an evidence-based communication and mind-body childbirth training course supporting positive hospital birth experiences. My sister Lucia and I co-created it under advisement by doctors, childbirth educators, and birth practitioners. (Use coupon code GEN for a discount).

Giving birth doesn’t have to be frightening, painful, unsatisfying, or traumatic.

Our vision is that more women feel empowered, positive, and supported as they give birth. It is the first birth preparation course that aims to improve a woman’s satisfaction with her birth experience instead of aiming for a particular type of birth.

The Birth Practice online birth preparation course includes tools for decision making and clear communication with birth partners and care providers as well as practices for laboring and birthing without anxiety. These are research-based, universally applicable tools and practices that work for all types of birth.

After our own positive birth experiences, my sister and I collaborated with OB-GYNS, birth workers, and doulas to develop the ideal birth plan template (FREE) to help you prepare for an empowered and positive hospital birth experience.

-—-What to skip-—-

Now that you know the essentials, here’s what you can skip to save money and space in your home.

1. Toys

Babies are entertained easily. Crinkling paper. A spoon. Their own ear. Toys are really not necessary until later. Plus you'll unavoidably collect toys as gifts because they are fun for friends and family to buy for you.

2. Specialized baby moisturizers

As I suggested earlier, these can contain nasty chemicals. Just stick with pure plant oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba. Always check your baby for signs of an allergic reaction when putting something new on their skin.

3. High chair

I never understood high chairs. They're huge. Why buy such a big thing when you can get a small booster seat and the baby can sit (when they can) with the family at the table? Plus their height, higher than a normal chair, means a fall would be more dangerous. And, here’s a parenting secret no one talks about: every baby falls. There’s gonna be a fall. All you can do is your best. But they’re gonna fall. Make sure it’s from as low a point as possible.

4. A changing table

A huge piece of unnecessary furniture. Also a falling risk. Floor or bed changes are easy and safer. Never walk away from your baby when they could roll off the bed or roll into a dangerous situation.

5. Pee pee tent

Alert: if you have a boy, he might pee on you when you change his diaper. Pee pee tents are little tents you put over his penis during that brief window of risk while you change his diaper. Just put your hand over the stream so it doesn't hit your face. Otherwise, let the guy get some airflow during diaper changes.

6. Wipes warmer

Nope. Get used to the refreshing coolness of wipes in their natural state, kid.

7. Diaper genie

Just put those dirty diapers in a bag and tie it off. Maybe get a trash can with a lid if the smell is really bad. You don't need a specialty trash can (with moving parts liable to break and specialty supplies to be purchased at regular intervals).

8. Anything with buttons or beads

Buttons on clothes take too much time and can pop off and become a choking hazard. Beads, which can also become a choking hazard, are generally obviously avoided for babies. However, I’ve noticed a trend of making babies wear a necklace of amber beads for supposed pain-relieving benefits. Amber may be soothing to look at or touch, but has no other proven benefits when worn, and your baby will be safer without the potential choking and strangulation hazard of wearing a necklace.

9. Complicated wraps for baby wearing

Don't buy anything that needs a tutor, class or more than one person to put on. Just go with one baby wearing product. The already-mentioned easy, highly adjustable, works-for-mom-and-dad LILLEbaby.

10. Crib accessories

Some crib accessories like bumper pads can put baby at risk.

Other accessories to avoid include those light up, large, plastic things that play lullabies and have colorful visuals and usually attach to the side of a crib. Remember that whatever becomes part of your baby's going-to-sleep ritual must be repeated every single night and nap, sometimes for years.

You really don't want anything that is so specific that it can't be easily replaced or repeated. You likely wouldn't travel with the light-up plastic thing, so I'd recommend skipping it if you want to travel easily with your baby.

11. Bottle/pacifier sterilizer.

Buy things that are dishwasher safe or clean them with hot soapy water and a specialized brush like the one recommended above. Over-sterilizing may rob your baby of a healthy microbiome, which can lead to a variety of health issues.

12. Infant bath tub.

You don’t need a bathtub or special insert for your baby. They may make things a bit easier, but they may also increase the risk to your baby by adding a false sense of safety when your baby is in the bath. Use the kitchen or bathroom sink (sanitized first, of course) to bathe your baby. Never leave them unattended, even for a moment, and always keep their face out of the water. Use a cloth or wipes for cleaning the face. In the early days, babies do not need frequent baths, and can be wiped down with a warm, damp cloth. Once they can sit unaided, you can let your baby sit in a very shallow tub to bathe, or even take baths with them.

Bonus, babies getting sink baths are so sinkin’ cute. Seriously, go search #sinkbath on Instagram. Bad day? It just got better.

From top left: @amandarosephotography, @this.little.wandering, @fivelittlebirds, @thisisbus, @teraherron_photography, @mamadray88

13. And... everything else not on the above list of essentials.

That’s right, you don’t need special baby combs or brushes, breastfeeding pillows (which are remarkably similar to regular pillows), or most of the other 60,000 items in the Amazon baby store. Stick with the 26 essentials listed on the checklist above and you should have everything you need for your baby to thrive.

That's it!

To the right is a quick summary (in image form) of what to put on your registry.

And here’s a downloadable PDF.

Now you know what to get for your bundle of joy, and what to skip.

On a super tight budget? You may benefit from my frugal and ultra minimalist version of this list: Newborn on a Budget: Everything You Need for Your New Baby for Under $500.

Now go get that baby registry done!

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Newborn on a Budget: Everything you Need for your New Baby for under $500

You don't need to spend an arm and a leg on your new sweet bundle of joy.

Yes, your new baby needs food, clothes, a safe place to sleep, and a few other essentials. But trust me, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to take good care of your newborn.

You can be prepared for your new baby for under $500 with the list below. Whether you're on a tight budget, choosing a simple lifestyle, or just curious about baby-related financial matters, today's post will show you exactly how you can keep things frugal and low-clutter when expecting a baby, with specific suggestions on what to buy to save money in the first six months of your newborn’s life.

This is a companion blog post to my "Minimalist Baby Registry Checklist" which lists my road-tested pre-baby purchase list, as well as a bunch of things you do NOT need to buy to capably nurture your new baby.

Today’s post here will use that list as a jumping off point and specifically address how to keep to an under $500 budget as you prepare your home for baby.

Maybe you won't have a registry or baby shower, or you don't want to ask your friends and family to buy new items for your baby. Or maybe you just want to keep your registry very affordable. Whatever your situation, this list is for you if you want to outfit your home for baby for under $500. While both of my lists are minimalist, this is the EXTREMELY minimalist of the two.

While I have road-tested many of the items in my Minimalist Baby Registry Checklist post, in this post I will be making some suggestions for things I haven't necessarily tested, but which fit the budget, and which I would be willing to purchase based on good reviews, if I were going to prepare for a new baby all over again for under $500. Some links below are affiliate links, and I earn a small fee if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). All opinions are my own and are not for sale.

I've also left some things off this list that are on the other list (things that seemed essential to me, but perhaps not to other people). Consider this the ultra minimalist version of the minimalist registry post.

Finally, I'm assuming you'll be breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, so we won't need to leave room in this budget for formula. This is a judgment-free zone when it comes to how you feed your baby. I don’t have experience with formula feeding a newborn and it’s not ideal for a budget this tight, so I won’t be addressing it in this post.

Let's begin with the absolute essentials:

1. Infant Car Seat

Don’t leave the hospital without one. Here's one with 4.8 stars on Amazon for $89.99.

Someone on Facebook asked, wouldn’t it be better to buy a travel system that comes with a stroller? Or a seat that transitions to fit the baby when they are older?

I do recommend a travel system as a great option for quality over quantity on my other post about minimalist baby gear. However, it’s not the budget option. For those on a tight budget, it’s still cheaper to buy a car seat and stroller (or carrier for baby wearing, as I recommend below) separately, and to upgrade to an affordable front-facing carseat when the time comes and you’ve had a chance to price compare. And from a safety point of view, you want to keep your baby in a rear facing seat (like the one above) for as long as possible.

Here’s why you want to avoid spending too much money right up front before your baby comes. First of all, you won’t know your unique baby’s exact needs until they arrive and you get to know them. Secondly, you’ll be joining a new community (if you’re a first-time parent). One of the best things you can do, both for your budget and for your sanity, is to join a group for new parents as soon as possible, even if it meets only weekly or monthly. You’ll meet and befriend other parents who are going through the same life-changing transition to parenthood that you are. And you’ll be able to swap and trade things you might need for your baby, saving you lots of money. For example, one parent in the group might have purchased an extra car seat they do not need, or might have a family member with older kids who is passing down an abundance of baby stuff they are happy to share. I have found that once you form a social circle with other parents, they’ll give you money-saving secrets, second-hand buying options, and sometimes, free stuff.

2. Diapers & Wipes

Grab these (I've personally tested) great reusable diapers. You’ll want to get two sets, as each set includes six diapers, and twelve is about the minimum you’ll need if you only want to launder diapers every 24-48 hours instead of more frequently. Try these wipes so you don't have to buy disposables.

It will be worth your time to ask Google and YouTube your questions about cloth diapering.

There are many helpful hygiene and sanitation tips to learn that make cloth diapering easier than one might think. (Hint #1: This technique, which was taught to me in my doctor’s office by our pediatrician in Ukraine, where many people don’t use or can’t afford disposable wipes, is easier, cleaner, and more sustainable than wipes. Update: last I checked, the video had gone private. Use a bidet or warm water from the bathroom sink faucet to rinse your baby’s bottom, soap up, rinse, and pat dry with a towel or cloth wipe.) (Hint #2: If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, diapers soiled with your baby’s bowel movements can go straight into the washing machine. Otherwise the poopy diapers will need to be pre-treated, a process that may include scraping poo off by hand and a chemical soak.)

I found it almost impossible for any cloth diaper to keep my baby dry during a 6-8 hour stretch of sleep, and a wet cloth diaper would wake my baby. So to get some sleep, I used disposable diapers (which have a larger capacity) at night. Since these aren’t in the budget, I recommend asking supportive organizations in your community to donate diapers. Do this well before your due date so you don’t have to worry about it once you’re adjusting to life with a newborn.

You may also want to check out programs, nonprofits, and religious institutions for free diapers and other baby supplies. It probably goes without saying, but if your budget is tight, stockpile as much free baby stuff as you can during your third trimester.

If you’re in the USA, try the National Diaper Bank Network (dial 211).

Total: $108.97.

3. Sleeping Situation

I love the ease of a play yard for sleeping. My children never used cribs because we found they could comfortably and safely sleep in a play yard. You could buy an after-market mattress for added comfort (see safety notes below) for a total of $131.59.

Always do your own research on safe sleep practices and check with the AAP to learn about safe sleep for infants. If you add a mattress as I recommend, make sure it fits the bottom of the play yard very snugly on all sides to avoid suffocation risk. The mattress is nice for added comfort for your baby and improves feasibility as a long-term sleeping situation, but always check with your baby’s pediatrician before adding any after-market products to a play yard that will be used as a sleeping area.

4. Feeding

For breastfeeding, you'll want a pump and bottle so that you can be away from baby during work or other activities. In the US, many states require your insurance company to provided you with a breast pump free of charge. I recommend selecting one from those free options that is listed as "hospital grade." If a free pump is not available to you, try searching for a second-hand pump for a deal. Or try this manual breast pump for $12.94 as well as this bottle and these breast milk freezer bags for a total of $29.92.

5. Clothes & Coverings

The final item on the essentials list is a few things to keep baby clothed and cozy. How about this adorable 23-piece set for $50.63? Looks good to me. Alternatively, you could take your $50 to a thrift store or a few garage sales and try to get more than 23 pieces for your new baby.

So far, our total for the essentials listed above is $411.10.

We have some room to spare in the budget to add a few more things to make your life easier:

6. Baby Carrier

For the first few months, and longer if you want, you can skip the stroller as I did and opt for a baby carrier for more skin-to-skin time. Carrying (also called "wearing") your baby has many benefits, including increasing your core strength and breast milk supply. It's also a great way to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands for the many activities hands do. Let's go with my favorite carrier, a LILLEbaby, for $77.69.

7. Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an amazing all-around moisturizer, nipple cream, and even (for some babies - ask your pediatrician) diaper rash cream. Get it for $6.69.

8. Pacifiers

While professional opinions differ on how long to use a dummy, binky, or pacifier (and whether to use them at all), what remains constant is that tired parents want a way to sooth and calm their baby at 2 am. Enter the soothie. Grab a 2-pack for $3.69.

This will bring our total to $499.17, which is neatly under our budget of $500.

Where's Everything Else?

The list you’re reading is extremely minimal, even compared to my other already-minimal list. There are so many things advertised for babies that we don't need. Therefore, they aren’t on this list, which is my most minimal.

Note that you'll need to use some things for your baby that are not listed here, things such as bath soap, laundry detergent, and a thermometer, that most adults, even non-parents, already keep supplied in their homes. You can usually use the adult version of these items for your baby’s needs as well. Some soaps for adults can be drying, so make sure you that after you wash your baby you moisturize their skin well with coconut oil or another baby-friendly lotion. You’ll also want to co-opt an old towel on which to change your baby’s diapers; you can use it on a bed, couch, or on the floor, but never leave your baby unattended there, even for a moment.

You can take wonderful care of your baby and keep them very happy and healthy with just a few well-thought-out essentials. I hope this list helps you do so in a budget-friendly way.

And, may you richly enjoy the many simple, delightful moments that parenthood offers.

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Decluttering Books

I've learned that people have strong feelings about books. I do too.   I know that telling you to declutter your books may trigger a knee-jerk response of HELL NO DON'T TAKE MY BOOKS.  I get it. I was once a lonely teenage nerd and that part of me still views books as my best friends.

I love books. Reading is my go-to pastime. I buy new e-books frequently. I read 30-50 books a year. I love the way printed books smell and feel. I love the way books look lined up on a shelf or stacked up on an end-table. 

I tell you this because I want you to know I understand what it feels like to be a book lover before I advise you to give most of your  physical books away. I see that horrified look of betrayal, fellow bibliophile. Still, I recommend that you stop collecting physical books and perhaps give away the bulk of your current collection.

The problem with collecting books, let's be honest here, is that most of them aren't going to get a second reading. And that's sad for a book. It just sits there on your shelf, waiting to be read again or lent or given away. Books should be in circulation. They were made to be read.

For all your best intentions, you will probably not re-read that best seller from three years ago. And despite the generous idea that you want your family and friends to peruse your shelves and have a wide variety of books to choose from, that rarely happens, right? Correct me if I'm wrong. By all means, if you're an active amatuer librarian and all of your books are borrowed and read regularly, keep doing what you're doing. Otherwise, let libraries do their job. If the spaces between your books haven't seen the light of day in a year, let those poor books go free. Let 'em fly. Keeping a book without reading it is like keeping a sparrow in a cage for its whole life. Don't be that guy.

I suggest gathering all your books into a single room, and choosing to keep only those that you love so much you re-read or at least flip through them (with a joyful feeling, not a guilty feeling) once a year.

Give away the rest to a library, school, or charity.

Decluttering your books gives you a chance to really enjoy the few that you keep and keep the few that you enjoy.They won't get lost in the rest of your stuff anymore. They'll have a place of honor in your life, and they'll make it better.

Many people feel wasteful/guilty if they get rid of a book they haven't read yet or that they feel they could learn more from. If you've had it for a while and you still haven't read it, give it away. Let someone else enjoy it. And if in the future you find yourself with a strong desire to read it, get an e-copy of the book. Which leads me to...

I Love My E-Reader

It's not the same experience as reading a printed book, but for me, the benefits of an e-reader far outweigh the disadvantages.
My Amazon cloud holds a library of hundreds of books. No matter where I find myself  - in a park on a beautiful day or waiting in the doctor's office, I can take my pick from my current reading list.

On my Kindle App, I can simply press on a word I don't know and the dictionary definition appears. I can also borrow some books, or join a subscription service for access to certain books and periodicals. By buying e-books, I'm saving trees, which is icing on the cake.

There are several e-readers available, and now apps available for tablets and laptops and smartphones, making the book-buying process faster, easier, and less expensive.

Not every book is available in electronic format, and there will always be some books you want to have a physical copy of. But there's no need to have a large collection of books collecting dust and being moved from place to place. Unless, that is, you truly feel that your life would be worse without them.

Every bit of space in your home and energy in your life matters. It counts. Make conscious decisions about how your are going to "spend" your space and energy. Use them on things that fill your life with love and joy. If books do that, keep some around in physical form and more in electronic form.

How do you live free in a world that wants to clutter you up?

I'm enjoying all the engagement with this question in the Minimalist Living community on Facebook.

Things quickly get lost on Facebook, so I thought I'd share a screenshot with some great answers from our awesome community there.

Try a One Cupboard Challenge

You can start small.

If you're looking at a pile of clutter, the idea of becoming a minimalist can be overwhelming.
So you're looking for one easy, practical step, right?
This is it.

Start with one cupboard.

This summer we had our first One Cupboard Challenge in the Minimalist Living page on Facebook. 

It was a great idea from a  community member:

You can do your own one cupboard challenge anytime.

Here are the steps:

1. Take a "Before" photo. 

Even if you don't share anything on social media, a before photo will remind your of how far you've come when you finished.

2. "Blaze" your cupboard.

Blazing is my trademark decluttering technique I write about in this book. It's not recommended for every person or situation, but I do think it's great for kitchen cabinets (as long as you don't have any important paperwork in there and as long it's "your" territory or domain in the house).

It's simple and I love it because it is FAST. It is the fastest decluttering technique out there.
You simply remove everything from the cabinet into a bag or box without pausing to inspect each item. Then you put back only what you love and use.

The key is that you don't look at what you didn't put back. That's where guilt and second-guessing yourself comes in. Let's avoid that.

If you look back in the box you'll think, "oh, but my mother-in-law gave me that tea pot and so even though I hate it I should keep it."

Nope. Put the box, labeled, in some dark corner of your home (attic, basement, etc.) and set up a reminder to get rid of the contents. I like to wait 60 days because that gives me time to "miss" things. Usually I miss nothing. That tells you you can sell or donate all the items.

The reminder is very important because otherwise you will forget about decluttering that stuff. I suggest using either Google Calendar or Boomerang for Gmail to create a reminder. Or use whatever works for YOU. The important thing is that you will see the reminder and take action on it.

Decluttering after time passes is easier than doing it right away. This middle, resting phase gives you that confidence that you can donate the stuff even thought you didn't actually go through and gaze at each item.

3. Take an after photo.

The photo is for you to remember this milestone and mark your progress. 

Optionally, you can share it to social media. In fact, I invite you to share it in the comments on this One Cupboard Challenge post in the Minimalist Living community page. I personally love when people share their progress. It inspires me and gives me a little boost of encouragement on my own path of simple living.

I think it helps a lot of people.

If this post helped or inspired you, please like and share using the icons below.

P.S. If you haven't signed up for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge yet, be sure to do so below so you can get ongoing inspiration for keeping it simple to live your best life.

How to Get Your Family on Board with Minimalism

It's a frequently asked question.

 People in the minimalist living community often wonder how to deal if they are a minimalist and their family or other household members are not.

If there are toddlers or teens in the house, the question is asked with an even more urgency.

If you're struggling with or wondering how in the world to get the hoarders you live with aboard the decluttering train, first: I hope you know you're far from alone!

Our attitudes around acquisition, consuming, clutter, and keepsakes can seem so different. And when others we live with aren't on board with our minimalism, it can cause irritation. It can be a source of misunderstanding and strife.

Thankfully, it doesn't have to be like that.

We can remember that instead of decluttering at all costs, we can choose to simply love -- to understand those we love, and accept who they are right now without trying to change them. 

Start with Yourself

The first really important point to remember when it comes to your minimalism journey is to  of all start with your stuff and your spaces.

Your domains.

Reap the benefits for yourself first. 

Then with the family, see it as a process. It might take some time, but slowly and surely you can win over the more clutter-prone members of your household.

How to Win Over Your Messy Loves

Understanding The Collector Mindset

If your family members are messy, they are probably born collectors. Collectors are the opposite of purgers. Purgers find it easy to clear space, get rid of what isn't needed, and live in the moment.

Collectors tend to take joy in curating items that remind them of times past. Also, collectors tend to be inspired by clutter, instead of stressed out by it.

Among creative people, some are collectors who say they are inspired by a bit of chaos around them. Other creatives are purgers who are inspired by the equivalent of a blank canvas - a clutter free room.

I myself and a born collector who had to learn how to live more minimally.

Listen First

To win over those "hoarders" you live with, you need to show that you understand them, their collector mindset, and their concerns. Calm any fears about important things getting thrown out. Make sure your loved ones can trust you not to get rid of things willy-nilly, without regard to their significance.

Listen first, and explain later. Bring up the topic of minimalism, and see what your spouse and/or kids have to say.

Listen fully, and make sure you understand all their concerns. You might start the conversation by saying something like "I'm wanting to simplify our lives by decluttering and taking a new approach to acquiring belongings. How do you feel about living with less stuff?"

When listening, repeat their concerns back to them in your own language. Then ask "did I get that right or wrong?" to make sure you understand. On top of making sure you understand, this will help them really feel that you get their concerns, which is important to getting on the same page.

Note: this step is best done in a one-on-one setting. Avoid "calling a family meeting" to discuss minimalism for the first time. That's because each person will feel more listened to and valued when it's just the two of you chatting about the topic. Otherwise, you risk making your family feel preached at or like they have no control and no say.

Explain Yourself One-on-One

Once you've listened carefully to each family member, explain why you're drawn to minimalism and what you hope to accomplish. Is it a shared dream of saving money for experiences like a trip around the world? Is it because you hope to spend less time cleaning, maintaining, and organizing, and more time having fun with your loved ones?

An Individualized Approach

The key is to find out what would make it fun for each family member. You know your husband and kids the best, so you know what appeals.

Various Approaches to Introduce

There are so many reason to approach minimalism and different attitudes behind doing so. Some family members may be motivated by the compassionate-caring-for-the-earth side. Others by the aesthetic beauty of it.

Others by the adventure they could imagine if they travel the world with what could fit into one backpack. Still others by the frustation of not being able to find their favorite things amidst the clutter. The 17-year-old might be ready to save money and save up for things they want and you can show them how minimalism helps with that. 

Also, there are many of people blogging about living simply with less. Each of us has a different background and different way to writing about minimalism. My book and this blog may appeal to you, but you might want to send each family member another blog, book, or video that would appeal to them more specifically. 

Younger Kids

When it comes to getting kids to help out, I've found that I really have to appeal to their own sense of what is fun, and their own personality. For young kids, just doing things they see you doing might be fun.

I'm not sure how much longer mopping will be fun for my kid (that's him on the right), but I'll take all the help I can get for now.

Many kids like using vacuum cleaners, so you can say "when the floor of your room is clear, then you we can vacuum." That will help motivate them to clean their room. Again, all I know is it works for us for the time being.

Also, if your child wants a new toy, you can say "yes" after they've decluttered a specific number of unused toys. You can say, "When you pick out four toys you don't play with anymore to donate, then we can get the new toy."

Love Over Clean

Finally, like I talk about in Minimalist Living, your relationships are more important than decluttering. If minimalism is causing constant strife in your relationships, take a break.  Simply love.
Don't let their clutter make you give up your journey. Minimalist living will benefit your life even if you just apply it to the domains in your home and life that you have control over.

It's okay to just apply it to your stuff and leave your family alone if it's not worth the fight. You've got to pick your battles.

On the other hand, a clean, serene, minimalist home is, I would argue, healthier and happier for all members of the household, and it's worth the effort required to introduce this lifestyle to everyone in the family.

Did this post help or inspire you? If so, please like and share it using the icons below.

P.S. If you haven't signed up for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge yet, be sure to do so at the bottom. You'll want these motivational notes, tips, and tricks for keeping it simple right in your inbox.

Toy-Free Play

When you embrace simple living, you get to embrace more imaginative fun.

This post is about having fun with your kids without toys. Not that toys are bad (at all!) but sometimes you just want to get back to basics and use that imagination for a parenting win.

If your family is in one of the following situations...

• You're traveling and forgot or didn't have room to pack toys

• You just moved and the toys have not arrived or been unpacked yet

• You're not buying new toys right now and your kids are bored of their current toys

• The kids are stuck inside because of bad weather and got bored of all the toys

• You're just looking for new ideas on how to have fun with your kids

...Then you're in the right place.

Here are four ideas for how to have a blast with your kids (all ages) with NO TOYS. 

1.    Hand shadow puppet show
2.    Make stuff from trash
3.    Funny chin faces
4.    Blanket fort

These are classics that my own family has enjoyed through generations. If you want more inspiration or instruction (maybe you've never made a blanket fort?) or sense of permission to really unleash your creativity, I've added details and linked to sources for further ideas here:

1. Hand shadow puppet show.

My grandmother, years ago, gave my sister and I a book that we had fun with growing up. I think it may have been the book in the image on the right.

I don't think a book is necessary anymore, though, to learn how to have fun with shadows.

Check out these neat graphics via Pinterest for how to make a dog, a goose, an elephant, and more! All you need is a dark room and a flashlight or low lamp. Oh, and a wall and hands.

2. Make stuff from trash.

The photo above is something my son and I made together. He loves space shuttles and rocket ships. In his eyes, this taped together almost-trash is 3-2-1 blast off to fun. The perfectly curved wings are the tabs from a hinged-top cardboard box (like you'd get from ordering something via Amazon). The core is an empty plastic bottle and the rest is paint, lots of duct tape, and a robot sticker we happened to have around the house.

Check out this amazing gallery from goodhousekeeping.com with "18 amazing things parents made for their kids from cardboard boxes." One of my favorites is this DIY Cardboard Camper Playhouse from MerryThought.com. So creative! (Image below via MerryThought).

3. Funny chin faces.

At some point my dad showed his four children how to have fun with funny chin faces (I'm sensing a theme here - these toy-free games make me feel connected to other generations. Same for you?)

We use a ballpoint pen (or you could use eyeliner) to draw eyes on a chin, then look at it upside down and make the drawn-on person talk in a funny voice. But when I look at these google image search results for "funny chin face" I get so many more ideas. People really get creative - and slightly creepy. See the screenshot:

 Nowadays you can next level the fun by recording video on your phone so that the person playing the chin gets a chance to see exactly how funny their chin-head character is.

4. Blanket Fort.

There's a great Wikihow for this here . For aesthetic inspiration, I love the image above of a cozy blanket fort from Little Winter. For more details see the original blog post.

Imagine More Buy Less

The list is a reminder that what really lights kids up seems to be the element of imagination.

Sure, your kids can use their imaginations with their toys, but it's even often more fun to start with even simpler, everyday items. For example, there's magic that comes from turning a cardboard box into a highway on-ramp for a toy car, an alien space ship, or a sock puppet theater.

Imaginative fun is part of what grown ups tend to enjoy about minimalist living too.

That moment where you pause before buying something and ask, "Can I make this from things I already have?" or "Can I solve this problem in a different way that doesn't require buying something else?"

Simple living is about buying less stuff and having more richness of imagination and experience.

If this post helped or inspired you, please like and share it using the icons below.

P.S. if you haven't signed up for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge yet, be sure to do so below so you can get ongoing inspiration for keeping it simple to live your best life.

The Super Simple At-Home Manicure

You know what's better than the fanciest manicure?

The manicure that actually happens.

This manicure is more than trimming your nails, but far less than a pricey, fume-filled visit to a nail salon. I love colorful polish, smooth hands, and the occasional bit of nail art.  However.

Life as a mom means salon visits can tumble down my priority list. But I don't give up on #selfcare.

If you can find time to be alone and present and really focus only on taking care of your hands and nails, then this manicure feels lavish.

It's a three-step manicure that works for men and for women.

Step One

Trim or shape your nails.

Right now I'm in a phase where I like my nails to be super short, so I trim the tips off completely. But for this step you can maintain whatever shape you like with a file or nail clippers.

Step Two

Exfoliate with something from around the house: table sugar.

If you're traveling, snag an extra packet from a coffee shop.

Place a pump of liquid hand soap in your palm. Then, over a sink, pour the contents of the sugar packet into the soap, and mix it up. Rub the mixture all over your hands for one minute. Then rinse your hands well.

They should feel smooth and polished.

Step Three

Moisturize your newly-softened hands.

My favorite moisturizer was discontinued so I can't recommend it anymore. Currently I am using grape seed oil as a moisturizer. I purchased it from a grocery store, but if I wanted to order some via Amazon, I might try out this version.

My main recommendation regarding moisturizers is to choose things with short, simple (no surprise there) ingredient lists.  Things that go on your skin are absorbed into your bloodstream. When in doubt, use something you could eat. That's why I love to use food oils like grape seed oil, coconut oil, and olive oil in my hair and skin care.

Don't trust marketing; look at the ingredients listing. Something for "babies" or "sensitive skin" can still have harmful chemicals because regulations in the US are quite loose when it comes to skincare products.  I also like to check products against EWG's SkinDeep Cosmetics Database. I don't use it religiously, but more as an educational guide.

Here's where I'll get a little woo.

Send your hands gratitude as you do this manicure, and especially during this final step.

Your hands do so much for you. Think of all the different things they help you do each and every day.  They really do deserve to be taken care of. 

💖

Tell them thank you and imagine sending them healing, loving energy as you massage in your moisturizer.

💖

This quick, simple manicure, done with presence and care, can be revitalizing and luxurious.

Enjoy!

If this post helped or inspired you, please like and share it using the icons below.

P.S. If you haven't signed up for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge yet, be sure to do so below so you can get ongoing inspiration for keeping it simple to live your best life.

Why Minimalist Living is More Than a Decorating Trend

Minimalist living is not just a lifestyle choice, it's a design trend.

It's been trendy and stylish for a while now.

And I don't think it's going anywhere.

Sure, the "look" may change. Different furniture, textures, colors may come into style. That's all interior decorating.

But minimalist living should not be confused with a decorating style.

So why is minimalist living more than a decorating trend?

Minimalist living is the lifestyle that results from intentional living.

It's values-based living. It feels good to live by your true values. Often it creates a minimalist look in your home because you've realize - ah ha! I value spending my time with people! Therefore I want to spend less time cleaning, organizing, and maintaining my stuff. So that I have more time with my people. (Or my dogs. Or my knitting. Whatever.)

Kara Michelle

Sure, some people may cultivate a minimalist look in their home because it's in style, and they value keeping up with the trends. That's a value. Others may value things like freedom, creativity, presence, and wellness.

And the intentional part is that it takes focus, effort, and intention to live out our values through our actions and shape our environment so it truly reflects and supports our values.

Living out our values is minimalism or essentialism.

Each day has 24 hours in it.  Gary Keller, author of The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, writes "You need to be doing fewer things for more effect instead of doing more things with side effects."

You know this. That's why you're here on a blog about simple living. So what are your values? Not the values you think you should have. The values you actually have.

Part of intentional living is self-honesty. It's probably the most important part. Once you identify your values to yourself honestly (and you don't have to talk about them with others unless you want to), only then can you examine your life to ask yourself if you're living intentionally.

Are you living by your values? That is intentional living. Taking fewer actions for "more effect" instead of doing, doing, doing, without examining what it's all for.

Quite a few people don't know what their intentions are behind 80% of what they do. That is called unintentional living. The result is usually regret and behavior that hurts themselves or others: harmful, embarrassing, or even abusive behavior.

I was recently watching a newscast of Aretha Franklin's funeral service. Singer Ariana Grande performed, and afterwards, the leader of the service, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III pulled her toward the pulpit in a horrifyingly tight and ongoing grasp which inappropriately reached the side of her right breast. She grimaced and appeared to try to pull away but he only groped more of her breast more tightly the more she struggled. After a social media outcry, he apologized, saying, in part, "It would never be my intention to touch any woman’s breast." So what was his intention? I suspect it wasn't to #respectAriana. I suspect he was living untentionally, and as a result, he publicly groped a young woman.

Quite a few people have intentions to live out certain values, but those intentions go unfulfilled. We end up living other people's values, or values defined by what we see on television or social media. You could those empty intentions, because we aren't living our own lives. When we see what we're actually doing day in and day out, we see ourselves living some other idea of what our life should be, not what we really want. The result is usually poor self-esteem, confusion, and self-doubt. Eventually it can result in depression and stress-related health problems.

For example, pretty much every politician has stated values and intentions when they campaign that they are then unable or unwilling to fulfill while in office. Then because it's so painful to be honest that they couldn't fulfill intentions, they lie to themselves and their constituency about it, creating more difficulties and distrust in the whole system.

It takes time to learn intentional living. You could say it's part of growing up and taking responsibility for your life and your choices. But no matter how old you are, it's an ongoing process, and it's never too late to begin or start over. It's takes courage, especially when you see that what you value is different than what is considered valuable in mainstream society or what is depicted on screens small and large.

But it's never too late. So whether you got into minimalism through a desire to have a clean, minimal-looking home, or because you want to live out your own values, I invite you to stay past the interior design trend.

Because minimalist living is really about examining the purpose of everything (not just furniture) you have in your life and choosing only what really supports your true values.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my #1 Amazon bestselling book on the topic of embracing minimalist living for more joy, health, and creativity.

And if you haven't yet, sign up for the 3-Day Decluttering Challenge below to jump start your minimalism journey.

Small Things Others Live Without

The inspiration for this post comes from one of your requests.

I think this is a great topic to learn more about for minimalist living. I'm also curious what other people have given up to live a little lighter and easier.

The heart of Simple Living is NOT to live in a sparse, empty home lacking in basic comforts. This movement comes from the reality that most homes in North America have way, way, way more stuff than we need. It's a landslide of stuff, and it's stealing too much of our time to move it, store it, clean it, maintain it, and replace it. It's keeping us busy and cutting into simple, joyful presence with ourselves and our loved ones.

It also takes time away from habits that keep us healthy.

Not to mention the impact on the environment.

There are so many things that we don't need. Maybe other people need or want them, maybe we have an item because it's standard and it's just always been the way things are. But simple living asks "Do I really need this?" and "What's it for, really?" and "Can something else serve just as well?" and "Is there a different way that would work better for me?"

A small and rather funny example is number one on my list:

Small Things Others Live Without

1) A cutlery separator

It's a kitchen item, usually made of plastic, that some people really love. I posted over the summer in the Minimalist Living Facebook group that I realized I don't need to buy one for each of the apartments I live in. (I'm a nomad and frequently finding myself furnishing homes).

The bottom line?

I have no trouble quickly finding a fork, knife or spoon even when they are partying together. I save 1-2 minutes daily spent separating them when emptying the dishwasher is saved because I can simply dump the clean cutlery into the draw.

And it's not just about the saved time, it's about how the task of emptying the dishwasher SEEMS that much easier. And that makes it more likely to get done. Which makes my kitchen stay cleaner, which makes me happier.

And it all comes down to just a little more joy daily.

The comments on the post are funny in that they show our intense relationships with organizing our stuff. Many people agreed with me, and there was even a question over the need for a cutlery drawer at all.

Others, however, admitted they'd be driven crazy over the intermingling of their forks, knives, and spoons and the lack of apparent organization in the drawer.

The comment section is proof that, as the character Emma says in the Jane Austen novel of that name, "One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other."

Your Own Path

It seems that there is never too much encouragement to take your own path. Never too many reminders that you don't have to do or possess what others expect you to.

You're free.

So here are four more things you may never have questioned before that others are finding a way to live without:

2. A toaster (and most kitchen gadgets like popcorn poppers, breadmakers, and deep fryers)

I haven't owned a toaster in quite a while.

I'm a fan of keeping small kitchen applicances only if you're going to use them at least once a week. If you don't use it once a week, there's usually another way to make the dish.

For example, you can fry bread in a pan instead of toasting it in a toaster.

Obviously, you can bake bread in the oven instead of a breadmaker.

Coffee makers are nice, but a simple pour over brew is also quick and easy.

And you can google just about any other alternative technique you’re interested in.

Want to read more about Kitchen Minimalism? Grab the guide I wrote with my husband on kitchen essentials and how to cook great meals with a few key items.

3. High heels and "Special Occasion Clothes"

Minimalist of five years Janell Kristina shared about this in her YouTube video "Things I STOPPED Buying & Owning"

I'm all over this one.

After a long, emotional goodbye, I no longer own high heels. They are pretty, but I don't wear them. And it's silly for me to own a shoe just to look at it. As for special occasion clothes, I love them, but find no reason to own them, especially because I don't like to repeat special occasion outfits. Unless it's a very basic LBD look.

What do I do for special occasions? I will shop something from a thrift store and then re-donate after wearing. For my sister's wedding, for example, I found a dress and heels at a thrift store. And then I gave them away after the wedding.

I also love Rent the Runway or borrowing from friends as an alternative to thrifting special event pieces. I have a couple of friends who are very passionate about fashion and have fashion-based businesses. They love to lend out pieces from their extensive closets.

4. Underwear

I need to keep it fresh. Have you questioned the need for undies lately? If you want to hear from someone who chooses not to wear them, (and the compelling health reasons behind her choice) check out this video from Brittany Taylor

Truly a small thing, panties, but still worth asking if you would be healthier and happier without them.

5. A couch

This is a big thing, not a small one, but I think it deserves a place on this list.

Francine Jay of MissMinimalist.com wrote a blog post called "questioning the couch," that includes this paragraph:

"instead of arranging delivery on a heavy, expensive sofa (the resale of which we would someday have to orchestrate), we decided on a more lightweight, mobile, and versatile option: we threw two Ikea Poang chairs and a coffee table into our Mini, and were on our way. And thus we completed the task of furnishing our flat."

It's good practice to question what we can live without.

We practice this in our homes, with our stuff, and then we apply it to more areas of our lives: careers, money, lifestyle:

What am I doing because I'm just following the herd?

What can I tweak so that it works better for me?

If you found this post helpful, please like and share it using the buttons below.

And of course, sign up for the 3-Day Decluttering Challenge to kickstart your minimalism journey. You’ll also automatically get the Simple Sunday with simple living tips and motivational stories I share via email.

How to Overhaul Your Kitchen Drawer

I know I should cook more.

It's healthier than eating out and it saves us money.

But when my kitchen's a disorganized mess, cooking seems harder and I'm more likely to skip it.

It's a lot easier when my kitchen is as simplified as possible, when I have everything I need, but nothing more.

Let's tackle one kitchen mess that's out-of-sight, and therefore frequently cluttered:

The kitchen drawer

I know you love before-and-after stories, so for this post, I'm teaming up with my dear friend Morgan Cooper.

She's an activist, urban farmer, restaurateur, mom, and chef.

Before….

And she has a great before-and-after story.

She writes, "In any cluttered home, there’s always a few places that are extra cluttered. In my house it’s my utensil drawer in the kitchen. Yes, I’m publicly admitting this. The shame."

See Morgan’s before picture to the right.

“Didn’t want to use any of them”

She writes, "When you love cooking, you are always looking for a utensil you enjoy using. I didn’t love the round wooden spoon, so I got a flat one. Didn’t love that so I tried another shape. Pretty soon I had collected 10 different utensils and didn’t want to use any of them."

In addition to her many other roles, Morgan runs an organization called Handmade Palestine that supports local artisans in the Middle East and funds environmental protection and education.

She writes,"I went shopping and actually got a dozen different utensils, not for my own kitchen, but to stock and sell for Handmade Palestine."

It was then that she found THE kitchen utensil that changed cooking forever in her own home kitchen in Ramallah, Palestine.

The Spatula that Changed Everything

"I didn’t realize why that drawer was so packed with unused utensils until I discovered and bought my perfect, favorite spatula. It’s made from sustainably sourced olive wood (points!), that is the result of annual pruning on the trees. The wood has been aged three years so it doesn’t crack, and then it’s been hand-formed on a gorgeous old machine in a basement of a wood craftsman’s home in Bethlehem. Handmade. Sustainably sourced. Organic wood. I was sold on it," Morgan writes.

After….

After realizing her love for the spatula (and dissatisfaction with the alternatives), she overhauled her kitchen drawer. Now it looks like this:

How you can Do it Too

Identify your favorite kitchen utensils that do the essential kitchen jobs you need for your favorite meals.

Then come to terms with the fact that it's just not true love with the rest of them. It's time to give them away.

Now when you reach for a kitchen tool, it will always be your favorite one.

A Multi-functional Tool

I regularly ask readers what they want me to blog about. Someone in the Minimalist Living community on Facebook asked for "purchasing tips for a multi-functional tools."

Morgan recommends this spatula as a multi-function tool and loves it for her kitchen.

She writes, "I especially loved the slight curve at the end of the spatula (it gets off all the brown flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the cast iron skillet!).

It has a handle that is great for holding (I, unlike my mother, am not a fan of the skinny handle)."

Here are some of the various ways Morgan uses her spatula:

• As one half of salad tongs (she now owns two)

• To lift the corner of my pancakes and then flip like a spatula

• Stir batter and steaws instead of a wooden spoon

• Smack my husband’s bum when he acts out, ok, I just threaten it

Caring for Olive Wood

Morgan adds:

"This is olive wood, so it’s really smart to oil after washing. If you don’t, that’s okay too. But it gets a bit dried out and can chip. And if you don’t oil it (just rub some warmed olive oil on it once it’s dry), you’ll pick up the beautiful color of tumeric--as I have on mine. It just adds some charm to my last and only kitchen utensil I’ll ever buy."

A meal in progress using the perfect spatula.

A meal in progress using the perfect spatula.

I too can recommend this spatula which I've been using almost every day in my kitchen since purchasing one of my own.

If you want to purchase one for your own kitchen, (or for a gift) you can do so here. Handmade Palestine offers international shipping.

A Good Cause

I don't profit by your purchase of Morgan’s favorite spatula. Profits from the purchase of this fair trade product go to support Mashjar Juthour, an "eco project on 2.5 acres of publicly accessible land where native trees are protected and where the community comes to learn about Palestine's natural heritage."

I've personally visited Mashjar Juthour many times and it truly is a beautiful and very special place.

How often can you purchase a product that will to help you simplify your kitchen, bring back the joy of cooking, AND also contribute to peace in the Middle East?

It’s not every day. But today you can.

(It makes a great gift too, as you are quite literally extending an olive branch to the recipient.)

Take Action

Whether or not you purchase this specific favorite spatula mentioned in this post or find true love with another kitchen tool, go overhaul your kitchen drawer today and find your own favorite utensil that will make cooking a pleasure.

Interested in more tips and tricks to ease cooking stress? Read SIMPLE KITCHEN: The Essentials You Need to Cook Your Most Joyful Meals.

Defining Terms in the Simple Living Movement

Minimalism.

Simple Living.

Zero Waste.

Essentialism.

Nomad/travel lifestyle

Frugal living

Intentional living.

Seven different, yet related, movements, seven different buzzwords, all of which I've been known to use from time to time.

What does it all mean?

If you're feeling a little confused, read on for definitions as well as the vibes associated with each word:

1. Minimalism: A movement in art and decor in which less is beautiful. Also, a lifestyle of owning a minimum of stuff and also doing less for your own particular reasons: for the aesthetics, for your budget, cleanliness, stress reduction and more. Vibe: the "strictest" on the list and often associated with a modern, monochrome visual style, a keen eye for editing, and the ability to say "no."

2. Simple Living: A movement that rejects the onslaught of pointless complexity and busyness in our lives. Usually emphasizes quality time with family and friends and simple pleasures like a good meal, a hug, or a sunrise. Vibe: Family friendly, a bit "crunchier" and/or more outdoorsy than minimalism.

3. Zero Waste: A movement that aims to decrease or almost eliminate household trash entirely. Some focus areas include: bulk buying, reusing, repurposing, repairing, recycling, and composting. Vibe: There's a wide spectrum here, from people just wanting to decrease their use of plastic to a hard core contingent that applies a huge amount of energy to achieve the goal of not needing a trash can in their home.

4. Essentialism: A movement defined by the 2014 book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown. Similar to minimalism, but instead the emphasis is on the essential activities of your life and career more than a culling of your possessions. Vibe: Many of the examples of the book come from the corporate world and specifically the tech world, but the concept can be widely applied to just about any sector of life.

5. Nomad/travel lifestyle: A trend towards traveling significantly more than is conventional. Often, traveling or living abroad for more of the time than one is in one's home country. While not strictly associated with the above movements, nomads tend to be minimalists because having less stuff makes a traveling lifestyle much easier. It also makes it easier to say "no" to many other things that don't bring joy. Vibe: Often seems limited to young adults without children or retirees, due to the inconveniences of traveling with children. However, there are families up for the challenge. (Including mine!)

6. Frugal Living: A lifestyle that helps people spend less and save more money. The most financially focused of the movements, frugal living is all about paying off debt, sticking to a budget, staying out of debt, saving money, and finding cheaper ways of doing things. Often associated with the also-money-aware simple living movement. Vibe: Very family focused, very practical, often with a focus on affordable groceries, meals, couponing, and anything to keep to a slim household budget.

7. Intentional Living: A movement similar in some ways to essentialism in that it's about making thoughtful, conscious choices about what your life will be and nixing the rest. Includes a consideration of the "why" behind actions, especially choices around purchases, travel, career, and living situation. Vibe: Often intentional living advocates are somewhat counter-cultural because they've realized a norm in the culture isn't working for them, or for the environment, or for people they care about.

I hope you find my definitions helpful!

Which movement(s) do you feel most connected to?

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note on how to edit your life for more joy.

10 Mom-Friendly Simple Wardrobe Classics

I tend to avoid trends.

While I enjoy fashion, It just doesn't feel right to select what I wear based on what is in style. The fun in fashion for me is finding pieces that feel amazing on, and that I feel flatter my body. I appreciate when I see other people do the same -- especially women who don't have a "fashion magazine" body-type. I see great outfits everywhere, and most of them are made of classic pieces that fit just right, plus accessories where form and function meet.

That doesn't fit my life

You can find lots of lists online of claiming to be the final word on classic pieces that are always in style. However, I don't always find many of those lists realistic for my work-from-home mom lifestyle. I'm a parent, and I'm fairly active, and a traveler, so things need to pack well, be up for an occasional workout, and be good for chasing a three-year old. I feel like most classic wardrobe lists are made for... maybe someone who spends a lot of time at cocktail parties. And that's just not me.

For example, most of these lists include a little black dress. But that's a waste of capsule wardrobe space. If you have a black skirt and a black top you can create the look of the LBD, while having the flexibility to have other looks to from the same pieces. Another example of the failure of a "classics" list is they often include a trench coat, which really isn't that practical. It's not a rain coat, so it won't keep you dry in a downpour. And it's not a thick winter coat, so it won't keep you that warm. They look best styled with dresses and handbags, not the jeans and diaper bags or backpacks needed for parenting.

So what are these classic yet stylish mom pieces?

Here are the ten real mom life-friendly pieces I've never seen go out of style.

The List

1. Jeans

Multiple pairs. No frills, no holes, no weird trendy shapes, colors, or embellishments. Color: black or blue (or both).

2. V-neck tee

A v-neck is classic and flattering on most body shapes. My all time favorite is the v-neck tee from Encircled.

3. Black stretch pants.

You could call these yoga pants or leggings. Whatever you call them, these are a casual desk—to-yoga-to-playground staple.

4. Button-up Chambray Shirt

Sometimes the chambray shirt is more in style or less so, but I’ve never seen it completely out as a great momiform layering piece.

5. Black and white maxi

Whether it’s a maxi dress or skirt, this piece is something I usually get a lot of wear out of. My recent version is a black and white floral maxi I picked up at a vintage shop. Here’s a screenshot from a google image search for “black and white maxi” which is a good thing to do to get an idea of what you want before you start shopping.

6. Cotton camisole tank top

I wear these organic ones from ethical brand Pact.

7. Olive shorts

Olive is a darker, greener version of khaki that I find is more flattering on most people. Khaki shorts are often quite light/bright in color, which not only draws the eye, but tends to show dirt and stains.

8. Black running shoes or sneakers.

As tempting as it is to buy sneakers in any other color, eventually I regret it if I don’t go with basic, classic black.

9. Black zip tote or market bag.

I bought a very plain zip bag at Walmart. It’s insulated, which means the liner folds out and I can clean it. I’ve used it for everything from a farmer’s market bag to a diaper bag. And it’s so plain and an assuming that it doesn’t scream “I have to carry lots of stuff because I’m a mom.”

10. Black sunglasses.

I think all black sunglasses are the only classics except maybe aviators. But with aviators the nose piece part always gets stuck in my hair when I put them up on my head, so I opt for black sunglasses.

That’s the 10

Hopefully, this list helps you simplify your closet so you can get out and enjoy your life!

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note on how to edit your life for more joy.

Get Motivated with These 10 Simple Living Websites

So you're interested in living simply, right?

It's a topic I've been writing and coaching on for a while now, so I compiled this top 10 list.

These websites all help you live a more simple or minimalist lifestyle. The list is heavy on inspiration, rather than tools, because I believe if you feel inspired, the right tools tend to come to you easily.

I hope you enjoy these sites as I have.

1.  Becoming Minimalist

Joshua Becker helps guide one million readers with a humble voice and an encouraging attitude. He writes that the blog "quickly became a place to encourage others, the word 'becoming' representing an open invitation to all. It does not boldly require anyone to 'be' minimalist overnight – nor does it specifically define the word for you. Instead, it encourages you to consider the journey and the far-reaching benefits that come from owning less."

2. Be More With Less

Courtney Carver is an Oprah Magazine featured motivator. She gently guides readers on "mini-missions, " like "One In Two Out," that help make living simply achievable. Why listen to her advice? She says because she has "made all the mistakes. I have made a bunch of money and spent even more. I have been too busy, too tired, too full, too stressed and too overworked for too long and I’ve changed my ways."

3. 750words.com

I love this site and I use it almost every single morning. It helps me clear my head and do the internal/mindset work that keeps me from using shopping (or eating, drinking, drugs… etc.) to make me feel better when my heart is blue or my mind is confused. I love to journal, get ideas, dream, and even track my daily word count here.

4. The Minimalists

The Minimalists, (Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus) may have been my very first introduction to the online minimalism community. Through them, I realized that there were lots of people like me, who just weren't buying into the whole, well, buying thing.  At least not the consuming-as-a-lifestyle thing.  I love how they manage to fit both of their (very different) personalities into their blog posts. podcasts, books, and tv show. Uniquely, they tend to get a bit more philosophical and spiritual about decluttering than other simplicity/minimalist bloggers.

5.  Miss Minimalist

Author and blogger Francine Jay is a celebrity in the world of minimalist living. She has sold over 150,000 books and been featured on CNN, BBC, and NBC.  To me, she stands out in the sea of minimalists online because she cares about fashion and beautiful design. I love her "Real Life Minimalist" series where she profiles her readers in their own words.

6.  Pinterest

I chuckle at myself when I realize why Pinterest helps me live simply. It's because in Pinterest Fantasy World, I can have anything I want. One of the cornerstones of living with less stuff is halting all shopping-as-entertainment. Every item I buy is carefully considered, with few whim purchases.  Before Pinterest, I missed the visually enticing experience of shopping. But now? Why go shopping in the real world, when you can have it instantly on Pinterest without leaving the comfort of your home? Instead of buying, just pin it.

7. A Slob Comes Clean

Dana White takes a very playful approach to sharing about cleaning, organizing, and decluttering on her blog and podcast. She’s the author of two books, including her most recent book Decluttering at the Speed of Life. “Looking for perfection?” she writes. “You won’t find it here.” Instead you’ll find reality-based cleaning and organizing strategies.

8. Zero Waste Home

And now for something a little different! Bea Johnson is a celebrated author, speaker, and lifestyle expert. She and her family of four have reduced their annual waste down to what can fit in a small jar. While simple living can be said to encompass zero waste living, I’m very, very far from a zero waste life. However, I find the possibilities inspiring. We can all learn how to move, bit-by-bit, in a zero waste direction.

9. ZenHabits

This one is possibly my favorite simplicity blog, if I had to pick. There's a reason ZenHabits is one of the top 50 websites in the world, according to Time Magazine. Writer, runner, vegan, and father of six Leo Babauta writes for two million monthly readers about how to build habits for a peaceful, healthy, simple life.  He sounds like a superhero, but if you read his work, you get the feeling he's a regular guy who has slowly and steadily made healthy changes in his life. The website is the most simple and tranquil I've ever visited.

10. SimpleLivingToolkit.com

Well, you’re here already so I don’t feel like I have to extol the virtues of my own blog. My mission here is to help you simplify to live your best life. I’ve been writing on this topic for over six years and my book has been downloaded nearly (SO CLOSE) 100,000 times on Amazon Kindle. I try my best to mix the philosophical (i.e., why we choose simple living) with the practical (i.e., the t-shirt that should be in your capsule wardrobe).

That’s it!

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note on how to edit your life for more joy.

What Does a Minimalist Home Look Like? 🏠

A: Whatever a minimalist wants it to look like.

Minimalism and simple living mean different things to different people. For some, minimalism simply means not owning a lot of stuff. For others, it might mean living simply in a small space where everything is multi-use or foldaway. And for still others, it might refer to a spare, modern style of interior design.

There are many ways to be a minimalist. Your home can reflect a minimalist aesthetic (sleek lines, bare white walls...) but it doesn't have to. If you enjoy living simply and with only things you love, there's a great variety of ways your home can look.

As proof, today I'm sharing...

5 Unique Minimalist Living Spaces to Inspire You

1. Will and Jen’s Tiny House

What a thoughtfully designed tiny home in an unusual setting (not on wheels in the mountains or a backyard, but built in a subdivision).

2. This Fold-Up Kitchenette

This product from Culshaw Bell provides a lot of culinary power in a very small space. It’s a unique piece that would fit in any minimalist home. Also, just seeing how it’s designed is inspiring for what you can do in a small space.

3. Sleek Lines and Modern Style

This space exhibits a minimalist design as well as a minimalist approach to stuff. Although it was posted in 2014, I think it looks very stylish and up to date in 2018. Minimalism can be very classic.

4. The Professional Minimalist

Check out Joshua Fields Millburn's (of The Minimalists) home (for his family of three) right here via his blog. It's enough to make any minimalist sigh in admiration, or mutter "OCD!" jealously under her breath. Or is that just me?

5. Minimalist Home Tour

Here's another video tour of another minimalist home from "Sharayah Simple." I like that it seems, perhaps, more realistic than the others with the baby gear and the artwork.

Find what works for you

I love seeing how each minimalist defines his or her own version of minimalism. I hope these 5 different types of minimalist living spaces have you inspired! Now go and find what kind of minimalism works for you.

21-Day Minimalist Living Challenge

I love a challenge.

Especially a short one.

This minimalist living challenge will help you declutter and live more simply and intentionally in 21 days. It's for people who need a little kickstart of inspiration and instruction to get started with simple living. It will get you focusing on what matters.

If you start now, it will end right before holiday gifts start pouring in.

But you can start it anytime you choose.

The 21-Day Minimalist Living Challenge

Do one item per day.

(Below there is an image you can save or print for reference.)

1. Write a 1-sentence vision of how you want your home to look and feel.

2. Plan a internet-free day.

3. Cull your wardrobe.

4. Write down your 3 most-dreaded clutter categories.

5. Go without makeup.

6. Don't spend money on except food and necessarily consumables.

7. Write a 10-item gratitude list.

8. Wear the same outfit for three days in a row.

9. Declutter your #1 most dreaded clutter category.

10. Meditate for 10 minutes.

11. Plan a fun or relaxing outdoor experience.

12. Spend 10 minutes freewriting your own eulogy.

13. Read an article about an inspiring minimalist.

14. Pick one item from each room in your house to give to charity.

15. Call a friend who lives far away.

16. Meditate on what you would take with you if your house was on fire.

17. Declutter your grooming items.

18. Decide on 1 thing you will no longer do. Write it down.

19. Download one e-book or audiobook about minimalist living. (Recommended.)

20. Plan coffee with a good friend you'd like to catch up with.

21. Hire or barter help in an area that is not your strong suit.

Save this image digitally or print for easy reference:

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note on how to edit your life for more joy.

21 Unexpected Things to Declutter

Minimalist living isn't only about purging your wardrobe. It's not just about packing carry-on only when you travel. It's also about making sure you keep certain things, and leave other things out of the bag you take with you on this journey called life.

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Today I'm sharing 21 unexpected things to edit out of your life.

By ditching these things, you can live with more lightness and enlightenment. More delight and less drama.

What to Declutter:

1. Chronic stress

2. Guilt

3. Your inner critic

4. Your outer critic

5. Perfectionism

6. Blaming

7. Intolerance

8. Lying

9. Resentment

10. Hate

11. Chronic self-doubt

12. Procrastination

13. Paralyzing fear

14. Self-pity

15. Confining conformity

16. Violent action

17. Violent communication

18. Living in another moment that isn't now

19. Waiting for another time to pursue your dreams

20. Trying to be someone other than you

21. Hating on your body (stop right now forever)

The problem with keeping the above around is that they crowd out what you really want. Life is short. Our days are short. There's really not much space for the above things if you want to deeply experience what’s on this next list.

What to Keep for a Fulfilling Life:

• Love

• Gratitude

• Self-care

• Friends

• Passion

• Forgiveness

• Creativity

• Empathy

• Kindness

• Abundance

• Delight

• Serenity

• Playfulness

• Honesty

• Beauty

• Laughter

• Compassion

Life's a Short Trip

Advertisers, ego, and pain will try to make you think you need to bring everything on the first list along for the ride of your life, but you don't. That stuff will make your life way too crowded. When it comes down to it, we have 100% responsibility for what we choose to bring with us and what we leave behind. Choose wisely. Curate well.

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note about editing your life for more joy.

This is an updated version of an earlier post.

Minimalism: a Basic Definition

We’ve all got different ideas of what minimalism means.

Today I'm sharing my definition through a free excerpt from my book, Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health, and Creativity.

Whether you've read the book or not, this is a great reminder of the place I think minimalism should have in our lives. Bottom line? My brand of minimalism is all about joy. (Not perfection or all-white furniture.)

What is Minimalist Living?

Let’s start by talking about the word behind the phrase “minimalist living.”

Minimalism.

The word “minimalism” comes to us from the world of art and design. It’s the less-is-more aesthetic that you’ve experienced if you’ve ever been in an art museum and found yourself pondering a canvas simply painted in one solid color.

I use minimalism here to describe a similar attitude toward our stuff, our thoughts, and our lives. When I talk about minimalism, I mean something that is different for each person. Although minimalism in this context isn’t the term used to describe a certain style of art or design, some of the connotations from that world can inform our definitions of minimalism. For example, to some, minimalism means clean lines, white space, simplicity, and a less-is-more mentality. But that conventional definition of minimalism won’t necessarily apply to everyone as they think about what kind of place they want their home to be or what they want their life to look like.

Within this context, what do we mean exactly when we say “I’m a minimalist?”

Well, the answer varies for each person, but first and foremost, a minimalist lifestyle is about increasing your joy through simplicity. It’s all about what gives your life meaning and makes you happy, and nothing more.

What Minimalism Is and Isn't

Minimalism is:

• Letting go of that which does not serve you.

• Designing your life based on how you want to live it, not the expectations of others.

• Letting go of negative or obsessive thoughts.

• Looking around and seeing your personality reflected in your living

space.

• Being surrounded by colors and textures that make you feel good.

• Putting furniture in rooms to reflect how you really live, instead of how other people live.

• Creatively using one item for more than one purpose.

• Borrowing from friends or neighbors, or renting, if you use something rarely.

• Giving unused things away now, not later.

• Knowing that you have what you need and it is enough.

• Spending money on experiences and adventures.

Minimalism is not:

• Saying “yes” to every request on your time.

• Keeping things out of guilt or a sense of loyalty to someone.

• Making sure your home looks like it could be in a décor magazine (unless that’s truly your passion).

• Having a couch and a TV just because everyone else does.

• Having a gadget for every possible whim you might have.

• Filling an attic, garage, or basement with things for the kids in case they ever want them.

• Keeping something because it’s easier than recycling it or giving it away.

• Keeping something only because it’s worth a lot of money.

• Renting a personal storage unit long term.

• Spending money on possessions that require maintenance or management.

Do these lists help you define minimalism for yourself?

I hope you found this post to be a great reminder of why you're part of the simple living movement and of what minimalism can do for you.

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note about editing your life for more joy.

This is an updated version of an earlier post.

5 Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life

This is a guest post by Jenn Baxter, author of Live a F.a.s.t. Life:  How Stripping Down and Cleaning Up Gave Me My Life Back.

When you think about decluttering, what comes to mind?  Most likely, an image of an overstuffed garage, a dusty old attic or a closet overflowing with clothes.

But there’s a whole other world of decluttering that you may have never thought about, that will indeed change your life: decluttering your digital world.

In today’s hi-tech, social media and device-obsessed society, we basically have two worlds - one that exists in the electronic realm and one that exists IRL.  (That is how you know what that means, after all.)

Our IRL world may seem like the most obvious place to downsize and declutter. But, even though we may not be as consciously aware of it, our digital worlds can easily become cluttered too.

If we’re not careful, our inboxes become flooded with thousands of emails.  Our phones become so overloaded with apps that we have to keep upgrading our storage.  And even our computer desktops get so overloaded with icons that we can hardly see that beautiful background of a beach cabana anymore. 

But the cool (and exciting) thing is, our digital worlds are actually easy to declutter and require a lot less heavy lifting than taking all of Aunt Susie’s old cookbooks down to Goodwill.  You can do most of these decluttering steps from the comfort of your couch or your bed.

However, the freedom and release that you’ll experience afterward will have you feeling like you’ve just run a marathon.

So, let’s get started.

1. Clean up your desktop

You know how it’s easier to cook when you’re starting with a clean, uncluttered countertop?  The same is true for decluttering your computer.  Before you even dive in to any of the programs or folders on it, you need to start with the first thing you see - your desktop.  If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably saved a couple dozen (or hundred) things to your desktop over time that you want to be able to easily come back to.  Only problem is, you’ve now saved so many shortcuts, that the time it takes to find anything isn’t so short anymore.

Take some time now to go through all of them (yep, every last one) and decide if it’s still something you need.  If not, delete it.  Remember, these are shortcuts, not the actual files or pages, so you’re determining whether you need to keep a shortcut to it.  You can still keep the original file in a folder on your hard drive.  Make sure you also go through any URL shortcuts you’ve saved and decide whether you use them frequently enough to warrant a shortcut on your desktop.  If not, you can still go into the page and save it as a bookmark on your browser for easy access.  

After you’ve finished, now arrange the icons that are left into a logical design.  For instance, you may want to group all of your personal shortcuts on one side of the screen and all of your business icons on the other.  This will also help save you time, which is kind of the whole point, right?

2.  Go through your programs, folders and temporary files

If you find yourself sitting in front of a computer that’s so slow you’re beginning to wonder if you’ve time-travelled back to 1980, you may have downloaded one too many freebies or plug-in apps.  This is another very common thing that we all do - visit a page and download a PDF (usually to our desktop), thinking we are going to consult it all the time, only to never look at it again.  Now is the time to clear out all of those old documents, files, folders and programs that you never use.  You can also go into your computer’s temporary files (or cache) and clear it as well for some more speed and efficiency.

Feeling uber-gutsy?  Go ahead and empty your Recycle Bin too.  Gasp!  

3.  Clean out your email inbox

Oh the infamous inbox... where thousands of emails go to die.  Now, this one may seem a little overwhelming and it may take a little more time, but I promise you... you can do it and it WILL be worth it!  If you have hundreds or thousands (please don’t tell me tens of thousands) of emails sitting in your inbox, don’t you think it’s about time to go through them?  Hopefully, many of them are trash, so it’s as simple as hitting delete on those.  Mark spam emails appropriately and unsubscribe from any email newsletters you no longer wish to receive.  You can also use a free app like “Unroll.me” to consolidate them into a single digest email that will unclutter your inbox.  Then, for those emails that you want to keep, set up a few folders for different categories (like bills, family, work, etc.) and file them into the appropriate folder.  This will not only help you to find them more easily later, but also keep your inbox clean, which, once you do it, will help you to feel less stressed and overwhelmed.

4.  Declutter your social media platforms

Whether you’re a full-blown social media junkie or just an occasional user, your networking platforms can probably use a little cleaning up too.  First, go through and delete any programs that you don’t even use.  Then, go through each one that’s left and clean out your “friends” or contacts lists.  (You know you don’t really have 1,000 friends in real life... don’t even try.)  This is also a great time to unfriend or remove those people whose posts you find offensive or disturbing.  You don’t need that kind of thing assaulting you on a daily basis, so get rid of it!

5.  Give your phone a break

Last, but surely not least... your phone - another digital space where we tend to deal with “clutter” by simply getting a faster one or a bigger memory card, when all we need to do is a little decluttering.  Go through your contacts list and delete any that you are no longer in contact with or no longer need.  If there’s no need to keep all of those old numbers in your phone log, go ahead and delete those too.  Delete old, unneeded text messages and save any that you do want to keep to the Cloud.  If you have tons of photos cluttering up your phone, clear them out by getting rid of ones you don’t need and downloading ones you want to keep to a digital photo frame or a photo printing app.  Most importantly, go through all of the apps that you’ve downloaded to your phone and delete any that you haven’t used in the last three months (or ever).  Not only will your phone start to feel cleaner and more organized, but you’ll miraculously have a faster phone without the upgrade fees!

Jenn Baxter is an accomplished speaker, freelance writer and the author of the book, Live a F.a.s.t. Life:  How Stripping Down and Cleaning Up Gave Me My Life Back, which is available here.

Double-click to edit…

She has been published in numerous print and online publications and appears at tiny house festivals, healthy living festivals and private engagements across the country, speaking on the subjects of downsizing & minimalism, clean eating, healthy living and spiritual health.  She appeared on HGTV’s “Tiny House Big Living,” is a regular guest on the NBC morning show “Charlotte Today” on WCNC-TV and has also appeared as a guest on several tiny house-themed podcasts including The Purpose Show, the Tiny House Podcast and Tiny House Canada. Visit her website to learn more.

If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below. You’ll get a three-day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my weekly note about editing your life for more joy.

This is an updated version of an earlier post.

Peeling Back the Layers

Guest post by Tara Causland

“Have patience in all things—but first of all, with yourself. ”

— St. Francis de Sales

I’ve had a long term intention towards decluttering.

I’ve read articles and books on simplicity. I’ve watched everything from TLC’s Clean Sweep in the mid-2000s to Netflix’s recent Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. I love seeing the before and after transformations of people’s living spaces. Watching these, I feel renewed in my motivation to make my own space as lovely and clear as these professionally organized nirvanas.

Here’s the thing, though: my clutter hasn’t gone away in one phase of decluttering frenzy. Things accrued over years of filing without purging and piling without reviewing. Over years of putting off deciding what to do with this gift or that purchase. Ridding myself of all of it can’t be shown in a single, tidy episode of televised glory.

And that is okay.

When I began participating in Genevieve Parker Hill’s guided minimalist opportunities, like her 30-Day Map to Get Rid of Your Crap, it provided me clearer structure in how to address my clutter. The frequent catch was—not unlike friends, family, and many of you reading this—I had emotional hurdles to overcome before I was ready to let go of certain things.

At one point, I talked to Genevieve about how each round of decluttering felt like I was peeling back the layers. Each time I went through the effort, I was able to let go of more. It felt like a process of emotional and physical excavation.

Pulling off one layer of things gave me space to examine whether I was ready to send off other things. Plus, decluttering became easier as I’ve made it a habit.

The emotional toll of going through old paperwork can be especially challenging. I’ve found things in old files or boxes that felt like an internal bomb went off. You know those sorts of things—letters from someone who’s no longer in your life, a note from a family member, a paper you wrote that earned you an opportunity, goals you’d listed that didn’t happen when you’d hoped.

Those heightened good and bad emotions swirl. They can delay your ability to decide how to handle the item while you’re too overwhelmed with handling your internal response to it.

On top of all of that, decision fatigue is real. Going through multiple file drawers’ worth of paperwork taxes your mind and energy. Papers, which can cling tightly to each other in a tiny space, manage to be the densest of clutter. One thing I do for decision fatigue when I go through a file and realize I’m hesitating a lot is to put aside the things I am certain I don’t want to keep. Then I put the things I’m having a harder time deciding about into another pile.

Then I get rid of the pile I am sure I don’t want or need! Shred, recycle, toss it. I don’t want to let it slip back into a space where I will have to go through it again. I’ve peeled back that layer and it’s OK to let it go.

On the next round you’ll be able to let go of some items you couldn’t before. Sometimes you just need to be ready to acknowledge that something is no longer serving you. Other times, you may realize a good use for an item that you hated to throw away or thought of someone else who needs it.

As you declutter, you learn what you really need. You can gain confidence and perspective in making decisions. Just take it one layer at a time. The weight that’s lifted will help you breathe again and make the layers to come less daunting.

Knowing that I’m doing the best that I can and at least getting closer to the goal I want gives me comfort and motivation to keep going.

The truth is decluttering needs to remain a lifetime habit. It is all too easy to tuck away papers in file cabinets and other items in drawers and cupboards and end up with decades’ worth of things you didn’t look at again.

So keep at it and be kind to yourself. A little progress is still progress.

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Tara Causland is a freelance writer and script analyst who appreciates compelling storytelling and loves to make people laugh. When she emerges from decluttering escapades, she enjoys visiting gardens, traveling, rabbit advocacy, and adventures with friends or family.

You can find her on Twitter @taracausland.

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If you liked this post, tap the heart button below, and if you want to share it, there’s a button for that too. Please share this blog as a way of helping others simplify to live their best lives.

Finally, if you haven’t signed up yet for the free 3-Day Decluttering Challenge, you have a chance to do so below.