The Simple Living Guide: How to Slow Down and Live With Intention

Modern life can feel like one big cluttered mess. Overflowing wardrobes, jam-packed schedules, inboxes we’d rather not talk about. Simple living offers a way to reclaim your peace and purpose. It’s not about living with less just for the sake of it, it’s about intentionally creating space for what really matters, and letting go of what doesn’t.

Simple living is about finding joy in simplicity, whether that’s in your home, your daily routine, or your relationships. It’s a lifestyle that emphasises mindfulness, contentment, and living with intention. When we strip away the excess, we make room for more of what brings us happiness, clarity, and fulfilment.

I've written this guide to help you navigate the principles of simple living in a way that feels natural and sustainable. It’s about making conscious choices that align with your values, creating an environment that supports your well-being, and finding beauty in the less-is-more approach.

What Is Simple Living?

Simple living is a lifestyle focused on slowing down, reducing clutter, and making intentional choices that add real value to your life. It’s about clearing the excess—physical, mental, and digital—to create more space for what truly matters: more time, more clarity, and more peace of mind. From the way you shop to how you organise your home, simple living helps support a calmer, more purposeful life—without the overwhelm.

But simple living isn’t about rigid rules, bare rooms, or going without. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, keeping only what you find useful or beautiful, and living in alignment with your personal values. Whether it’s your home, your wardrobe, or your daily habits, simple living helps you focus on what brings joy and meaning—while letting go of what doesn’t.

Why Simple Living Matters

Simple living isn’t just about owning less, it’s about creating more space for what really matters. When your home and wardrobe are free from clutter, your mind feels lighter too. A calm space leads to a calmer mind, and that shift can transform how you feel every single day.

It also gives you freedom. With fewer things to clean, organise, or worry about, you reclaim time and energy for what you love. Simple living supports a slower, more intentional lifestyle and naturally encourages sustainable habits like reducing waste, shopping mindfully, and caring for the planet.

FAQ: Simple Living, Simplified

What are the rules of simple living?

There are no strict rules just guiding principles. Live with intention. Buy less, choose well, and focus on what matters. Prioritise quality over quantity, reduce clutter, simplify your routines, and make conscious choices that align with your values. Simple living looks different for everyone so the only rule is to keep it intentional and sustainable.

Is simple living the same as minimalism?

They overlap, but they’re not identical. Minimalism often focuses on owning less, while simple living includes a broader lifestyle shift—like slowing down, reducing stress, and consuming more mindfully. Think of minimalism as a tool for living simply.

What are the disadvantages of living a simple life?

Simple living can feel difficult at first, especially in a fast-paced, consumer-driven world. You might face FOMO, social pressure, or feel frustrated when things take longer (like cooking from scratch or buying second-hand). It’s also a mindset shift that takes time. But most of these “downsides” fade as your new habits settle in and the benefits often outweigh the bumps in the road.

Minimalism: Less Stuff, More Style

Minimalism often gets a bad rap for being cold and clinical: empty rooms, beige wardrobes, and not a hint of personality. But real minimalism isn’t about owning less for the sake of it. It’s about intentional living.

Simple living means finding beauty in the essentials and surrounding yourself with things that add value and express your personality. It’s a tool for simplifying your space, your style, and your mindset—not about restriction, but refinement.

Forget the stark white rooms and one-shirt wardrobes. Minimalism is about cutting the clutter so you can focus on what really matters. You don’t just buy less, you choose better. Timeless staples, versatile outfits, and a calm, uncluttered home—that’s the goal.

At its core, minimalism is about finding your enough. It’s permission to keep what works and let go of the rest.

Getting started with minimalism:

Start small: one drawer, one shelf, one room.
Notice what you use daily and what just takes up space.
Build a wardrobe of pieces you love and wear often.
Ask, “Would I buy this again today?”

Simple living looks different for everyone. It’s about keeping what’s beautiful, useful, or brings you joy—and letting that shape your life and style.

Minimalism FAQ

Is minimalism just about getting rid of stuff?

Not at all. It’s about keeping only what adds value—and letting go of what doesn’t. Less stuff, yes, but also more clarity, more ease, more space to enjoy life (and your style).

What does minimalist style actually look like?

It’s not just beige and black (unless that’s your thing!). Minimalist style is about wearing what you love on repeat, choosing timeless over trendy, and finding freedom in a smaller, more intentional wardrobe.

Can I be a minimalist and still love shopping?

Absolutely. Minimalism isn’t anti-shopping, it’s about shopping with purpose. Fewer impulse buys, more thoughtful investments, and clothes that really earn their place in your wardrobe.

Decluttering: Make Space for What Matters

Clutter isn’t just what’s visible—it’s the mental clutter, too. Decluttering is about clearing the excess to make room for what really matters, creating a space that supports your lifestyle without overwhelming it.

From overflowing wardrobes to chaotic junk drawers, clutter sneaks up on us. It builds gradually, quietly. But the fix doesn’t have to be dramatic. Decluttering is a process that starts small: one corner, one drawer, one shelf. Clear it out. Donate the “just in case” items. Keep only what you use, love, and need.

Decluttering isn’t about ruthlessly getting rid of everything to create a Pinterest-perfect home. When done thoughtfully, it reduces decision fatigue, simplifies your daily routine, and creates a calmer, more intentional way of living. The goal is a home (and a mind) that feels lighter and more peaceful.

Simple Steps to Declutter Sustainably:

Start small: Tackle one category at a time: clothes, books, skincare.
Sort thoughtfully: Create piles for “keep,” “donate,” “rehome,” and “recycle.”
Be honest: When was the last time you used this?
Give things a second life: Donate locally, sell second-hand, or host a swap.

Remember: Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything. It’s about keeping what serves you and letting go of what doesn’t.

Decluttering FAQ

Why is decluttering so powerful?

Decluttering is powerful because it creates space—both physically and mentally. It reduces overwhelm, simplifies decision-making, and fosters a calmer, more intentional lifestyle that helps us focus on what truly matters.

Where is the best place to start when decluttering?

The best place to start is with one small, manageable area, like a single drawer or shelf. Tackling a small space first helps build momentum and makes the process feel less overwhelming.

How do I start decluttering when I’m overwhelmed?

Start with just one small area—like a drawer or shelf. Focus on quick wins to build momentum. Set a timer, sort into “keep,” “donate,” and “recycle,” and don’t aim for perfect—aim for progress.

What’s the best method for decluttering?

There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but popular approaches like the KonMari Method, the Minimalist Game, or the 20/20 Rule can help. Pick a strategy that feels manageable and motivating, not stressful.

How do I declutter sustainably?

Avoid sending everything to landfill. Donate, sell, recycle, or repurpose items. Use local charity shops, second-hand platforms, and community swap groups to give things a second life. Decluttering with care is part of living simply.

Thrifting: Shop Smarter, Dress Better

Thrifting is the perfect antidote to fast fashion. It’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and a seriously underrated way to curate a wardrobe or home that’s full of heart and personality. By shopping second-hand, you keep clothes in circulation, reduce the demand for fast fashion, and break free from the cycle of mindless consumption.

But good thrifting isn’t about buying every bargain you see—it’s about shopping with purpose. It's about finding items that suit your style, your space, and your values. Go prepared with a wish list. Understand your personal style. Know your colour palette. Stay patient, and trust the process. That’s when second-hand shopping becomes truly rewarding.

Tips for intentional thrifting:

Start with a wish list and know your measurements.
Focus on quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes.
Thrift in person and on online marketplaces.
Be patient—it’s a slow style treasure hunt.
Don’t buy it just because it’s cheap.

Thrifting helps extend the life of clothes and helps reduce waste. With the right mindset, it’s a brilliant way to craft a wardrobe that’s not only unique but also kind to the planet.

Thrifting FAQ

Is thrifting a sustainable way to shop?

Yes! Thrifting helps reduce waste, supports the circular economy, and keeps items in use for longer. It’s an affordable, eco-friendly way to shop—especially when focused on buying only what’s needed and loved.

How do I avoid clutter when thrifting?

Thrift with intention. Make a list, set limits, and only bring home items that fit your space, style, and values. Thrifting isn’t a free pass to accumulate—it’s a mindful way to shop second-hand.

What are your top thrifting tips?

Know what you’re looking for, inspect items carefully, and try things on if possible. Go often, be patient, and trust your instincts. Some of the best finds take a little digging—but that’s part of the fun.

Zero Waste: Do What You Can, With What You Have

Zero waste living might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s not about perfection or fitting a year’s worth of waste into a jar. It’s about making small, sustainable habit shifts that reduce waste, support the planet, and help you live more consciously.

The zero waste mindset isn’t just about what you throw away, it’s about how you shop, what you buy, and how you care for the things you own. It’s slower, more intentional, and grounded in the belief that our everyday choices really do make a difference.

Start where you are. Use up what you already have. Swap plastic bags for reusable totes, disposable razors for safety razors, and bottled shampoo for bars. And when something breaks? Try fixing it before replacing it. Every little habit shift adds up.

Beginner-friendly zero waste swaps:

Tote bags instead of plastic ones
Refill jars for pantry and bathroom staples
Shampoo bars and soap bars over bottled products
Repair instead of replace (hello visible mending!)

Start by using up what you already have. Focus on long-term swaps. And celebrate progress not perfection. Every change makes a difference.

Zero Waste FAQ

What does zero waste mean?

Zero waste is about designing your lifestyle to send as little to landfill as possible. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making better choices, reducing what you consume, and reusing what you can.

How do I start a zero waste lifestyle?

Begin with small swaps—like reusable bags, water bottles, or shampoo bars. Focus on reducing waste one step at a time, and use up what you have before replacing it. Progress over perfection, always.

Is zero waste expensive?

Not at all. In fact, many zero waste habits save money over time, like buying less, reusing what you have, and avoiding disposables. Start with what’s free: refuse what you don’t need and use what you already own.

Curating a Life of Style & Intent

Simple living isn’t about going without—it’s about choosing with intention. From your wardrobe to your daily routine, it’s about curating a lifestyle that feels good, looks good, and reflects what matters the most to you.

This guide is just the beginning. Every small, intentional choice—buying less, choosing better, living slower—adds up to a life that’s more meaningful, more manageable, and completely your own.

Start small, stay intentional, and let go of the rest. A simpler life isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.