Minimalist Lifestyle

Minimalism for Normal People

February 13 // by Brooke

Minimalism for normal people.

It may sound harsh to die-hard minimalists. You are thinking, this woman is saying I’m not normal! Who does she think she is?!

Chances are, if you are a die-hard minimalist, you know you aren’t normal. You stopped being a victim to consumerism, your home is almost always clean, and you know how to savor the experiences in life over stuff.

I applaud you. I am trying really hard to be you.

So, please, don’t take offense by me helping all the “normal people” out there.

Now, you normal people.

Yes, you mama with the messy kids and the one who likes to shop. I’m talking to you. 😊 You can be a minimalist. Wait, what did I just say? Yep, you can be a minimalist.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Minimalism for normal people. Minimalism does not have rules.

Minimalism doesn’t have to have rules

I am a firm believer that minimalism does not have rules.

Minimalism doesn’t have to mean white walls, just ten toys for your kids, and only one set of sheets.

You can have material things, and you can be a minimalist. Heck, you can even like to shop as a minimalist! (However, how you shop may change once you make this lifestyle switch! You might even want to try a no shopping challenge.)

If you walked into my home, and you are a die-hard minimalist, you will probably think I’m crazy to even stake a claim in minimalism.

My walls are mustard yellow, not white (hideous, mustard yellow, but they will be a lighter color once we finish painting). I have comfortable, antique furniture, and my kids have a room full of creative, timeless toys.

I still call myself a minimalist.

Related Post: The Benefits of Being a Minimalist Family

What is a minimalist anyway?

There are so many different types of minimalists out there. The reasons for minimalism vary, and the outcomes people are searching vary. There is no right way to be a minimalist.

Let me say it again, there is no right way to be a minimalist!

For me, minimalism means simplicity. It means placing less value in material things and placing more value on the things that matter to me.

Values will differ from person to person. However, minimalism allows you the opportunity to put more time, money and effort into those values.

Minimalism also means giving myself more time to do the things I love and spend more time with the people I love. It means saying no to activities and obligations that add no value, spending more time at home with my family, and spending more of my money on experiences over things.

For me, minimalism means saying “no” to the things in life that don’t bring me joy.

Related post: The benefits of minimalism for moms

The different types of minimalists

People are minimalists for a host of reasons.

After adopting a minimalist lifestyle for a few years, reading everything I could get my hands on, and talking to people about minimalism, I’ve found there are generally seven types of minimalists.

Frugal minimalists. Minimalists who don’t spend money, for whatever reason.
Aesthetic minimalists. Minimalists who like an aesthetically pleasing home with very few items on display.
Mindful minimalists. Minimalists who practice intention or essentialism in all aspects of their lives.
Save the earth minimalists. Minimalists who practice zero waste or other sustainable practices.
Traveling or experimental minimalists. Minimalists who live out of backpacks or value experiences over a more permanent home.
Counting minimalists. The minimalists who count how many items they own and refuse to go over said number, either for their entire home or for a specific category.
Normal minimalists. I put a lot of moms in this category. Moms who are fed up with cleaning and the stress of being stretched too thin! Getting rid of stuff and life clutter helps these minimalists feel lighter, but they are OK still having a “lived in” but clean home.

Normal minimalists

I made that last category up. Ha!

I put myself in the “minimalism for normal people” category. I’m no hoarder, even in my previous minimalist life.

I jokingly call my husband a hoarder, but honestly, he’s not. He’s just sentimental.

“Minimalism for normal people” means you will walk into my house, and even if it is a “mess” by my own terms, you may think it looks clean. It may need a good pick-up, and the floors may need mopping, but ultimately, there isn’t a whole lot of clutter going on.

Normal minimalism means my house does look lived in. I have kids. They make big, big, big messes, every single day. They make me crazy with their messes, like the obstacle course of toys they set up in the hallway.

I keep some items on the kitchen counter, but I’m selective about what earns its place there. The clutter I keep out is functional and gets used daily.

My house does not look sterile. We have no white walls.

I have pictures of my family hanging up, and I love a good gallery wall! When we went to sell our last house, I was sad at the completely 100% empty counters. I hated the generic photos on the wall. I hated kids’ rooms looked like no kids actually lived there. It made me sad. My house looked sad.

From that experience of selling my home, I learned that level of minimalism was not something I was seeking. It was a great lesson and wake-up call!

Minimalism for normal people… and their kids

My normal minimalistic kids have toys. They don’t have a toy store in their rooms, but they do have toys. Their rooms don’t look like this:

A very clean minimalist child's room, in all white.

I wish on some days they could make their rooms look like the picture above. I wish I had mad decorating skills like this. However, this is not the kind of room that represents my family, and that’s ok!

I am picky as to what kinds of toys my kids get to enjoy. For example, I don’t like electronic toys that do the playing for my kids. I also don’t like many character-specific toys.

My preference are toys that spark imagination and creativity. I also prefer my kids play with toys that will be timeless and last more than just a year or two.

I control the chaos in my kids’ rooms by giving everything a place. The toy clutter is contained, which makes clean up so much more manageable.

For example, all the Barbies go in one basket. (Yep, my kids have Barbies. I know, so not minimalistic!) Hot wheels, they get another basket, etc. My favorite way to organize kids’ toys is with a cubby shelf, so each toy category has a designated spot.

When the cubbies are full, something has to go before something else enters the room! That’s how we keep it all under control. Don’t let the bins overflow, and the floors will stay clean (at least between play sessions).

This is a picture of my youngest child’s room. It more meets the definition of “minimalism for normal people”.

Kid's Bedroom with kid's toy storage shelves. Minimalism for normal people here!

What changes when you embrace minimalism?

Although I claim the category “minimalism for normal people”, a lot changed in our lives once we embraced minimalism as a family. It has been one of the most fulfilling journeys I have ever been on!

You see, when we embraced minimalism, we started to learn the joys of a simpler life. No longer did consumerism, keeping up with the Joneses, or financial debt loom over us.

I was even able to quit my job and stay home with my kids! You can quit your job too, mama!

We had money saved, as we were no longer spending it, we were enjoying experiences more often as a family, and my kids learned early that life isn’t just about the amount of stuff we can cram into our homes.

I no longer shop just for the fun of it. When we go shopping, we go to buy things we need. If its something we want, we research it and buy quality items.

We don’t buy things just because they are on sale, on a whim or because we think it would look good in our home. Every purchase we make now is intentional. That thought process can save you a lot of money!

Related post: Free activities to do instead of shopping

Your home will look better with minimalism

We used to think we lived in a home that was too small, always a mess, and I was convinced I had zero decorating skills. Minimalism changed all that!

We decluttered our homes when we embraced a simpler life. I took away six van loads of “stuff” to the local Goodwill in the first three months of decluttering my home. That’s a lot of unnecessary stuff!

We thought we needed a bigger home, and we were working our butts off for one! Turns out, we needed less stuff.

We were storing stuff we didn’t even know we owned. We certainly weren’t using it.

I reclaimed the space of an entire basement after we decluttered our home!

Decluttering got us a guest room, playroom space, and office space. It was amazing, and the start of a life-changing movement.

Minimalism for normal people might mean not having a mess like this on the floor! There were so many books pulled out by my kids! — For real ya’ll! This popped up on my Facebook memories. I just got home from work. Every day was a battle to clean up because we had soooo much stuff, including books!

Do I have to give away everything I own to be a minimalist?

Nope! You can keep your stuff and be a minimalist.

Thing is though, once you learn to live with less stuff, you won’t want as much. You stop craving new and better things when you stop buying new things and stop stuffing your home.

You should keep the things that matter to you. My motto is if it made me happy and got used on a regular basis, it made the cut.

That means I have more than 30 pieces of clothing in my capsule wardrobe. It also means I still kept 13 pairs of shoes after I decluttered my closet!

You don’t have to live on bare bones to be a minimalist. In fact, I don’t recommend it if you have kids.

My kids have capsule wardrobes too, but they still have more than seven outfits. They have a couple church outfits, enough play clothes to last almost two weeks, and two pairs of shoes. (OK, I’m bare bones on kids shoes, but their feet grow so fast, and I’m cheap!)

Declutter to Drastically Reduce Anxiety and Stress

3 Secrets You Need to Know to Declutter Your Home

If you need an extra boost to get started with decluttering, please join our FREE 5-Day Declutter My Home Challenge to get small, actionable steps that get you well on your way to a more clutter-free home!

Do my walls have to be white to be a minimalist?

Nope! You don’t have to have white walls to be a minimalist. Sure, white walls look clean and crisp, but if that’s not you, that’s ok!

I love colors in my home, and I embrace it. I also love antiques, which doesn’t go with the normal modern look of minimalism.

If having color on the walls make you happy, go for it! You can still call yourself a minimalist. If you like having a picture gallery, go for that too! Minimalism is about keeping only the items that bring you joy, so if you love it, keep it and use it.

Minimalism for normal people…and for this mama.

This mama prefers minimalism in my own way, with no rules. I like to practice intention with my space and with my time. I no longer waste my dollars on stuff for my home, and I no longer waste hours doing activities that don’t bring myself or my family joy.

We try to do everything with intention. We try to keep our home simple. However, sometimes, we make messes, and sometimes, we buy our kids toys.

We certainly don’t paint our walls white, and I have a wardrobe of clothes I absolutely adore and wear regularly. My kitchen counters have things on them, but they still look clean and ready for a meal to be made!

You can be a minimalist mama, even with a family. You can have messes, just make it a whole lot easier on yourself to clean them up! There are benefits to be a minimalist family, and embracing a simpler way of living can change you.

Go ahead and teach your kids about minimalism. It’s not as scary as it sounds. They don’t have to be afraid you are going to strip their rooms of everything they own. You don’t have to be afraid to declutter your bedroom and stop shopping senselessly!

Less truly is more. Minimalism for normal people is totally possible!

Minimalism for Normal PeopleRead More

How to Stop Online Impulse Shopping That’s Getting Out of Control

February 10 // by Brooke

I needed to stop online impulse shopping, as it was my secret guilty pleasure.

I could do it on my lunch break or from my cell phone in the mornings before anyone woke up…while still in the bed.

I generally shopped at one or two stores primarily, so I knew their clothing sizes and did not have to try them on to know they would fit.

Then there was online impulse buying with Target and Amazon with their quick shipping and easy pay options. I was an addict, and I did not even know it.

I did not realize the depth of my addiction until I decided I wanted to declutter my bedroom and started with my closet clean-out. It was then that I realized I had a shopping problem.

In order to reduce my temptations and stop my overspending, I had to reduce the temptations of buying more stuff.

Stay out of online stores to stop online impulse shopping

It was easy to stay out of the mall when I was trying to stop my impulse buys. I needed a way to do the same thing with my online shopping.

I had a hard time learning how to stop online impulse shopping when I spent the entire day on a computer at work. Add to that the boring moments throughout the day when I reached for my cell phone to fill the gap in time.

Then I had an idea. If I can stay out of a physical store, maybe I can find a way to stay out of an online store.

Add rules to your emails

We all like a good coupon and a good deal. That’s why we signed up for retailer emails in the beginning. Marketing folks are geniuses in my book.

I am pretty smart financially, but I like a good deal. It is even harder to practice restraint when there is money in the bank. I could afford it, why not buy it?!

I had to find a way to beat genius retail marketing tricks. I did this by putting rules on my emails.

Sit down one day and find all your retailer emails. Then, place a “rule” for each retailer to have those emails automatically put into a folder. I called my folder “Shopping”.

You can also set rules to have the emails automatically deleted after a specific time period. Then, if you really NEED to buy something, you can go to that folder, find the retailer, and add your coupon code.

Unsubscribe from emails

If you want to get super serious and stop online impulse shopping, then unsubscribe from retailer emails. Out of sight and out of mind!

There are plenty of online coupon sites that can provide you with a coupon code if you really do need to make a purchase.

I promise you won’t miss them! If you want to rejoin at a later time, then by all means, but try it out. You will be amazed at how many emails you don’t have to delete every day too!

Create and use a shopping email account

Set up an entirely different account for retailers. I use the same email for all junk mail.

I am very stingy with my personal email account.

If I need to give an email to get a deal, you get my junk email account. That email account has thousands of unread emails in it. About twice a year, I go in and delete everything.

If I need something, I can use the search function to look for a deal.

If you are really eager, you can set up rules for that account too. However, I don’t look at that account unless I need something.

Deals will be there next time you NEED something

It is so easy to fall for the ploys of online marketers. First, I would get an email with the release of their newest line of clothes, which seemed to come out weekly.

I would see something I liked, and I would start thinking about how much I wanted it when it finally went on sale. Then, two days later, there would be an email offer for free shipping or 40% off for the exact item I wanted. How awesome!

Hook, line, and sinker.

After putting rules around my emails, I realized when I needed something, there was always a deal waiting on me.

Did they sometimes run out of the shirt I wanted the most? Sure. However, more often than not, if I really needed something, it was there and there was a deal to be had.

There is always a deal. Don’t fall for marketing tactics!

Let items sit in your cart for a few days

You found the perfect outfit, and you cannot live without it. Before you hit purchase, let it sit in your cart for a few days. If that’s not possible, at least let it sit for a few hours.

Maybe take that time to look at your credit card statement or check out your bank account. A little dose of reality can really help put things into perspective.

If money is not an issue, just go look in your closet. Do you really NEED another outfit?

If so, is there something you can part with to make room for it?

Turn off saved credit card info

If you don’t have to type in your credit card information because it is already saved with a retailer, then you do not have to really think about the purchase you are making. It is too easy.

Don’t allow retailers to save your credit card info. Make yourself give more thought to your purchases.

Turn off Amazon 1-Click

Like deleting your credit card info from your favorite retailers, turn off Amazon 1-Click.

Gosh, those guys are sneaky. Just those extra steps of going to your cart and hitting purchase can make a huge difference in purchasing decisions.

Go do something else

Sometimes we online shop because we are bored.

If you want to stop online impulse shopping, find something else to do instead of shopping.

Play with your kids. Read a book. Put the phone away.

If you are at work, go take a walk outside if you need the break. Your pocketbook and your overflowing closet will thank you!

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The Best Tips for a No-Spend Grocery Challenge

December 30 // by Brooke

Let’s face it. There are days when the budget needs help, but food still needs to go on the table.

A no-spend grocery challenge can help you go at least a week, if not longer, without spending a dime on groceries. That can equal hundreds of dollars saved.

If you go longer than a week, say a month, you can probably spend very, very little, if anything at all.

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This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

My no spend grocery challenge

My first no spend grocery challenge was a few years ago, in the month of January. I always try to cut expenses in January and try to recover from Christmas.

However, what really inspired me was a book I read, The Nightingale.

It was a book filled with poverty and hunger like nothing I ever understood before reading it. It made me realize how fortunate we really are in our home.

Many nights I complained of no food available, and in reality, the blessings of food were overflowing. This experiment was humbling, to say the least.

As I took on this challenge, I read of other people doing similar challenges, like surviving on only $25 per week for groceries.

Many of these people were doing the challenge because they had no other choice.

Twenty-five dollars a week is not much money to feed a family. I felt so spoiled and unappreciative. It was time for a change.

Save money on groceries with a no spend grocery challenge.

You will save money

When you take on a no spend grocery challenge, you will save money. A lot of it. Every time I do a no spend challenge for a month, I end up saving hundreds of dollars.

I like to put these hundreds of dollars towards a vacation we take every spring.

When you are feeling down, like the challenge is impossible, or like you can’t possibly eat another repeat, leftovers meal, think about the money you are saving or why you are taking on this goal.

That will be what gets you through it!

Make sure you also communicate your intentions and your goals with your family. If you don’t, this will be an uphill, loooooong battle. I promise.

Related Post: Take a No Spend Month + Free Printables

My rules for a no spend grocery challenge:

No stocking up

Don’t stock up for your no spend grocery challenge.

I’ve read so many challenges where step 1 is to go get everything you need to survive a month.

In what world is that not spending money? That’s cheating, and not many people can go out and drop $200 on “essentials” before doing a no spend challenge.

The whole point is to survive on what you have already!

Trust me when I say this, you probably have way more groceries in your cabinets than you think you do. You don’t need to stock up.

Throughout this challenge, if successful, you will learn resourcefulness like never before.

You will find some clever substitutions for ingredients, learn cooking really isn’t rocket science and will be ever so proud of your creativity.

I’m telling you, this challenge will change how you think about grocery shopping, meal planning, and food waste!

Set a money limit for “essentials”

When you are doing a no spend grocery challenge, you may start to see everything you run out of as “essential”. It really isn’t.

I guarantee you there is a substitution or an alternative or the “essential” item isn’t something you really need.

If you are doing a no spend grocery challenge for one week only, I would set the limit at $0. Most people can survive on the contents of their fridge, freezer and pantry for one week.

It will take some creativity and probably a couple boring meals, but you can make it.

If you are doing the no spend grocery challenge for longer than one week, set yourself a very small grocery budget for essential fresh items, like milk, eggs, or flour.

I tried not to go over $20 for the week. I tried really hard not to spend a dime, if at all possible, but sometimes, it was unavoidable.

Before going to the grocery store, where options will be plentiful, first try to find a substitution for the item you “need”.

Save money with a grocery no spend challenge.

No eating out in place of eating at home

Don’t eat out in place of eating at home. That defeats the whole purpose of a no spend grocery challenge, and you will end up spending way more money than if you went to the grocery store and bought a cart full of groceries.

So avoid the temptations. Be prepared.

Tell your co-workers your plans so they don’t invite you out for lunch. You can do this. The time doing the no spend grocery challenge will go much faster than you think.

How to successfully complete a no spend grocery challenge:

Take inventory

If you want to be successful in your no spend grocery challenge, you are going to need to take inventory of what you have already. This task will feel immense, but it will be worth the effort!

Write down on a sheet of paper every single item and the quantity of the item. For example, “yogurt, 1/2 quart”.

If you do this, meal planning will go much smoother and more efficiently.

Put a notation next to the ingredients that need to be consumed first. For example, if you have chicken that needs to be cooked in the next day or two, either plan to cook it first or freeze it.

Meal plan

In order to successfully complete a no spend grocery challenge, you are going to need to meal plan. Meal planning isn’t fun when you are working with limited ingredients. I know. You can still do it.

First, list out all your activities for the week.

Need a crockpot meal on Tuesday because the kids have soccer practice? OK, maybe it is time to use up some dried beans and a can of diced tomatoes.

Determine what kind of meals you can make for each day of the week. If you have more time on Sundays, prepare your more time-consuming meals on that day.

In the car all day on Saturday? Plan a “snack lunch” of random items like trail mix, nuts, dried fruits or anything else in your pantry that needs a good clean out and is portable.

The primary goal is to be prepared. When you know your schedule, it will be easier to plan ahead and not break the rules by going out to eat.

Once you are done with the challenge, check out eMeals. They are by far my favorite meal planning service and help cut down a lot of food waste. You even get a free trial when you click through this link.

Don’t get fancy with your meals

Pantry and fridge clean-out is not the time to be fancy with your meals.

I remember one pantry clean-out when we were down to bare bones. I was determined to not go out to eat, it was late and a school night.

Chick-fil-A drive-through would have been so easy! Instead, I opened a can of baked beans and a can of peaches up for my kids.

Guess what?! They LOVED it.

I was so surprised my two little ones were ecstatic over baked beans and peaches. I think they thought it was funny that mama just opened up two cans and poured them onto their plates.

Whatever! I called it a win in my book, and we were all happy. They also had a decent enough meal.

You don't have to get fancy with your meals in your no spend grocery challenge. Canned pears are delicious!

Get creative

A no spend grocery challenge requires a decent amount of creativity. However, you may be surprised by some of the meals you create.

My favorite resource for creating meals with random ingredients is supercook.com. You put in the ingredients you have at home that you think might go together in some capacity, and it will search the internet for recipes.

Missing a key ingredient for a recipe you like? Search the internet for possible substitutions. You may be surprised!

My favorite meal I made included half a block of cream cheese (we were out of bagels), half a box of spaghetti noodles, and some shrimp. I threw in some broccoli florets from a near-empty freezer bag, and we were all set with a fancy looking meal.

I was super proud that night, and desperate for something a little more special!

Commit to using up everything you can

Commit to using up as many groceries as you can find in your pantry, fridge, and freezer before going out to buy something from the store.

Will there be a time you need milk? Probably. First, make sure there isn’t a can of coconut milk hiding in the back of your pantry.

Learn substitutions

One of my favorite cookbooks has an introduction that says “cooking isn’t rocket science.” I don’t know why, but that statement stuck with me.

I’ve never been an amazing cook, but that statement gave me the confidence to try new things and embrace the unknown!

One thing you will do a lot of in a no spend grocery challenge is finding substitutions for ingredients. Don’t skip making a meal because you are missing something. Search the internet to find a replacement.

Out of oil for a muffin recipe? Use applesauce or a smashed banana.

Flax eggs have saved me on more than one occasion.

Use canned coconut milk or evaporated milk.

Use frozen berries instead of fresh ones.

Make your own “kitchen sink” granola bars using random leftover dry goods.

Exchange like vegetables, like broccoli instead of green beans or sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes.

You can use brown sugar, regular sugar, honey, syrup or agave syrup all as sweeteners.

Related Post: Organize Your Pantry for the Last Time

Embrace leftovers

The no spend grocery challenge taught me to embrace leftovers. We have always been a family that eats leftovers, but boy, we ate more than our normal share with the challenge.

With the no spend challenge, since you are not letting any food go to waste, you will learn the appropriate quantities to make for your meals.

I learned real fast that if my husband was on a work trip, I better cut down the size of our meals, or we would be eating the same leftovers for days straight. It was a good lesson to learn to prevent future food waste.

Use a no spend challenge as a teaching moment

Some people will argue with me and tell me this was a poor parenting move, to force my kids to eat foods that weren’t fresh, or golly, go an entire three days without milk!

My thoughts are this isn’t their normal routine, and it taught them a valuable lesson. Food is a privilege.

While we sat around the table eating our boring leftovers or canned goods no one really wanted, we had some great conversations about how lucky we were to have “boring food”.

My kids surprised me with the challenge.

Did they complain some days? You betcha. However, they complain some days when I am making food from a well-purchased grocery run too.

Other days, we all sat around the table and laughed, enjoying our creativity and fun ideas.

My favorite nights were called “leftovers choice” night. Everyone got to choose what leftovers they wanted! They thought it was fun because we were all often eating something different.

Celebrate your no spend grocery challenge success and practice often

When you are done with your no spend grocery challenge, take note of how much you spent on groceries the month prior and how much you spent this month. You may be blown away!

I try to practice what I call a “pantry clean-out” at least one week out of every month.

It never fails, we buy groceries, a meal doesn’t get eaten, we freeze leftovers, or we have leftover ingredients.

Once a month, I try to use up those random ingredients before going back to the grocery store. It saves us money every month.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

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5 Real Health Benefits of Having Less

October 2 // by Brooke

Guest post by Ashley at Gulf Coast Wellness.

Downsizing is all the rage right now, but did you know that having less will actually make you healthier?

It’s true. There really is something to this whole minimalist movement and it’s easy to see why it’s catching on so fast.

There’s nothing like that first full trash bag after you’ve semi-convinced yourself you’re going to declutter your home. It’s addicting and before you know it you’re actually excited to clear out.

Clearing out the clutter is very freeing, in more ways than just one.

The Health Benefits of Having Less

1 – Lower Stress (Why save the best for last?)

We spend so much time keeping up with our lives…work, family, cleaning, laundry, cooking, the list goes on. Imagine what it would be like NOT to have a million loads of laundry on the weekend, and instead maybe just two or three.

What would it be like to go through your house in 15 minutes and have everything picked up?

Doesn’t the idea of that just make you feel like you can take a deep breath?

I’m all about quoting studies, but I have first-hand experience with this scenario. Having less is BEAUTIFUL (and less stressful)!

No longer do I spend all weekend cleaning! I have significantly less chaos in my life. (I have a 3-year-old, so I can’t say “no chaos”).

Focusing on the things that are important in our lives has been…well, life-changing. And y’all, my wrinkles went away! No kidding. Less stress is where it’s at!

When you have less stress in one major area of your life, it trickles down into other areas of your life. Have you noticed this happen before? Simply removing one trigger can change everything.

Reducing clutter reduces stress, and it really can make you feel healthier.

2 – Having Less Creates Better Mental Health

Have you noticed that clutter makes a room seem noisy and overwhelming?

Earlier this year we were house hunting, and when we looked online we found a gorgeous home we were dying to see. The realtors took us to see it, and when we got there we realized these people were hoarders!

They were legitimate, real-life hoarders. Every nook and cranny was stuffed. You couldn’t walk into the garage, you couldn’t see into the closets, there were decorations in every viable space…all cleaned up just enough so that it didn’t look dirty.

I couldn’t wait to get out of there. I’ve never had a real problem with anxiety, but I sure felt it that day. Imagine what it would be like for someone who actually suffers from anxiety!

Feeling overwhelmed is a major trigger for many mental afflictions. This should never be something you feel in your own home, your safe space, your retreat from life. Having less is an excellent place to start in improving your mental health.

3- Having Less Makes You Smarter

There’s usually one of two reactions when I make this claim about clutter…”Really?! Sweet!!” or “Um, you’re pulling my leg, that’s not possible”

Here’s how it works. That overwhelmed feeling you get from clutter horribly decreases focus and clarity.

When you clear the clutter, immediately you are less distracted. For example, when there are no longer stacks of papers on your desk pulling your attention to other matters, your productivity sky-rockets.

Being able to get more things done, focus on work, and higher confidence will instantaneously make you feel smarter.

In reality, the smarts and confidence were always there, but it’s harder to access when you can’t focus or see past your own stuff.

4 – Having Less Creates Better Heart Health

While there are many things that contribute to heart health, such as nutrition, we also know that stress is and always has been a huge factor. So, the thought that having less creates better heart health is really very logical when you think about it.

Remember earlier when I mentioned that when you are less stressed in one major area of your life, it trickles down into others? This is precisely what I mean by that statement.

Being able to take stress down a big notch can make a noticeable difference in your heart health.

In an article from Harvard Medical, it states that day to day stress “triggers inflammation, which is a known instigator of heart disease”.

I would venture to say if your home or the things in your home are causing stress, it could make you less heart-healthy!

5 – Having Less Leads to Better Self Care

Every single one of us has made this excuse: “If I had more time I would______.” (Insert activity here – get a massage, exercise more, read a book, etc.)

Self-care is unbelievably important for our health, both physical and mental.

It is important to be able to take the time to unwind.

When you don’t feel so overwhelmed all the time, you have more motivation to do something healthy, like exercise, rather than zone out in front of the TV because that’s all your brain can handle today. (No judgment! We’ve all had those days.)

Having less literally gives you the gift of time. No more excuses on why you can’t spend some time on yourself. Taking or creating time for yourself is something you will never regret. I promise!

Side note: It’s not selfish to make time for yourself. It is necessary to do self-care beyond basic maintenance.

Try a No Spend Challenge + FREE No Spend Month Printable

September 4 // by Brooke

Have you ever taken a no spend challenge?

If not, have you ever thought about taking a no spend challenge? Maybe a no spend month? Or a no spend weekend? Heck, even a no spend day!

I usually do at least one no spend month ever year, often in January.

Why?

You would not believe how much I save after a month of no spending and being super intentional with my money.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Save Money with a No Spend Challenge

I’m a frugal person, and I try to be intentional with my money. After vacation, a heavy spending month, or when inspired, I like to take on a no spend challenge.

The first time I did a no spend challenge, I was blown away by the amount of money I saved. It was almost $1600! That’s almost embarrassing I had that much disposable income I could be saving and in only 30 days!

Piggy bank with hundred dollar bills saved after a no spend month.

Decide on the length of your no spend challenge

I recommend a no spend challenge for one month or 30 days.

It takes about a month to establish new habits, and if you get in the habit of not spending money, it may stick with you for the rest of the year.

If one month is too long, then maybe try a no spend weekend or a no spend day.

If you are super inspired, try a no spend year. I’ve never been brave enough to do a complete no spend year.

I did do a no spend year for clothes once, and that opened my eyes up to all the ways I could save by practicing a more minimalist lifestyle!

How to prepare for a no spend challenge month

Don’t stock up on basic supplies

This rule varies depending on who is running the challenge.

I get the mentality of stocking up. Buy now, and you won’t have to go to the stores and be tempted. However, stocking up just gives you a false pretense of saving money. You spent it all last month!

Do you know what happens when I don’t stock up? I find stuff.

For example, when you run out of shampoo, you FINALLY use those travel bottles you’ve been holding on to for “just in case.”

The same goes for toilet paper. Once you’ve searched in every storage corner, the back of the car, and the garage, then yes, you can go buy more toilet paper.

You might use less toilet paper though, especially if you know you are running low. You may even buy a cheaper brand (and learn you don’t mind it) if you finally have to buy.

Part of this challenge is learning how to resist the temptations of consumerism when reality requires you to go out to a store for bare essentials.

Track your average expenses for 3 months prior

If you use a program like YNAB or other budget tracking software, then look at your expenses for the past three months.

If three months is too much, track at least the prior month’s expenses.

Bonus if you can zero in on your highest two or three categories for your spending in the past one to three months.

Save this number and compare your results after the challenge.

Even if you slip up during the no spend month challenge, chances are you will save a big chunk of money.

No Spending Month Rules

Spend:

You gotta take care of the bills. Everything else, those non-essentials, they can wait.

Rent / Mortgage
Utilities
Debt Payments
Medical Expenses
Gas (if needed)
Daycare Expenses
Obligatory Expenses
Essential Groceries
Toilet Paper (we all have to draw the line somewhere!)

Don’t Buy:

Non-essential Groceries (do a grocery/pantry challenge)
Dining Out
Coffee Shops
Personal Items (until all stored/stocked items are exhausted)
Clothes (I promise, you don’t NEED anything in a month’s time.)
Shoes
Entertainment of any kind (Search locally for free stuff to do.)
Vacation (If you have a vacation already planned, don’t ruin it!)
Date Nights
Gifts (Homemade with on-hand items or re-gifting allowed.)
Alcohol (You can survive a month.)
Hobby Supplies
Car Wash
Home Goods
Any “deal”
Basically, anything that is non-essential and can be bought at a later time, no matter the price.

Click for your no spend challenge printable

No Spend Month Tips

Stay out of the stores

I know I told you to not stock up, which will require some basic essentials shopping during your no spend challenge month.

Yet, for the most part, you should stay out of the stores.

This means no shopping for fun or to waste time. If you are struggling, here is a list of activities you can do for free! If you have kids, Macaroni Kids is a great resource to learn and have as much fun as possible.

If you must go to a store:

Have a list
Get only what’s on the list, no exceptions, no matter the deal.
Avoid the clothes, home goods and toys sections like the plague. You don’t NEED anything from these areas. Anything in these areas can be avoided for one month, I promise.

Use what you already own and get creative

In addition to removing the store as a temptation, you can remove other temptations for your no spend month challenge.

If you need something, stop and evaluate for a minute.

Do you have an item that would work just as well?
Could you borrow the item?
Are you sure buying the item would not create a duplicate?

Pack your lunch

If you work, tell your lunch buddies you will not be dining out for a month. Ask them not to ask you and to maybe save some cash by packing with you every day.

Clear our your retailer emails

Either unsubscribe or put “rules” on them. Most email providers with automatically file emails from specific senders if you put in a new “rule.”

Host a potluck

Host a potluck so you can get in your friends time without being tempted to go to happy hour, the movies or other events with friends.

We used to do potlucks all the time when we were trying to save a very large sum of money. We would often cook a pork shoulder all day in the crockpot and then invite friends over for BBQ or tacos.

Assign all your guests an item to reduce duplicates and so everyone shares the cost!

You can do this for work lunches too if you have a big enough group of people who eat together every day.

Eat at home

If you are not doing a pantry challenge and aren’t allowing yourself any groceries, then make food that keeps you from wanting to go out.

If you don’t want to do dishes, do a quick and easy meal.

If you want fried food, then fry up something yummy.

If you want dessert, make it.

The trick is to not go out to eat. Try a new recipe.

If you are new to meal planning, I highly recommend you check out eMeals. Hands down they are my favorite meal planning tool, and I’ve been using them for over 10 years! It is worth every penny, which is only about $1.25/week.

Get a free 14-day trial with eMeals by clicking on my link!

Cut out luxury expenses

Cut out any expenses that could be luxury in nature for your no spend challenge month.

This can be car washes, nail salon visits, tanning visits, subscription services, etc. You may be surprised by what you pay for and don’t even use anymore!

Cut out alcohol

Think this is impossible? Need inspiration? Check out This Naked Mind.

Alcohol can slow down your mind, allows you to make choices you may regret (online shopping binges anyone?!), and costs money. Really, it is an unnecessary luxury.

Cut out coffee shops

You can make your own fancy coffees at home. If you can’t recreate the same flavors, get as close as you can.

Accept that you will have some fails in flavors. Or…go plain-ole coffee or tea. It’s cheap. It will save you many future bucks when you learn to prefer less fancy flavors.

Don’t buy clothes

Unless your house burned down, you can survive a month without buying new clothes. Heck, I once survived a year without buying new clothes! It can be done. I promise.

Tell people “no”

If you are trying to save money, you are going to have to decline some invites to happy hours, dinners out, movies, etc. Learn to tell people “no”.

Some people may give you a hard time, but let them know you are doing a simple challenge and will be back to doing things next month.

Get creative too. See if they would like to get together for dinner at each other’s house. Maybe you could get the kids together to watch a movie or to play outside while you share a coffee.

You don’t have to spend money to connect with people.

What happens if you goof and mess up?

Don’t give up! Pick up right where you left off.

Part of building a new habit means you won’t be perfect right out of the gate. That is OK!

No Spend Challenge Printable Pack – FREE!

Download your FREE No Spend Challenge Printable Pack.

Included is everything you need to track your success. You can download a calendar view or habit tracker view, pick your preference.

You in? What excites you most about a no spend challenge month?

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