How to Live Like a Minimalist Family

We are a minimalist family and yet we have some stuff. But minimalism is more about habits than stuff. 

I consider our family minimalist, but I’ve been told I’m not a real minimalist. I guess I missed the memo on who can join the club. And while the “average American home has over 300,000 items,” we do not. So that’s a good place to start.

Of course, there’s no checklist that works for everyone. But as I studied our home, there are things we do intentionally that make a difference.

Here are 6 helpful habits as you declutter and simplify.

Trash

Throw away trash immediately. I’m not talking about messy stuff. I mean annoying stuff that accumulates like receipts, wrappers, mail, and packaging. We pick stuff up off the floor, immediately.

I recycle as much as possible including junk mail, toner cartridges, and plastic bags.  Trash will clutter a flat surface quickly. Guard your flat surfaces because clutter attracts more clutter!

Don’t forget about the largest flat surface in your home, the floor. Strive to store furniture, and nothing else, on the floor.

Unpack

After running errands, bags are unpacked and items stowed immediately. Large packs of toilet paper are dispersed to several bathrooms. Groceries stored in the pantry and fridge. There’s a system of boundaries in the fridge, freezer, and cabinets to prevent overbuying which maintains organization.

We also deal with boxes delivered to our house as soon as possible. It’s important to unwrap packages and ensure the correct item arrived unbroken. As needed, we return items promptly. The statistics about returns and refund policies may surprise you.

Clean Counters and Tables

My clean counters work hard. They are ready to receive bags of groceries or prepare a meal at the end of a busy workday. Lunches are packed during meal prep. And it’s easier to set an empty table for dinner. In general, flat surfaces are minimally decorated which means less to clean as well.

Donate

We donate stuff all the time. We send hand-me-downs to a younger cousin. A donation bag resides on each level of the house to catch items as we find them. I also schedule a donation pickup once a quarter to serves as a helpful deadline. Donating lightens the burden physically and mentally.

When you reduce the volume, spaces have a way of organizing themselves.

Inventory

We use existing inventory. Whether it’s frozen corn, toiletries, or other consumables, we pay attention to how much we have and then use it up. I meal plan from food inventory to reduce waste and save money. And avoid stocking up on items until there is an actual need.

Most hygiene products expire in 12-24 months. And it’s ok if the video game controller runs out of batteries. Really, it is. You might just thank me for the suggestion.

Rest

The work and school week are tiring. We all need downtime and rest. Sunday is our day of rest. We say Yes, to things we’re excited about and No to obligations.

I’d love to do it all, but exhausted, over-scheduled, and stressed-out isn’t fun. And it’s increasing anxiety in our kids. I know we’re weird for under-scheduling our son and ensuring his activities align with our family values. But I’m ok being weird.

More importantly, if I say yes, you know I’m all in. Because saying no means I won’t disappoint the people I said yes to.

My values, priorities, and calendar are in sync. I can’t do so without my health and rest.

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About the Author: Amy Slenker-Smith is a living simply coach and wonderful writer at Simply Enough. She lives near Washington DC with her husband Steve, son Zack, and Zeke the cat. You can also find her on Facebook.