7 Minimalist Habits for a Clutter-Free, Joyful Life

Being a mother in my early thirties, I've experienced the challenges that come with juggling young children, building a career, and the ever-elusive quest for balance in my daily life.

I've learned to embrace a set of minimalist habits to create a clutter-free, joyful life devoid of excess and filled with the things that genuinely bring me happiness and that allow me to focus on what truly matters.

Today I'm sharing seven minimalist habits that have transformed my life, and if adopted, can potentially do the same for you.

Set Clear Priorities

One of the keys to minimalist living is knowing what's most important to you.

For me, this meant reevaluating my priorities and realizing that I wanted to focus on my family, personal growth, and nurturing my passions.

Prior to the birth of my first, this list looked completely different.

Once I had a clear vision of what mattered most, it became easier to let go of the things that didn't align with my goals and beliefs. Keep your priorities at the forefront of your mind to guide your decision-making.

Declutter Regularly

I've learned that keeping my living space clutter-free is essential to embracing minimalism. I set aside time each week to declutter and reorganize my home. This creates a serene, peaceful environment and helps me stay mindful of the items I allow into my space.

I make a point to declutter digital devices (my phone and laptop) —unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, delete unused apps, and organize my digital files. I also have all notifications turned off except for text messages.

Practice Mindful Shopping

Mindful shopping has been a game-changer for me. Before making a purchase, I now take a moment to think about the item's purpose and usefulness. I ask myself if I truly need it or if it's just an impulse buy. I force myself to sleep on it and leave it for at least a day before purchasing it. Often, I find that I'll completely forget about the item. If I'm still thinking about it a few days later, I consider purchasing more seriously.

I also keep a list of items I need on my phone that I can reference when I encounter a sale or receive a discount code. This keeps me focused on intentional and necessary purchases versus impulse buys.

Being mindful of my shopping habits helps me avoid accumulating unnecessary clutter and save money in the long run.

Embrace Quality Over Quantity

I've come to appreciate the value of focusing on quality rather than quantity. I now invest in high-quality, versatile items that will last for years instead of cheap, disposable products.

For example, if I want a new outfit for a weekend trip, I look for pieces I can wear long after the weekend and not just fast-fashion, trendy items. For me, this also mostly means not too much color, as I tend to gravitate toward black and neutrals in my daily wear.

This mindset has transformed everything from my wardrobe to my kitchenware, leaving me with a curated collection of items I truly love and appreciate.

Simplify Your Schedule

I've learned to simplify my schedule, prioritizing activities that align with my values and bring me joy. I've let go of the rest and made sure to block out time for self-care, deep work, and relaxation, which has made a world of difference in my overall well-being.

In short, I've learned to say "no."

You don't have to accept every invitation that comes your way.

Cultivate Gratitude

Focusing on gratitude has shifted my perspective. My husband and I often recite our "gratefuls" before going to sleep at night, which has helped us both appreciate what we already have.

Another way to cultivate gratitude could be keeping a gratitude journal.

In my ongoing pursuit of minimalism, I have discovered an enhanced sense of satisfaction and a deeper sense of purpose by actively fostering a mindset that cherishes gratitude and cultivates thankfulness for the things I possess and the experiences I have.

Create a Minimalist Mindset

I've discovered that minimalism isn't just about decluttering my physical space; it's also about decluttering my mind. As one of my newer minimalist habits, I now incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing into my daily routine in addition to my workouts.

These practices help me cultivate a calm, focused mindset, making embracing minimalist habits in all areas of my life easier.

How Minimalist Habits Have Changed My Life

Embracing minimalism has brought me a sense of peace, mental clarity, and joy that I work hard to maintain and cultivate.

I hope that by incorporating at least a few of these seven habits into your life, you too can reap the rewards of a clutter-free, intentional lifestyle.

Keep in mind that the essence of minimalism does not lie in depriving oneself of possessions or experiences; rather, it focuses on carving our room in our lives to make space for what genuinely holds significance to us.

Make room for the things that truly matter.