As a minimalist and simple living advocate, I love reading about how other’s have simplified their lives. Why? Because the simple living movement is catching on. In a big way. It’s slowly becoming…dare I say it, less ‘weird’ to shed your excess belongings, choose people over things, and voluntarily slow down. Whether you’re just learning about what it means to simplify your life, or you’re a veteran minimalist you’re sure to enjoy this list of top 10 books about simple living.
Top 10 Books About Simple Living
Note: these books about simple living are in no particular order. They were chosen because each has something special to offer you as you journey towards the simple life of your dreams.
1.) The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson
In her debut book, Margareta discusses her experience with clearing out her parents, in-laws, and husband’s belongings after they passed away. After experiencing the overwhelm caused by the stuff they left behind, she decided to begin clearing out her own possessions while she was still living, so as not to be a burden on her five children when she is gone.
This book is less of a how-to guide and more of a memoir, yet it still inspires the reader to live with less. Because, to Margareta, anyway, simple living is less about the stuff and more about the journey.
2.) Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced Life by Niki Brantmark
Lagom is moderation, balance, and equality. In this book, Niki discusses practical ways we can all slow down, live with less, and enjoy life a little more.
You’ll learn how to apply the concept of ‘lagom‘ to your personal life, your relationships with family and friends, and in the world around you.
3.) Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver
Courtney is one of my all-time favorite simple living bloggers. In fact, I turned to her blog, Be More With Less, more times than I can count when I began my own minimalist journey. To this day, I follow a modified version of Project 333, in order to keep my clothes from taking over my life.
Soulful Simplicity answers the question of “I’ve decluttered…now what?” In a deep and meaningful way.
4.) Minimalism for Families: Practical Minimalist Living Strategies to Simplify Your Home and Life by Zoe Kim
A refreshing book that answers the question of how to live a minimalist lifestyle when you have a family. While there are tons of books and websites about single men and women living out of backpacks and traveling the world, there are very few books about minimalism for families.
Zoe fills this void with her straightforward guide to creating a minimalist home you and your family can thrive in. With four children underfoot, she knows what she is talking about when she discusses the craziness of family life and how it can be simplified.
5.) Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana K. White
If you’ve seen any of Dana’s Youtube videos, you’ll know she’s got a wonderfully witty (and sarcastic) sense of humor. Which, of course, is reflected in her latest book!
Sections of the book include
- Why You Need This Book (You Know Why)
- Your Unique Home
- Decluttering in the Midst of Real Life
- Change Your Mind, Change Your Home
- Breaking Through Your Decluttering Delusions
- Working It Out Room by Room
- Helping Others Declutter
- Real Life Goes On (and On)
6.) The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders
In her late twenties, Cait decided to challenge herself by not shopping for an entire year. During this year she purchased only groceries, toiletries, and gas for her car. You would think a shopping ban would cause her to hoard her remaining possessions. In fact, the opposite happened.
Cait found herself decluttering like a mad woman. In the end, she had purged over 70% of her belongings, learned how to repair things as they broke instead of replacing them, and even discovered she wouldn’t die without a tv.
A few more must-read books about simple living to add to your list!
7.) A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living by Emily Ley
Emily has been on both sides of the spectrum. She’s had kids screaming for attention, a cluttered home, never-ending piles of laundry, and the anxiety that comes with it all. She’s also seen firsthand the calm a decluttered, orderly home and schedule can provide.
This book covers decluttering your home, wardrobe, and beauty routine, as well as simplifying your finances, and technology. Additionally, there are chapters on self-care, motherhood, and faith.
A Simplified Life will give you the tools and motivation you need in order to begin simplifying every area of your life.
8.) Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living by Elizabeth Thames
Want to quit your 9-5, retreat to a homestead in the woods, and retire by the ripe old age of 32? If so, this book is for you!
I have been following the Frugalwoods family for years now. From their early days working their butts off while managing to save over 70% of their take-home pay to the birth of their daughter, purchase of their homestead, and subsequent “retirement”.
They have been such an inspiration to me! Oh, and they have one super-cute dog, too!
9.) Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life by Brooke McAlary
In Destination Simple, Brook teaches us that it’s okay to slow down. What’s more, she explains how just a few changes to the current of daily life can create enduring, perpetual change.
A small, simple book with a profound message for us all.
10.) The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker
After spending an entire weekend organizing his garage, Joshua realized there was more to life than sorting through clutter. Thus began his quest to simplify the stuff in his life in order to make room for the relationships that matter.
In The More of Less, Joshua Becker helps you…
• Recognize the life-giving benefits of owning less
• Realize how all the stuff you own is keeping you from pursuing your dreams
• Craft a personal, practical approach to decluttering your home and life
• Experience the joys of generosity
• Learn why the best part of minimalism isn’t a clean house, it’s a full life
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Books About Decluttering That Will Inspire You To Take Action
- How To Declutter When You Think You Don’t Have Time To
- Declutter Fast: With The Shock Treatment Decluttering Method
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