We talk a lot about money on this blog. You’ve probably read me ramble about both the big ideas and the small stuff. Today I’m sharing my top 25 minimalism tips. These changes can improve your daily life and help your finances.
I’m convinced minimalism and early retirement go hand in hand. Owning less and living with less clutter makes it easier to save and reduces stress. Think about how consumer-focused our world is: we’re surrounded by ads, peer pressure, and temptations to buy. The Washington Post noted World Bank research showing we now generate at least 3.5 million tons of solid waste a day—ten times the amount a century ago—and that could grow to 11 million tons by the end of the century if nothing changes.
Is minimalism the key to making early retirement possible? Is it a better approach than the word “frugality?” I believe so. Here are my top 25 tips to help you get started with a clutter-free life.
1) Get a smaller trash can.
In many places, including Minneapolis, smaller trash bins cost less to service. Plus, less space for trash makes you waste less.
2) Cut down on hygiene products — but stay clean.
Bars of soap create less waste and usually cost less than many liquid products and accessories. Don’t feel pressured to buy every trendy gadget; simple care often works fine.
3) Don’t overspend on engagement or wedding rings.
Invest time and effort, not $10,000 in a diamond you don’t need. You’ll avoid insurance riders and the worry that comes with costly jewelry. As a practical option, consider a low-cost silicone ring for travel or active time—we’ve found them handy.
4) Ditch the Keurig.
Disposable pods create unnecessary waste, and even reusable kits don’t always taste great. Try an AeroPress for better coffee, less waste, and more counter space.
5) Cancel cable TV.
That cable box is often wasting power even when you’re not using it. Cutting cable saves money and clears space. If you still want local channels, try a modern indoor or outdoor digital antenna.
6) Sell flashy, impractical vehicles.
Trade in oversized trucks or luxury cars for something efficient and useful, like a Honda Fit or Prius. You’ll save on fuel and space, and you won’t need to justify a big vehicle.
7) Switch to LED bulbs.
LEDs cut energy use dramatically. A typical home can save around $1,000 over ten years, and they’re better for the environment.
8) Stop using home dry-cleaning delivery.
Do simple pressing at home, or hide a wrinkle with a sweater. It saves money and prevents contributing to chemical exposure in your neighborhood.
9) Bike for commuting and errands.
See if biking can let you become a one-car household. Bundle up in winter and ride — it’s healthier and cheaper.
10) Cut your own hair at home.
A decent set of clippers and a willing partner can save time, money, and gas. It’s also a chance to laugh at the learning curve.
11) Use Little Free Libraries or your local library.
Avoid impulse book buying. Libraries are great for discovering reads without adding clutter.
12) Scale back gift exchanges.
We agreed with family to only buy presents for the kids at Christmas; for birthdays we enjoy a shared meal instead. Experiences matter more than things. If you host kids’ parties, suggest no gifts to set an example.
13) Drop your landline.
We’ve used cell phones for years and eliminated the extra cords and cost. It saved us money and clutter.
14) Clean out your closets.
Donate what you don’t wear and keep durable, timeless pieces. Some people adopt a “uniform” approach to reduce decision fatigue—President Obama kept a simple suit rotation to focus on bigger choices.
15) Use cloth napkins.
They’re reusable, cut waste, and make meals feel nicer.
16) Consider cloth diaper services.
Cloth diapers can save a lot compared with disposables if you want to reduce expense and waste.
17) Donate your fine china sets.
Focus on the food, not fragile, hard-to-clean dishes you rarely use.
18) Recycle user manuals.
Keep digital copies of manuals on cloud storage instead of boxes of paper. It frees space and makes reference easier.
19) Eat out less; cook more.
Home cooking can reduce clutter in some ways and improves your health. Dining out often brings more sugar, salt, and fat than home-cooked meals.
20) Workout with kettlebells.
After bodyweight work, kettlebells are simple and effective for strength and cardio. Start with 50 swings a day and progress to 100 with a challenging weight. Pull-ups are also a great addition.
21) Live in a smaller house.
Smaller homes mean less stuff, lower mortgage and taxes, and lower maintenance. Living small frees money and reduces stress.
22) Clear out unused items to keep your home healthy.
Old piles can hide water damage, mold, or pests. Donating or recycling unused things keeps your space safe and livable.
23) Sell extra appliances.
A second fridge or half-full deep freezer can cost hundreds a year in electricity. If it’s only used for beer or extra storage, consider selling it.
24) Adopt a rescue pet if you can.
Shelters are overwhelmed. Adopting can save money and save a life.
25) Skip the leaf blower.
Leaf blowers are loud and disruptive. Raking gives you exercise and keeps neighborhoods peaceful.
Minimalism shifts focus back to relationships and personal growth, with money savings as a welcome side effect. Over time, these changes can add up—across decades, the opportunity cost savings could reach quite a sum.
If you want more minimalist ideas, check out Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist.
A few extra tips:
– Cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions to cut clutter and save money—most info is available online for free.
– Reduce alcohol expenses by choosing cheaper options like boxed wine, limiting drinks, or mixing your own cocktails. Moderation saves money and is healthier.
Have your own minimalist tips? Share them in the comments.