12 Minimalist Habits That Transformed My Home and Life
I didn’t set out to become a minimalist. I wasn’t dreaming of white walls and empty shelves. If you had met me a few years ago, you probably would have found me scrolling through Amazon with a cart full of “just in case” items or wandering Target for stress relief. Shopping made me feel better..
What started as an effort to declutter a few closets turned into something so much bigger. I realized I wasn’t just clearing space in my home—I was creating space in my mind, my calendar, and my life. The constant overwhelm, the mental clutter, the pressure to do more and have more… it all began to lift.
Minimalism, for me, was never about living with less for the sake of it. It was about living better. These 12 minimalist habits didn’t just transform my home—they helped me feel more grounded, more present, and more in control of my life. If you’re craving calm, clarity, and a simpler way to live, I hope this list inspires you to start your version of “less but better.”
1. I Decluttered with Intention, Not Perfection
I didn’t declutter to have a magazine-worthy home—I just wanted peace of mind. I focused on letting go of things that added stress, not just stuff that filled space. If it didn’t serve a purpose, bring joy, or fit my life, it was time to let it go.
I’ve found that the sweet spot is form, function, and fun—if something doesn’t check at least one of those boxes, it probably doesn’t belong in my home. If you need a simple way to get started, my 30-Day Declutter Challenge breaks it down one day at a time (no overwhelm required).
2. I Cleared My Surfaces and Loved the Calm
Clearing off surfaces was one of the simplest changes I made—and one of the most powerful. I started with my kitchen counters, nightstands, and entryway. At first, the space felt strange, like something was missing. But after a few days, it felt like I could finally breathe.
With less visual clutter, my home instantly looked cleaner and more peaceful. I could see what mattered, and I stopped wasting time moving things to wipe down a counter. Now, I’m a firm believer that clear surfaces = a clear mind.
3. I Simplified My Cleaning Routine
As I decluttered, I realized that a cleaner home didn’t just come from scrubbing—it came from having less to clean. With fewer items on surfaces and fewer products under the sink, cleaning became quicker and more manageable.
Instead of bouncing between tasks or overbuying supplies, I created a simple rhythm I could stick to. My go-to tool? This printable cleaning checklist helps me stay on top of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks without the overwhelm.
I also splurged on the ultimate time-saver: the Roborock robot vacuum and mop. It runs daily, so I don’t have to think about dog hair or crumbs piling up—and that one investment has made my home feel effortlessly tidy.
Simplifying my home made it easier to clean, and having a plan (and a robot!) made it easier to maintain that cleanliness.
4. I Created “Go Bags” for Real Life (and Dog Walks)
I gave up carrying a purse years ago. Instead, I use a phone case wallet that holds my cards, ID, and a small amount of cash—just the essentials. Everything else I might need? It lives in the car.
I keep it stocked with the real-life basics: tissues, poop bags, towels, and blankets. Whether we’re heading to the park or dealing with an unexpected mess, it’s all there—no digging, no stress. For long hikes or extended walks with the dogs, I’ll bring a backpack, but only when it’s necessary.
Minimalism taught me I don’t need to carry my entire life around “just in case.” A little planning goes a long way.
5. I Became Intentional with My Screen Time
I spend a lot of time on my phone and computer, but I use them with purpose. Whether I’m working, learning something new, or designing in Canva, my screen time supports the life I want, instead of distracting me from it.
That said, I’m not perfect—and I don’t try to be. I scroll TikTok like anyone else, but I’ve created boundaries that work for me. I save it for short breaks, like when I’m in line or need a quick mental reset.
Minimalism didn’t mean completely cutting out screens. For me, it meant being more aware of how I spend my time—and ensuring it reflects what truly matters.
6. I Broke Up with Emotional Shopping
There was a time when shopping was my go-to pick-me-up. A quick trip to Target or a few clicks online gave me a temporary boost—but the clutter (and regret) always followed. I wasn’t buying because I needed something. I was buying to feel better.
Now, I’ve found healthier ways to fill that emotional gap. A walk in nature, lunch with a friend, or creating something in Canva gives me a longer-lasting sense of joy. I keep a running list on my phone of what we need, and I stick to it—no impulse buys, no guilt.
One thing that helped? Asking better questions before buying anything. These are the 13 questions I ask myself before any purchase—they’ve saved me from countless regrets and helped me buy with purpose.
Buying less hasn’t felt restrictive at all. It feels freeing. Fewer things to manage, more space to breathe, and a lot more clarity about what truly adds value to my life.
7. I Built Lists That Keep Me Grounded
Lists have become one of my favorite minimalist tools. I use them for everything—groceries, cleaning routines, home projects, even ideas I want to try. Instead of keeping mental tabs on a hundred things at once, I write them down and let them go.
What used to feel overwhelming now feels manageable. A good list brings structure to my day and helps me stay focused on what matters.
And here’s a little bonus: creating checklists and printables in Canva has turned into one of my favorite forms of self-care. It’s productive, calming, and a creative outlet all in one.
8. I Let Go of the Pressure to Always Be Productive
One of the most life-giving changes I made was learning to step back—not just from stuff, but from constant doing. I started treating Sunday as a true rest day. No to-do list, no productivity pressure—just quiet, naps, reading, or simply being still. And the best part? No guilt.
Minimalism gave me the mental permission I didn’t know I needed—to pause, to slow down, and to not measure my worth by how much I got done. Now, I protect those slower moments just as much as the productive ones. They’re part of the balance I was always missing.
9. I Simplified Meals with a Go-To Rotation
Minimalism has also found its way into my kitchen. I stopped chasing complicated recipes and started focusing on simple meals we enjoy. We have about 7–10 go-to dinners on rotation, which makes grocery shopping and meal prep significantly easier.
I also keep a couple of quick options on hand at all times—Steak-umms and premade pizza crusts are my secret weapons. They’ve saved us from takeout more times than I can count.
This kind of meal planning isn’t restrictive—it’s practical. It frees up my time and energy for things I’d rather be doing, and there’s less waste, stress, and decision fatigue at dinnertime.
10. I Let Go of Clothes That Didn’t Serve Me
I used to hang on to clothes that didn’t fit, flatter, or make me feel good—just in case. But eventually, I realized those “someday” outfits were taking up space in my closet and my mind.
Now, my wardrobe consists of pieces that I wear and love. Everything fits the life I live right now—not a version of me from five years ago or five pounds ago. Getting dressed is faster, easier, and a lot more enjoyable.
Every drawer and closet space finally works for me. There’s no more digging, no more guilt, and no more holding onto clothes that make me feel “meh.”
11. I Reimagined My Home to Fit Us
At one point, I realized I was trying to make my home look like someone else’s version of “perfect.” But the truth is, we don’t live in a magazine—we live with dogs, kids, messes, and real meals. And I wanted our home to work for that.
Now, I focus less on styling and more on creating spaces that make our daily routines smoother. Storage isn’t there to hide clutter—it’s there to make life easier. If a basket helps us get out the door faster or keeps the dog gear contained, it stays.
Minimalism helped me let go of the pressure to impress and start creating a home that feels calm, lived-in, and supportive. Not to impress anyone—to make life easier.
12. I Started Saying “No” Without Explaining
One of the most powerful minimalist habits I’ve learned has nothing to do with stuff—it’s learning to say no without feeling like I owe anyone an explanation.
I started saying no to things that didn’t align with our lifestyle, such as extra clutter, unnecessary events, and unrealistic expectations. I stopped overcommitting and rushing to please everyone, and in return, I gained something so valuable—space to breathe.
Less “yes” has brought more peace into my home and my head. This one habit didn’t just simplify my calendar—it lightened my mental load in a way I didn’t know I needed.
Final Thoughts
Minimalism isn’t about having the least—it’s about making space for what matters most. These habits didn’t happen overnight, and they weren’t about being perfect. But step by step, they helped me create a calmer home, a clearer mind, and a lifestyle that feels more aligned with who I am.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just craving a little more breathing room, start with one small change. The peace you’re looking for might be hiding under the clutter you’re ready to let go of.
If you’re ready to begin your minimalist journey, I created a free “Becoming a Minimalist” checklist to help you take those first small but powerful steps. It’s simple, realistic, and designed to meet you right where you are.
