Looking for easy ways to radically simplify your life in 30 days? I made a full list of the most important life hacks for life and home organization based on my own personal experiences. Of course, you can tailor all the simplify living tips below to your own lifestyle and needs. Sounds liberating, doesn’t it?
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How To Radically Simplify Your Life And Home in 2024
One minute you’re relaxing, and the next, you’re caught in this whirlwind of appointments, to-do lists, and a mountain of chores that seem to multiply by the second. Stressful? Oh yeah, we’ve all been there. Experts point out that our brains prefer “singletasking” over multitasking. If you’re looking for easy ways to simplify your life and home, the following scenarios sound really familiar to you.
You find yourself standing in front of the fridge, staring at a bunch of ingredients, and suddenly you’re a contestant on a cooking show with Gordon Ramsay yelling in your head. You’ve got work meetings, doctor visits, and that occasional catch-up with friends that you swear you’ll pencil in but always forget. Papers, tangled cables, and random stuff you don’t even remember buying find their way into every room.
A study found that the levels of the stress hormone cortisol were higher in mothers whose home environment was cluttered. It doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve got the power to take control with just a few tips on how to radically simplify your home and life.
Imagine your to-do list as a streamlined roadmap, guiding you through the day without the overwhelming feeling of being trapped in an endless loop of tasks. That’s what simplify living feels like to me. And, to most people who have adopted some of the easy helpful life tips listed below. To put it simply, a simplified life is all about decluttering the noise and focusing on the heartbeats of what truly matters.
Life’s too short for unnecessary stress, right?
What Does a Simple Life Looks Like?
A simplified life is like having a well-organized playlist – smooth, curated, and filled with the tunes that truly resonate with you. It’s that feeling when you open your closet, and instead of being bombarded by a mishmash of clothes, you’re met with a carefully selected ensemble of favorites. Think of it as having a clutter-free mental desktop, where you can easily locate your thoughts without getting lost in a chaotic sea of mental tabs.
It’s been proven that household mess triggers stress and anxiety. According to Dr. Erika Penney “When we’re surrounded by distractions, our brains essentially become battlegrounds for attention. Everything competes for our focus. Other experts also pointed out that “clutter can also make us less productive, triggering coping and avoidance strategies that make us more likely to snack on junk and watch TV shows.”
For me, simplifying life means trading the stress-inducing rush hour for a leisurely stroll, where you actually have time to notice the beauty of everyday things – like that adorable puppy across the street or the satisfying crunch of autumn leaves beneath your feet.
How to Simplify Your Life Quickly?
Before I jump right into my most efficient life hacks for home and life, let’s discuss what “simplify living” actually requires from you. If you are anything like me, you probably try to juggle a myriad of different things. This is so stressful! So, let’s hit pause and:
- Identify the essential aspects of your life – focus on what truly matters.
- Streamline your surroundings by decluttering, starting with your living and workspaces.
- Create simple daily and weekly routines to bring structure and predictability to your days, lastly,
- Adopt a minimalist mindset in your possessions and lifestyle choices to reduce unnecessary complexity.
You see, life can become too complicated when we take on too many responsibilities, commitments, or obligations. Even more so if we continue to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves and create a cycle of disappointment and frustration. I think we can all agree that poorly managing time and failing to prioritize tasks can lead to a chaotic and complicated daily life very quickly.
So, let’s dive into the greatest life hacks that will help you to radically simplify your life in just 30 days.
15 Easy Ways To Simplify Your Life and Home
Simplify your meals with weekly meal planning
It might not seem like it, but weekly meal planning is one of the absolutely most helpful life tips. Sure, saving time and money are the obvious perks, but the benefits go way beyond that. For most people out there, daily cooking is extremely stressful. No more last-minute grocery store dashes or guilt-inducing takeout containers cluttering your conscience.
When your meals are pre-planned, you’ll spend less time pondering and more time savouring. Most importantly, planning your meals allows you to focus on nutrition. How many times have you opted for the quickest (and usually least healthy) option when hunger strikes? Exactly!
Grab a notebook, a stack of cookbooks, and your favourite cooking playlist, and let’s get started. Jot down your meals for the week, consider leftovers for lunch, and make a grocery list that would make any list-lover swoon.
Do a daily home tidying-up session
Here’s one of the most efficient life hacks for home organization! Cluttered spaces, cluttered minds – ever heard that saying? Tidying up daily helps clear your mental fog, giving you the mental space to conquer the next day. This is a quick, 15-minute ritual at the end of each day that’s going to revolutionize your living space.
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the pile of laundry in the corner, the empty jars that are sitting on your countertop, and the not-so-useful items that spontaneously appear in random places. Set aside 15 minutes at the end of your day, put on your favourite playlist, and tackle those main spots. It’s not about perfection– it’s about progress. Toss stray items into their designated homes, fluff those pillows, and voila – your home is back in harmony.
Simplify your “family meeting” each week using FANOS
If the buzz of life often prevents you from connecting with your family, this helpful life tip will help you reclaim those connections. FANOS paves the way for open, honest communication. It’s a designated time for everyone to express thoughts, concerns, and triumphs without judgment. Whether it’s a shared laugh, a comforting word, or a collaborative decision, FANOS ensures everyone is on the same page. Through FANOS, you can affirm your partner or family member for who he/she is or appreciation for something he/she has done, ask for something you need, take responsibility and apologize for something you have said or done, or share any struggles you might be having.
Do a declutter each season
Most experts agree on one thing: the easiest way to radically simplify your life is by minimizing your possessions. Your needs change with the seasons, right? Decluttering each season helps our space evolve with us. Winter coats in summer? Not on our watch! Take a moment to reflect on the stuff that’s accumulated. You can’t possibly need all of that!
Grab some trash bags, put on your favourite tunes, and let’s dive in. Start small – a drawer here, a shelf there. Donate what no longer serves you, toss the broken beyond repair, and revel in the satisfaction of a rejuvenated space. Just make sure to tackle each room separately. Trust me, Rome wasn’t decluttered in a day.
Simplify your wardrobe
If the sight of your wardrobe triggers anxiety, here’s one of the most important things to quit to simplify your life: sartorial chaos. Simplifying your wardrobe means fewer choices. Say goodbye to decision fatigue and hello to stress-free mornings. You need to make room for what matters and utilize your closet space efficiently. Reflect on your personal style and the clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Then, sort your clothes into categories (keep, donate, toss). Seriously, be ruthless – if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to bid adieu. Curate capsule collections for different seasons or occasions. Now, all you have to do is mix and match pieces within each capsule to maximize outfit options. Lastly, before adding a new item, ask yourself if it complements your existing wardrobe.
Have a set morning and night routine
You probably know how much I love routines. They help me provide a structured framework, reducing the mental clutter that comes from chaotic, unplanned mornings and evenings. Evening routines and morning routines are a space for self-care. Whether it’s mindfulness practices, exercise, or reading, the most important thing is to prioritize your wellbeing. You can check out my two guides for tips on how to kick-start and end your day on a positive note.
Simplify cooking by investing in a crockpot
How can a crockpot help me in my simplify living journey, I hear you ask? It saves time and energy! Slow cookers allow you to prepare meals in advance and have them ready when you get home. You toss ingredients into a pot, go about your day, and return to find a mouthwatering, slow-cooked dish. Crockpots extract every bit of deliciousness from your ingredients. From soups to stews, curries to roasts –this versatile cookware handles a variety of dishes.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, this is the crockpot we have and love. And if you want to take the simplifying one step further, these slow cooker liners make cleanup an absolute breeze.
Choose simple, minimalist decor
Don’t get me wrong, home styling is my passion. I love choosing beautiful pieces for my home. However, if the visual chaos of your living space has left you yearning for a breath of fresh, clutter-free air, maybe it’s time to rethink your choices. Of course, you can create a space that reflects your personality without overwhelming the senses. Minimalism means that each decor element in a minimalist space serves a purpose.
This mindful curation fosters intentionality and a deeper connection with your surroundings. Plus, you’ll happily say goodbye to hours spent cleaning and rearranging. Minimalist decor streamlines your cleaning routine. Here are my favourite tips for creating a beautiful home office, some great ways to arrange vases and flowers, and a complete list of furniture stores in Calgary (for those of you who are fellow Albertans) to inspire your minimalist journey.
Set monthly goals and break them down into weekly/daily tasks
If you’re really serious about making the most out of the many easy ways that help simplify your life and home in 30 days, goal setting should be on your list. That’s especially true for those of you who feel like your aspirations are stuck in the “someday” phase. To be more productive, you need to strategically break down those goals into manageable steps, making success not just a possibility but an inevitability.
Each month, you know exactly what to prioritize, eliminating decision fatigue. I personally love this helpful life tip a lot because it lets me witness my growth in real time. Monthly goals allow you to measure your progress, adapt your strategies, and celebrate the journey as much as the destination.
Don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way.
Do a digital declutter each month
Next up is one of the easiest ways to simplify your life in just a few minutes. Digital decluttering forces you to reassess your digital habits. Organize photos into folders, ruthlessly unsubscribe from email lists, and Marie Kondo your social media – if it doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to bid it farewell.
The goal is to keep in your inbox only the emails that truly matter. That has helped put my priorities and work tasks in order. Also, I’ve noticed that clearing my social media feed of non-value-adding content helps me avoid unnecessary distractions. In other words, my scrolling time is filled with inspiration, positivity, and connection.
Simplify your to-do list with a “life admin day” each month
If you want to simplify your life in 30 days or less, it’s about time to add a “life admin day.” I’m referring to a designated day each month to conquer all those adult responsibilities that have been playing hide-and-seek with your sanity. Instead of letting responsibilities pile up, tackle them head-on. By scheduling appointments, handling returns, and running errands in advance, you’re setting the tone for a more organized and intentional month.
Start with the most important tasks. Set appointments for doctor visits, meetings, or any other engagements for the month ahead. Then, gather items you need to return or exchange. Lastly, create a list of errands to run (grocery shopping, dry cleaning, etc.). Your future self will thank you for your proactive stance against chaos.
Use a shared list to simplify grocery shopping
Here’s a fantastic life hack that has saved my and my husband’s sanity more times than I can count – a shared grocery list. Just a quick tap on the shared note, and we’re both updated. If you’ve ever been in the kitchen, eyeing the last drops of coffee creamer, and you thought, “Note to self: grab more tomorrow,” this one is for you. Did one of you finish the milk? Pop it on the list. Running low on avocados? Straight to the list they go.
Use Amazon’s “subscribe and save” feature to simplify shopping
If you’re shopping online a lot, this is one of the greatest life hacks that will save you lots of time. Imagine a world where your home essentials magically appear when needed, without you lifting a finger. That’s exactly what Amazon’s “subscribe and save” feature can do for you. You can easily tailor your subscription to your needs.
Adjust delivery frequencies, add or remove items, and fine-tune your subscription to fit your evolving lifestyle. Plus, who doesn’t love a good deal? Subscribing to regular deliveries often means discounts and special offers. Start by adding the most essential items – toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products. Confirm your subscription, and voila! Your essentials are now on autopilot.
The 1password app for password storage
Here’s how to radically simplify your life with one simple app: 1password. If you can’t remember 90% of your passwords like I do, this one will save you a lot of time. With this app, your passwords are encrypted and locked away in a digital vault with military-grade security. Tired of the same old weak passwords? 1Password can generate robust, virtually uncrackable passwords for your accounts, putting digital burglars on notice.
Also, you can seamlessly switch between devices without the headache of manual syncing. Here’s how it works: Install the app on your device of choice. Then, set up your master password – the key to your digital fortress. Create a secure vault to house your passwords. Manually input your existing passwords or use 1Password’s password import feature. And lastly, let 1Password do the heavy lifting by organizing and categorizing your passwords.
Simplify finances
Dozens of studies show that financial stress is positively associated with depression. APA found that 72 percent of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least sometime in the prior month. The same goes for Canadians too. Money remains the biggest source of stress among Canadians for the sixth year in a row, according to a new survey. While these helpful life tips won’t make money worries disappear, they can certainly help you manage your finances more efficiently.
Start by dusting off your budget spreadsheet or app. Personally, I use the “Money Manager Expense & Budget”, but you can also check out PocketGuard and Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner.
Now, let’s get real. Break down your spending into categories – groceries, bills, streaming service subscriptions (we all have one or three). Look at those numbers and ask yourself: “Do I really need that many streaming services? Can I survive with one less avocado toast a week?”
Tip: This is your money reality check. We’re not saying ditch the things you love, just maybe cut back on the extras.
Dig through your transactions, and I mean really dig. See that subscription you signed up for but forgot about? It’s time for its close-up. Cancel those sneaky expenses that are hiding in plain sight.
Credit cards – the love-hate relationship we all have. Check the interest rates, see if there are better options out there, and maybe consider leaving one at home for those impromptu online shopping sprees.
23 Things To Get Rid Of To Simplify Your Life
- Broken gadgets
- Worn-out towels
- Unused or mismatched Tupperware
- Old magazines and newspapers
- Expired pantry items
- Unused cables and chargers
- Cracked coffee mugs
- Broken electronic devices
- Scratched and chipped dishware
- Unworn accessories (belts, hats, scarves)
- Old and unused spices
- Faded or stretched-out clothing
- Outgrown or unworn children’s clothing
- Unread books or duplicates
- Old and worn-out shoes
- Expired medications
- Unmatched or single socks
- Forgotten loyalty cards
- Outdated technology manuals
- Unused or old cellphone cases
- Unused travel-sized toiletries
- Outdated wall calendars
- Extra or unused furniture
Books To Help You Simplify Your Life and Home
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More
The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
Best Simplify Living Podcasts To Listen
This post was about all the ways to radically simplify your home and life
I hope this simplify living guide helped you discover many new ways to simplify your life and home in 30 days.
Remember, simplicity is a journey, not a destination. These life hacks are meant to be adaptable to your preferences and lifestyle. Feel free to mix and match or adjust the timeline based on your needs. Happy simplifying!
Other Posts You May Like
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- 10 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed in Life
- 35 Self Care Ideas For Winter
- Self Compassion and Why It Matters
- 12 Podcasts About Motivation That’ll Inspire You To Create A Life You Love
- How To Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder or “The Winter Blues”
