Simple living starts with your mindset and influence. I truly believe that as a busy mom of three. Who I spend my time with, what I fill my head with, and who I am listening to greatly influences my decisions to spend and save for that matter. I have spoken a lot about my shift from a more minimalist lifestyle into seeking a more simple life in my podcast.
Too much stuff greatly hinders my ability to parent at my highest level due to the stress clutter and disarray caused me. The less stuff we own the better it is for everyone and everything in our sphere. I have compiled some of the best books I have personally read in this space and wanted to share them with you!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SEEK A SIMPLE LIFE WITHOUT CLUTTER?
This is different for everyone. I believe that seeking simple is different than living like a minimalist. I would not consider myself a full-blown minimalist with three kids so young. However, my mindset is trained to consume less and do less. The two concepts of simple living and minimalism go hand in hand but they have evolved significantly over the last five years.
So back to my question what does it mean to seek a simpler life without clutter? It means these key points to me:
- Less mindless consumption on small trinkets and things (specifically from Amazon and Target)
- A use it up mindset before anything gets repurchased or replaced
- Being willing to try our sustainable living practices in small areas of your life
- Cutting back on social media so that you can be more present at the moment with your family and friends
- Believing that material things do not define your success level or self-worth
- Seeking a more focused life on a value on people and life’s simple pleasure over material possessions
Simple matters. It may not seem to matter in the grand scheme of things but it does matter to a busy mother who is trying to keep it all together and keep all the balls in the air.
Focusing on the right things will steer you in the direction of simple and intentional living. That is why I wanted to write this post on the books that have inspired me to live more simply and with less clutter for the benefit of my entire family and my mental health.
MY QUICK MINIMALIST LIVING GUIDE
- Thing before you buy (give it 48 hours) before purchasing on impulse
- Declutter belongings out of your home that does not serve a purpose for you anymore
- Surround yourself with like-minded people who will not tempt you to buy and spend money foolishly
- Remember that it is a long journey and can happen organically and slowly over time
- Always remember a gift is just that: a gift. The joy happens upon receiving it. Whatever you choose to do after that time with the item is entirely your business.
These practical minimalist living strategies are simple and to the point when trying to seek a more simple life. It shouldn’t feel hard or forced. Okay, enough talking and onto the book list!
The 6 Best Books On Minimalism and Simple Living For Moms
Download some of these books on the Libby App (Free library download) on Audible, Kindle, or just get the physical copy if that is how you like to roll! Some of these options are only available
Simple Happy Parenting
If you are familiar with Denaye Barahona (podcast host of Simple Families) you will know she is a childhood development expert holding a Ph.D. in the field. Having helped thousands of families simplify and break down child behavior problems she is a wealth of information and I greatly appreciated this book. A great baby shower gift too!
Chasing slow
Erin Loechner tells her story and encourages mothers to have the freedom to break out of the faster better stronger trap and seek a more focused life on what matters most. I loved her perspective as a mom and it motivated me to declutter and try to live slower and more intentionally.
Essentialism
The disciplined pursuit of less. What do essentials mean to you? This book by Greg McKeown challenges your thought patterns and perspectives and it is less about a clean house and takes essentials to a whole new level.
Minimalist Moms
I had the pleasure of being on Diane’s podcast the Minimalist Moms and have always enjoyed listening to what she has had to say. She just recently wrote a book that gives you a step-by-step guide on how to truly do away with the clutter if you are feeling overwhelmed as a mom.
Sustainable Minimalism
Stefanie is a bright beacon of light in a world quickly filling up with too much plastic. Although I do not have a zero waste home myself, she challenges the reader to push themselves to make a small change in the right direction for the health of our planet. It was a great book with valuable information for anyone. I recently had her on my podcast and she spoke all about this book in our interview.
Year of less
I left this book for last (for new reasons). Written by Cait Flanders it is a biography of her life and her journey as she only spent on essentials for one year. She writes as a single woman, so I had a hard time completely relating since I am married with three almost four children!
I however took the overall message from the book and tried to apply it to my own life. The best thing she speaks about is the small purchases adding up and the major lifestyle shifts she had to make to get through the year of less. An interesting and pulling read.
That is MY list of 6 I have read and enjoyed as a mom seeking to live a more simple life. I want to spend less time consuming, organizing, and cleaning. I want to spend more intentional time with my family without all of the clutter and lost finances.
Other Notable Books That Feature Minimalism (I have not personally read but have heard are great)
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (The Konmari Method having a joy of less)
The More Of Less: Joshua Becker
Goodbye Things The New Japanese Minimalism: Fumio Sasaki
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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