There are many reasons that you might want to learn how to live with less. From saving money to improving your lifestyle, living with less comes with many benefits.
Looking to get started on your living with less journey? These tips are applicable to anyone and are easy to implement into your day-to-day life. With a little practice, you’ll soon be living a much simpler and stress-free lifestyle!
1. Declutter Your Living Space
Decluttering your living space is a simple, cost-effective way to live with less. Get rid of things you don’t need or use anymore for a fresher, lesser space.
2. Limit Impulse Buying
Limiting your impulse buying can prevent you from purchasing things you don’t need and won’t use.
3. Practice Minimalism
Minimalism is the practice of only owning things that hold value to you. Following this practice is a therapeutic way to live with less.
4. Downsize Your Home
When downsizing your home, you’ll learn to do away with items you don’t need or want any longer.
5. Buy Only What You Need
Buy only what you need to reduce waste and naturally live with less.
6. Embrace Frugality
Being frugal is all about making smart, calculated decisions with your money. Embracing frugality is a great stepping stone towards living with less.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Gadgets
Unnecessary gadgets can be fun, but oftentimes they just end up unused, taking up space.
8. Reduce Wardrobe Size
Trying to start living with less? Why not go through your clothes and donate or sell anything you don’t wear anymore?
9. Limit Entertainment Subscriptions
There are so many subscription services out there these days, and it can be tempting to have them all. But do you really need every single one? Try limiting your entertainment subscriptions to grow comfortable living with less.
10. Use a Smaller Vehicle
Using a smaller vehicle is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and takes up less space! It’s a win-win.
11. Borrow Instead of Buying
Try borrowing items from friends, family, or neighbors before buying them. You never know who might be willing to lend you what you’re looking for!
12. Opt For Quality over Quantity
Quality is more important than quantity, especially when you’re working on living with less.
13. Cut Down on Fast Food
Fast food might be convenient, but it often comes with more negative effects than positive ones. Cutting down on fast food can help you to minimize unnecessary eating habits and choose something that’s more nourishing.
14. Reduce Screen Time
Spending too much time on screens is a source of nonstop, often mindless entertainment. Give your brain time to itself by reducing screen time.
15. Limit Credit Card Usage
Credit cards can make it all easy to shop till you drop! Ignore this urge by limiting your credit card usage. It’s good for you financially, too.
16. Avoid Single-Use Products
Single-use products are cheap items you buy that can only be used once. Instead, buy products that you can and will reuse a number of times.
17. Cook at Home
Cooking at home can help anyone begin to lead a simpler, more stress-free lifestyle.
18. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a good way to reduce extra shopping trips all the time. Plus, you’ll make sure to buy only what you’ll actually use.
19. Cancel Unused Memberships
Cancel any unused memberships and clear up clutter in your everyday life.
20. Simplify Your Daily Routine
Simplifying your daily routine is an essential step when you’re learning to live with less. A simpler routine prioritizes what’s important and can eliminate anything that’s unnecessary.
21. Sell or Donate Unused Items
Still have unused items lying around the house? Why not sell or donate them to make some money and clear up space?
22. Use Public Transportation
Using public transportation is a great way to start driving your own personal vehicle less often. And it’ll help you adjust to a simpler, slower lifestyle.
23. Repair Instead of Replacing
Try repairing household items that break before just going out and buying a new one!
24. Reduce Social Media Usage
Cut back on your overall social media usage and prepare to feel less brain fog and stress throughout the day. You’ll also be less influenced to always be buying the next new thing.
25. Cut Back on Takeout and Delivery
Takeout and delivery are often time-consuming, expensive, and wasteful. Cutting back on these delivery services is a good way to live with less on a daily basis.
26. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Still have those random app or magazine subscriptions you never use? Cancel them to save money and cut out the clutter.
27. Opt for Digital Books
If you’re a big reader, you know how quickly physical books can pile up. Consider opting for digital books instead – they’re cheaper, too!
28. Share Resources with Neighbors
Sharing resources with your neighbors doesn’t just grow your neighborly bond. It can also help you and your community live with less through sharing common resources.
29. Reduce Water Usage
Cut down on household water usage by taking shorter showers and never leaving the water running!
30. Cut Down on Processed Foods
Processed foods can be quick and easy, but they don’t have great nutritious value. Oftentimes you need to eat more than you’re supposed to in order to get adequate nutrients. Make the switch to more wholesome foods when you can.
31. Eliminate Disposable Items
Replace your disposable household items with quality, reusable versions.
32. Practice Energy Conservation
Practice energy conversion at home and while out by always unplugging and shutting things off when not in use. Not being constantly “plugged in” is a great way for you to live with less.
33. Limit Eating Out
Reduce how often you eat out, and replace these meals with simpler, home-cooked food.
34. Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Stop stockpiling paper and plastic bags every time you go out shopping! Instead, invest in a few reusable shopping bags that you can take wherever you go.
35. Buy Second-Hand Items
You don’t always need the nicest and newest things to live a rich, satisfying life. Try to buy second-hand whenever you can and be okay with less.
36. Consolidate Errands
Do all your errands in one handy trip instead of spreading them out throughout the week!
37. Reduce Paper Usage
Reduce your paper usage whenever you can, in the home and at work. There are many ways to do this, such as printing on both sides of the paper instead of one.
38. Limit Online Shopping
Online shopping makes it all too easy to live with excess, so limit yourself when trying to live with less.
39. Opt for Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts are more personal than store-bought ones. Plus, they help you make more out of less.
40. Reduce Food Waste
Reduce food waste by limiting your portion sizes and always eating leftovers! This can help you not need to buy new food as often.
41. Buy Used Furniture
Trying to live with less? Make a habit of buying used instead of new, especially with high-expense items like furniture.
42. Avoid Bottled Water
Constantly buying bottled water can get expensive and takes up a lot of space, so why not cut down?
43. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Using a reusable water bottle is a great way to reduce bottled water waste while staying hydrated.
44. Limit Home Decor Purchases
Decorating is a great way to make a house feel more like a home. However, it’s important to limit your decorations when you’re trying to live with less. Try only choosing decor that feels right and fits the vibe of your home.
45. Cut Down on Party Supplies
Planning a birthday party or anniversary? Cut down on excess party supplies that will just be thrown away when the big day is over.
46. Buy Multipurpose Items
Multipurpose items are items that serve several needs, such as glass jars or a fold-out sofa. Buying multipurpose items can reduce the overall amount of things you need to purchase.
47. Reduce Jewelry Purchases
Invest in quality jewelry that you can wear with anything instead of cheap jewelry pieces that you won’t reuse.
48. Avoid Trendy Clothing
Trendy clothing might seem appealing, but it often goes quickly out of trend, and you won’t wear it any longer. Instead, invest in wardrobe staples that you will wear for years to come.
49. Eliminate Excess Beauty Products
Are your cabinets still full of beauty products that you don’t use anymore? Donate them and clear up space in your cabinets and your life.
50. Cut Back on Home Accessories
Make your home simpler by cutting back on home accessories you don’t need or use.
51. Reduce Kitchen Gadgets
Not all kitchen gadgets are essential, and many of them can be eliminated or replaced. For example, sometimes, a good knife set can replace several different gadgets.
52. Limit Electronic Devices
Do you really need a phone, tablet, watch, and laptop? Decide what you really need, and sell or donate what you don’t.
53. Opt for a Smaller Phone Plan
Pay for a limited phone plan and grow accustomed to a simpler, more freeing lifestyle.
54. Reduce Lawn Maintenance
Many people love having highly maintained lawns, but it’s not always necessary. Sometimes, letting grasses and flowers grow freely is actually more aesthetically pleasing.
55. Share Tools with Neighbors
Need a specific tool for a household project that you don’t already own? Check with friends and neighbors to borrow theirs before buying your own.
56. Eliminate Duplicate Items
Nobody really needs duplicates of everything. Think kitchen utensils, sneakers, or even certain decorations. Get rid of extra items that you don’t need and clear up space!
57. Buy Fewer Toys for Children
If you have kids, it can be tempting to buy them every toy they see and want. However, quality is often more important than quantity. Buy them toys that they’ll use all the time instead of ones they’ll grow out of!
58. Avoid Excessive Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is kind and generous, but there’s no need to go overboard. Sometimes spending quality time with the people in your life is the best gift, anyway.
59. Reduce Holiday Decorations
Who doesn’t love getting into the holiday season by decorating their home? However, a little can go a long way when it comes to festive decorations.
60. Limit Hobby Spending
It’s good to invest in your hobbies, but try not to spend your whole paycheck on your hobbies. Instead, make use of what you already have before you buy anything new.
61. Reduce Vehicle Maintenance Costs
Reduce constant vehicle maintenance costs by driving responsibly and cutting back on driving whenever you can.
62. Cancel Unused Gym Memberships
Cancel your unused gym memberships and focus on at-home workouts instead!
63. Use Cloth Napkins
Replace paper towel use with reusable cloth napkins. They’ll last longer and will reduce the number of shopping trips you have to take.
64. Avoid Excessive Gift Wrapping
No need for over-the-top gift wrapping that requires several supplies! The gift inside is what truly counts.
65. Share Pet Supplies with Neighbors
Some neighbors may be generous enough to let you borrow pet supplies so you don’t have to buy your own!
66. Reduce Gardening Expenses
Reduce gardening expenses by composting, storing rainwater, and growing plants in places where they can thrive.
67. Cut Down on Cosmetics
Cosmetics are typically considered to be makeup or beauty products. It’s okay to use cosmetics to look and feel confident. However, cutting down can actually help you to be happier and healthier, both inside and out.
68. Limit Pet Toys
Limit pet toys and let your pet play with household scraps or outdoor materials, like sticks and branches.
69. Reduce Cleaning Products
There are so many cleaning products out there, and it can be tempting to buy them all! However, a little soap and hot water can actually go a long way.
70. Avoid Impulse Travel
Impulse travel can be fun, but it’s important to be content and happy at home, too.
71. Limit Outdoor Gear Purchases
If you’re into outdoor recreational activities, you likely know how much space outdoor gear can take up. Try limiting your gear purchases to things that you know when and how you’ll use.
72. Use a Smaller Wardrobe
Having an extensive wardrobe can be tempting, especially for the fashion-forward individual. However, paring down your wardrobe can actually help you become more creative and fashionable!
73. Reduce Your Shoe Collection
Do you really need a pair of heels in every color? Reduce your shoe collection by selling or donating shoes that you don’t wear often.
74. Cut Down on Art Supplies
It’s easy to buy and store art supplies that you don’t actually end up using, then forget about them. Make a point to sort through your supplies on a regular basis and donate ones you don’t need.
75. Limit Craft Supplies
Limit your collection of craft supplies to ones that you actually need or use!
76. Reuse Party Decorations
Do you constantly buy new decorations every time you throw a celebration? Why not store and reuse decorations for future get-togethers?
77. Avoid Over-The-Top Celebrations
Over-the-top celebrations can be fun, but they use up a lot of excess resources. Avoid these celebrations whenever you can, and save over-the-top events for the really important moments.
78. Limit Tech Accessories
Limit tech accessories, like phone cases or gadgets, to ones that you actually utilize.
79. Reduce Baby Gear
It can be tempting to buy one of everything if you’re expecting a baby in the family. However, you’ll quickly learn that you don’t really need all of it. Reduce anything you don’t use and donate or sell it.
80. Opt For Reusable Cleaning Cloths
Reusable cleaning cloths last longer than disposable wipes, and they often work better.
81. Limit Subscription Boxes
There’s a subscription box for everything these days, and it can be tempting to sign up for several. However, oftentimes the box comes, and you don’t even like everything in it! Reduce waste by limiting your subscription box services.
82. Cut Down on Office Supplies
Cut down on office supplies, both in the office and at home.
83. Avoid Excess Holiday Cards
Holiday cards can be sweet and thoughtful, but there’s no need to store them forever! Avoid any excess, whether it’s ones you received or ones you plan to send out.
84. Reduce Kitchen Appliances
Some kitchen appliances take up unnecessary space and don’t even get used often! Try to declutter your kitchen and sell or donate appliances you no longer need.
85. Limit Disposable Baby Products
Disposable diapers and wipes can be replaced easily with reusable alternatives. Not only are these choices more eco-friendly, they also encourage a more minimalist lifestyle.
86. Opt For Multifunctional Furniture
Multifunctional furniture is furniture that can be used for several different purposes. Some examples are a sleeper sofa or a TV stand/bookcase combo.
87. Reduce Outdoor Furniture
Reduce outdoor furniture that doesn’t really get used, and invest in quality pieces that you’ll use regularly instead.
88. Limit Gardening Tools
Many gardening tools are multipurpose, so try cutting down on what you can. You might not really need one of everything.
89. Avoid Trendy Home Decor
Home decor trends come and go, and oftentimes these pieces grow old or get disposed of. Avoid these decor trends and invest in pieces you’ll use for years to come.
90. Reduce Bathroom Products
Overflowing bathroom cabinet? We’ve all been there. Reduce any bathroom products that you don’t need or use and clear up space!
91. Cut Down on Travel Souvenirs
Travel souvenirs can be a fun way to remember a good trip or vacation. However, one souvenir per trip can definitely serve your intended purpose. No need to go crazy with souvenir shopping!
92. Opt For Reusable Food Containers
Reusable food containers are more practical than disposable bags, and they can help you live with less.
93. Limit Candle Purchases
Candles can definitely enhance a home space with an alluring scent and appearance. However, you don’t need an unlimited amount to choose from! Decide on a few candle scents and rotate between them.
94. Reduce Car Accessories
Car accessories can be fun and flashy, but most of them are not essential. Reduce any unneeded accessories in order to live with less.
95. Cut Back on Outdoor Equipment
Cut back on outdoor equipment that you don’t use often, and clear up space in your home or garage!
96. Avoid Excess Workout Gear
Working out is important, but that doesn’t mean you need every type of workout gear out there. Try to only purchase workout gear that you’ll actually use in your day-to-day routines.
97. Limit Party Favors
Limit party favors when throwing a get-together, and focus on making the actual party more memorable.
98. Reduce Bathroom Accessories
Bathroom accessories can help complete a space, but there’s no need to buy excess that you won’t need. One bathmat is enough – just don’t forget to wash it on wash day!
99. Opt for Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts can help you use some of your household supplies, plus they’re often more personal and memorable.
100. Eliminate Excess Collectibles
If you’re into collectibles, you likely understand how much space they can take up! Limit any excess collectibles that don’t actually hold great value in your life. Who knows, you might discover that you don’t really need them at all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of ways that you can adjust your lifestyle and learn to live with less. Some of them may take more work than others, but they are all very achievable.
Why not get started today and begin reaping the benefits of living with less?
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A Dime Saved
Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.