I try to live by the motto “don’t make things harder for yourself than you have to.”
Life is busy enough with home, family, our careers and everything in between. Why make things harder and more complicated than they have to be. By streamlining and letting go of things that don’t serve us, drain us, takes more effort, we free up precious time and energy for what’s more important.
Here are 11 simple and practical ways to simplify your life, reduce stress, and make more space for joy and your priorities.
1. Purge, Declutter, and Organize
A cluttered home full of “stuff” creates mental clutter. An organized home means less frustration, less cleaning, less upkeep, and more free time.
You don’t have to become a minimalist to simplify your home, but you do need to focus on what is important to you and gives you joy. Everything else needs to go. Donating is very satisfying knowing someone else gets use of the things you no longer want.
Action Step: Choose one drawer, cabinet, or closet this week and donate 5 things you no longer need.
2. Hire a Lawn Service
The best thing I ever did was hire a lawn service to take care of my lawn. I mowed my own lawn for years and didn’t mind it too much in the “winter”, but in the summer grass grows while you blink in South Florida and the heat and humidity did not help. It was taking too much effort for me to keep up with the mowing and trimming.
It might feel like a luxury, but having someone else responsible for the lawn saved me so much time, frustration, and energy. It’s worth every penny.
3. Set Your Monthly Bills on Auto Pay
Paying your bills manually may make you feel like you are in control, but worrying about missing due dates adds unnecessary stress and not to mention fees and sometimes even higher interest rates.
Automating your payments guarantees nothing falls through the cracks, even when you are busy or traveling.
You can still check your statements regularly, and you should, but automation frees up your brain for other things, and you will sleep better at night with one less thing to worry about.
Pro Tip: Even if you pay off credit cards monthly, set autopay for the minimum balance as a backup.
4. Automate Your Retirement Investments
Time flies when you are not paying attention and it is easy to put off saving and investing for your retirement. By automating your savings and investments, you are investing in yourself and building your future without relying on memory or motivation. It’s a non-negotiable.
Just make sure to review your accounts quarterly so you can adjust if needed.
5. Master a Task You Constantly Struggle With
We all have that one thing we dread because it always feels hard, whether it’s tech related, cooking, or budgeting. Instead of avoiding it, take the time to really learn how to do it well.
It will be such a relief and confidence booster the next time you have to do it, trust me.
6. Get Groceries Delivered
Hate grocery shopping or just don’t have the time? You are not alone.
Sign up for a delivery service or use curb-side pickup. This is an easy way to save time and energy when life gets hectic. There is no shame in getting help when you need it.
7. Delegate at Home
Simplifying is not about doing everything yourself. It’s about sharing the load. If you live with others, make sure everyone is pulling their weight.
It not only frees up your time but can also reduce resentment and create a sense of teamwork.
8. Rethink How You Do Things
Ask yourself regularly:
- Is there another way I could do this? An easier way?
- Do I really need to do it?
- Can someone else do it?
We are often stuck in habits that waste time or energy just because that’s the way we always done it. Take a look at your routines, open yourself up to alternative ways, and start brainstorming. It feels great when you come up with new, clever ways of doing things.
9. Replace Broken Appliances
Nothing complicates life faster than fighting with a tool or appliance that barely works. Stop struggling and get that leaky coffee maker or glitchy vacuum fixed or replaced.
10. Simplify Your Landscaping
- How much maintenance will this require?
- Will it constantly drop leaves, fruit, or debri?
- Could the roots cause problems with my plumbing later?
11. Simplify Your Cooking
Weeknight meals don’t have to be a four-course production. Unless you really love cooking and spending time in the kitchen, keep meals simple.
Look for recipes with fewer ingredients and minimal prep time so you can spend more of your evening doing things you enjoy.
Quick Tip: Meal prepping on the weekends can save your weekdays and weeknights. Plus it prevents you from grabbing unhealthy foods or getting take out.
Final Thoughts: Make Space for What Matters Most
Simplifying your life doesn’t mean doing less of what you love, it means clearing the clutter, stress, and unnecessary effort so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Start with one small change from this list. Each step will lighten your load and give you more time, energy, and peace of mind.
How are you going to simplify your life this week? Share your ideas in the comments. I’d love to hear them!