Seven habits to live a simpler, clutter-free life
We all live busier, bigger and faster lives than ever before. We fill our calendars, max out our credit cards and spend hours scrolling our smartphones comparing our lives to others.
But there is an alternative - simple living is all about cutting back your possessions and living a less hurried life.
Here are seven practical tips to live a simpler, clutter-free life.
1. Simplify your finances
Our finances and how we feel about them are major contributors to our general sense of well-being, so invest some time in making things simpler:
Cancel unused subscriptions - stop paying for things you’re not using.
Automate payments and investments - it saves time and ensures bills and savings happen without your day-to-day involvement.
Pay off debt - use the snowball or avalanche method. With the snowball method you pay off the smallest debt you have as quickly as possible, then take the money you were paying into that debt and roll it into the next-smallest. With the avalanche method, you pay off the debt with the highest interest first, taking the money you were paying into that debt and rolling it into the one with the next highest interest rate.
Budget within the 50/30/20 rule - 50% of your income on needs (the things you have to pay such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries and getting to work), 30% wants (such as gym membership, holidays, gadgets and accessories), 20% savings (such as an ISA or pension).
2. Choose practical materialism
Before purchasing anything, ask yourself: “Will this make me healthier, wealthier, or give me more free time?”
Purchases in these three pillars are more likely to lead to lasting joy rather than instant gratification, so spend your money on things that make you:
healthier (such as a gym membership, a quality mattress, nutritious whole foods )
wealthier (books, advice or courses on personal finance)
or free up your time (cleaning and delivery services, healthy meal delivery)
3. Establish a place for every important item
Ensuring that each one of your belongings has its own place is the only way to maintain a tidy and clutter-free home or office space. Clutter doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with what or how much you own - it's the failure to put things back where they belong.
Begin by listing your most misplaced items (such as keys, phone, wallet) and decide where you will put each of them every day.
4. Follow the one in, one out rule
Minimalism is a dual discipline - you need to manage inbound and outbound possessions to maintain balance.
If you purchase a new item, say a shirt, then donate, recycle or sell another.
5. Build a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a limited number of clothing items which can be easily mixed and matched to create lots of different looks and outfits. It’s about working out what you wear a lot, and want to keep, and identifying anything that you no longer need. Be ruthless.
The benefit - fewer options means fewer decisions. Getting dressed is easy and enjoyable when you have a small wardrobe of clothes you love, know how to wear, fit you well, and make you feel good.
6. Try to curb impulse buys
By being intentional and thoughtful about what you bring into your life, you can avoid clutter and help you not to overspend on things you don’t need.
When you go shopping - write a list before you go, and only buy what’s on your list
Use the 1% rule - if the item costs more than 1% of your annual salary, wait 3 days. If you still want the item after 3 days, get it. You’ll often realise you don’t actually want or need the thing you thought you did.
7. Limit digital distractions
Your digital environment is either producing clarity or complexity, so limit distractions and protect your time for more valuable, focused work.
Turn off notifications (sounds and visual alerts)
If it helps you focus - put your phone into flight mode, switch it off or put it in another room
Try the 3-30-0 method for your email. Set 3 email processing sessions each day of 30 minutes (9-9:30am, 1-1:30pm, 5-5:30pm) with the goal of zero emails remaining in your inbox. Avoid checking your email outside of these times.
Block out one morning a week with no contact