Minimalism For Moms Change Your Life in 30 Days!

Minimalism for Moms – In a world where getting more is promoted as successful, many people are proving that doing the exact opposite can bring great peace and joy. Moms are looking for a minimal lifestyle and they plan on taking their families to do the same. Many minimalists claim that following the minimalist strategy lowers stress, increases bonds between families, keeps your home cleaner and so much more. The benefits are endless. Let’s learn more about minimalism and minimalism for moms and families. We will also share our ultimate minimalism for Moms guide which includes free printables!

Table of Contents

What Is Minimalism?

The concept of minimalism is to promote the things that bring us purpose, aid or joy and to remove all things that do not promote value in one’s life. Things of value could be a family momento, kitchen supplies or a beautiful comfortable blanket. Things that can be distraction include but are not limited to excessive toys, an abundance of electronics, or too many clothes.

Minimalism holds a mirror to what we are hanging on to verses what brings us joy. What is truly important to us as individuals and as families? Many Moms are asking themselves this everyday.

When parents are stuck with constant clean-up, they want more time. Time for themselves, time for their children and time to relax is on every family members minds.

Things minimalists keep are those that serve a function, a purpose or bring joy to the person who possesses them.

Minimalism Benefits

There are so many benefits by taking on a minimalist lifestyle. Here are a few of the many benefits of taking on a minimalist lifestyle for you and your family.

A Clutter Free Home

Keeping a clean home helps keep order and scheduling in the house. It makes people feel good and it is more healthy to live in a home that is clean, neat and tidy. Clutter can occur from the excess of things. Whether you have massive collections, hold on to many memories or even hoard, taking on a cluttery home can be life changing.

When you declutter your lifestyle, you can also declutter your mind. This brings so much joy and hands you back time that you deserve.

A Clear Mind

There is an old saying that when your house is decluttered, your mind is decluttered. With a clear mine everyday, you have time to set goals for the family, do more things that you want to do and lastly, spend more time together as a family.

Charity

Giving your things that you don’t need to charity helps other families and your community. Give back if you are going to give away!

More Time With Those You Love

Now that you are not spending so much time cleaning, organizing and maintaining, you can spend more time with your family. Minimalists claim they are able to focus on family relationships instead of maintaining things.

These are just a few of the many reasons why minimalists swear becoming minimalist can change your life!

How Do I Become a Minimalist Mother?

You are thinking about minimalism but do not know where to start! How do you become a minimalist Mom? For many minimalists, it takes time and there is no rush to jump into minimalism completely. Firstly, speak to your family about your plans. Be sure that you are clear that this does not mean throwing out” things that give them joy or that are necessary. Secondly, let them know that this means there is more time to have experiences together and less time cleaning and maintaining things. Lastly, have a conversation on how an excess of things an actually hold you back and clutter the mind.

It is important that when you are becoming a minimalist is to start with yourself. You best lead with example than telling others what they should do.

Minimalist Moms Do Not Do

Minimalists are many things but there are things that good minimalist Moms do NOT do when sorting through their home. The process of letting go can be a hard one for family to grasp at first. Here are some quick tips that minimalist Moms do not do.

Throw Out Things of Others

A minimalist never goes into the room of others and just starts throwing things away. A good minimalist leads by example and talking about their experiences. Though you can go and give away clothes that are too small, it is best to treat your children and spouse as they are, individuals. They may value something that brings you joy that you yourself may not understand. We have to respect other people’s processes as much as possible.

An old toy may bring a teenager joy. Similarly, a father may hang onto an old shirt that was once word by his father who is no longer with them. Whatever the case may be, we have to respect that what brings us joy may not bring others joy and vice versa. We respect the joy of others.

Consider a Momento

Some momentos take up space, cause clutter and do not serve a purpose, but they bring joy. Whether that is the dancing cactus you bought at the store to make the whole family laugh or your collection of spoons from all over the world, there are things that may not serve a functioning purpose but bring joy. Things such as collections and other momentos can bring joy to the whole family and hold meaning.

Throwing out Family Photos

Family photos, especially family photo albums can be bulky, hard to store and more. Some families resort to throwing out photo albums. We don’t recommending purging your family photos. There is something special about holding a photo album instead of always viewing a photo online. Your children will learn how people stored photos and what gave people joy when they had guests. Lastly, they will see their families photos and family history. It is a gift from your ancestors to keep!

Pressure Others to Get Rid of A lot of Their Stuff

You know that minimalism will change your and your families life but they just don’t realize it yet! It may be tempting to pressure them to get into the minimalistic lifestyle or even to start purging for them. However, this is not the case. This can cause anger, fights and resentment between the family and yourself. It can be tempting to get rid of excess things but in the end, minimalism is a journey that everyone has to be on board with. You can control your things, your home but not the possessions of others. It can be tempting to just get rid of a few of your children’s or spouses things to make it easier.

The best way to convince others into minimalism is to lead by example. When your family sees you purge old clothes, excess items and more, they may be more inclined to the do the same; especially when they see how much more time you have! Set down boundaries that you will no longer help them maintain, organize and clean their excess items (old clothes that do not fit, messy drawers filled with stuff etc) and that gives them the responsibility for their possessions.

Selling Necessities

Minimalism can be addicting! It is such a freeing feeling to let go of possessions and give them away to others that need them. However, you do not want to go overboard! For example, you may have four people in your family but you don’t want to have only four plates. There will be guests, emergencies or things break. Its good to have a little extra because, let’s face it, life HAPPENS! We don’t want to sell the necessities.

We had a minimalist friend interested in downsizing from two cars to one. When she looked into it, she realized that the commute cost more than the car, gas, insurance and parking! Not to mention the extra three hours added to her daily commute. At this time, the car is more efficient for the family. She did write her local government official to look into transportation challenges that many people in her area face. Even though selling her car is not in the cards right now, she can help others on a local government level because of the extra time she has by being a minimalist in other areas.

These are just a few of the things that minimalists should avoid to keep conflict low with family members as you adjust to your new lifestyle.

How Do You Live Minimally With Kids? Our 4 Step Process

Becoming a minimalist is a commitment. Similarly, it can be a shock to a family when you start purging things that do not work with your household. There are ways to live minimally with children and have it be an enjoyable experience. Some minimalists claim that they have a hard time bringing their family on board with this new lifestyle. Here are some ways to make it easier as you transition them into a minimalist household.

Involve Them in the Process

Instead of telling your children about minimalism, show them minimalism. The best way to begin the process is to show them what it is. Have your children begin by going into your room and having a look at your clothes. What are clothes that you are hanging on that no longer fit? Are there things you have not worn in years? Have your kids organize the piles and help you decide to keep or give away items.

Take them to the second hand store when you make your first clothing donation. Older children can help unload the bags.

Take your children around your kitchen, basement, garage and more. Get them involved in the process by planning the piles, packing the items and bringing them to other peoples houses, homeless shelters and second hand stores. This will teach them about minimalism, organizational skills and domestic skills.

Emphasize Experiences Over Possessions

Children love “the why” when we are doing things. Emphasize how experiences are more important than possessions. Show them as you involve them in your minimizing possessions how much more time you have now that you don’t have to clean and organize as much. Take them to the park, a long hike or a picnic. They will see the “why” with the fun results. This can encourage them to relook at their items as well.

Show Them How Time is Saved

Let them know how long it takes you to clean the house every week. Explain to your children it takes hours just to maintain a home. Get your older children to multiply how many hours a day you spend cleaning by week, month and year. That is a lot of hours! After you purge your clothing and some of your possessions, show them the reduction in cleaning per week. Let them know if they too purged things they did not need that this will multiply family free time by the number of people who participate. You can then go on more hikes, picnics, walks or whatever your family is interested in.

When children see the why they begin to understand what they have to do.

Less Stuff More Experiences

When the children start to understand the why and what about minimalism, they start to see the benefits. Show them that less stuff means more time and money for experiences. Whether it is family walks every evening or doing a family activity once a week, this will change your entire families lives. It keeps everyone healthier. Mental health, fights, conflict and more goes down. How many conflicts arrive from stuff?

Raising Minimalist Children

Now that your children understand the benefits of minimalism, what kind of life changes come from this new minimalist lifestyle? It causes you to re-evaluate your thinking process. Here are new ways of speaking to your family about your minimalist adventure.

Meditation

Minimalism means having a clear mind and reflecting that clarity into our possessions. Having daily, regular meditation sessions as a family or alone helps you center yourself and what your intentions are individually and as a family.

Speaking Regularly As A Family

It is good to check in with the family at dinner or over dessert and discuss goals, visions and the families wants and needs. It is good to talk to the kids about what toys and electronics satisfy their joy, wants and needs and distinguishing the difference between these words.

Does This Toy Hold Joy?

Teaching your children the difference between needs, wants and if it gives joy. When holding onto a toy that may be too old for your child or broken, let them know that they don’t need it. Do they want it to play with? If not, does it bring them joy to see it everyday? If so, find a spot for it in their room so it can be enjoyed. Let them come to conclusions whether or not to keep it. You would be surprised what conclusions they come to.

Where do Minimalist Mothers Live?

We get a lot of parents asking where minimalist mothers and minimalist families live! You can find them everywhere. From tiny apartments in big cities to the sprawling countryside, minimalists make it work in any situation. You can be a minimalist anywhere. The pressure may be a bit more if you are living in an affluent area and there is a “pressure” to keep up the Jones’. However, who cares what people think? You are on a much more exciting journey.

Minimalist Mom Changes To Make Now!

So you have the minimalist itch and you want to scratch it. It is always recommended to go slow, day by day so you are purging with purpose. However, there are some things that you can do that makes you feel great as you get started with this new minimalist lifestyle. Here are some minimalist mom changes that you can make now.

Get Rid of Clothes That Don’t Fit

Encourage your family and yourself to go through all of their clothes and get rid of the clothes that don’t fit. Don’t save the sweater you want to fit into again one day or a whole wardrobe in case you get pregnant again. If it doesn’t fit, it has to go!

Toys That Are Not Wanted

Sell or give away all of the toys that are not wanted. If your child does not want a toy anymore, it is time to get rid of it!

Toys That Are Broken

Let’s say good-bye to all of the toys that are damaged beyond repair. The toys that have cracks in them. The puzzles with ten missing pieces. You know as well as we do that they will not be fixed and missing pieces will probably not be found. It’s time to purge the broken toys.

Get Rid of Clothes That Are Old Or Make You Feel Outdated

People hold onto old and outdated clothes for many reasons. Firstly, they hold on to clothes for nostalgic reasons. They may have their wedding dress or own a shirt that they love. Alternatively, people may have clothes that they want to fit into again, one day. As the years pass, these clothes are held onto and they take up space.

The clothes are outdated and can maybe serve a new purpose with someone who will wear them right away. Give the clothes purpose again by giving them away.

These are some simple minimalist mom changes that can make a great difference. Similarly, they will also make a huge difference if the whole family does it.

Minimalist Mom Benefits

Minimalism for Moms comes with some serious benefits. It can be life changing spiritually, mentally and physically. Also, there are a lot of surprising benefits that come with being a minimalist as well. Here are a few of the many benefits.

Other than the mental, spiritual and physical changes that happen after you have become minimalist, the other benefits can include money from selling clothes and extra pocket change from garage sales, Facebook marketplace and more. This is a great way to have some extra money while you are getting rid of excess stuff.

Saving Time

Now that you do not have to clean as much, you get to save time. There is more time for yourself, for family and making life easier.

Less Cleaning

Now that you have minimized the clutter, you have less stuff! Less stuff means less cleaning. Now you can focus on intensely cleaning the house or relaxing.

Less Stress

With less stuff to organize, clean and work with, you have less stress. Less stress means you have more time to dedicated to yourself and others.

More Time to do Things You Love

Becoming a minimalist Mom does not mean you get less of everything, you get more of things to! With your newfound time, you get more time to do the things that you love and your family loves.

Make Memories

Now that you have so much time, you can make memories with the entire family. This is going to be a game changer. Better bonds with the kids and your spouse are always welcomed.

You Shift Your Life Focus

It is no longer about surviving but thriving! You start to realign your life focus and the focus of your family. Your family does not have to work as hard and as long to pay for “stuff”. You get to work to live and not live to work anymore.

Extra Money In Your Pocket

Now that you spend less, you have more money. Similarly, if you are able to sell all of the things that you need to give away, you will have some extra money to save or put together for a family experience. You won’t spend as much as you usually do and you will notice that your monthly savings will go up.

These are just a few of the many things that Moms report when becoming a minimalist Mom!

Minimalist Working Mom

Many of you are interested in minimalism but you have a full time job. Minimalism can seem like a huge task to take on and you don’t have a lot of extra time! That is why we have designed the 30 Day Minimal Mom Challenge to introduce you to the beginning of a minimalist lifestyle. Do each of these tasks in thirty days or go about it at your pace. Whatever the pace you want, you have an easy to check off guide to help you every step of the way. In thirty days, you can get rid of a lot and begin the path to minimalism. Don’t be surprised after thirty days if you notice you do have more time than you did before! Check out our thirty day challenge.

Get our Minimal Mom Printable 30 Day Challenge!

Check out our Minimal Mom Printable 30 Day Challenge! In just 30 short days, you can dedicate a few minutes a day to change your life. Your house will be clutter free, it will be easier to clean and your whole family will feel more stress free.

Get Your 30 Days Minimalist Checklist Here:

30 Days Minimalist Checklist

30 Days to Becoming a Minimalist Mom

Congratulations, you have decided to change your life by becoming a minimalist! We have created a 30 day minimalist starter checklist to help you get on your way!

Day 1 The Talk

Talk to your family about minimalism. Tell them that you are going to give away what you are no longer using. Don’t put pressure on others to do the same. They will see the differences it makes when you start to clean up.

Find nearby thrift stores, women’s shelters and people to donate to. You are going to need to know where these places are!

Make sure to purchase bags to give away clothes, garbage bags and cleaning supplies.

Day 2 Closets/Dresser

Tackle your closet and dresser. It’s time to get rid of clothes in this order:

Clothes that no longer fit (don’t save them in hopes to lose weight or for them to fit better!)

Clothes that are too old – They don’t make you feel good wearing them if they have unfixable rips and tears.

Gather all of the that you have not worn in a year- If they did not inspire you in the last year, it is time to get rid of them. Bag your clothes and take them to a thrift store or a women’s shelter. Do not leave in the garage!

Day 3

Kitchen

Go through all of your plate sets. Are you holding on to incomplete plate sets? Give them away. Do you have five muffin tins? Time to give three to someone who could use them. Purge chipped mugs and corporate mugs. Get rid of glasses that are not machine washable. If you have not used anything in over a year and is not serving a purpose in your kitchen, give it away. Wrap all of these things up and donate to a women’s shelter. There are many families starting over and need this stuff!

Day 4 Bathrooms

Purge all old and outdated make-up. Do you have any lotions that are expired? Go through all cold and cough medication, cleaners, pills that are expired. Do you save hotel soaps and shampoos? Dispose of all of these items. Get rid of towels that are ripped and torn. Cut some of them into pieces for rags. Similarly, dispose of stained or ripped or torn face cloths. If there are bath toys that are no longer being used, it’s time to toss them. Any bathroom decorations that may have mold have to go ASAP. Get the garbage bag ready and throw out.

Day 5 Living Room

Do you have any old DVDs? It’s time to go through them. Make two piles of those that no one watches anymore and those that don’t work. Scratched DVDs must be thrown out. If you want to try your chances reselling your DVDs, it may get you a few extra dollars. Otherwise, donate to a thrift store or a women’s shelter.

Day 6 Outside

Get rid of any pots that are cracked or not being used. Many people are taking up gardening and will enjoy them. Anything leaning against your house, old wood pieces need to go to the dump ASAP. Say goodbye to any bags that were not thrown out. Off to the dump with all of the outdoor junk.

Day 7 Garage

This is often times a big one. Go through the tools of the house. If you have too many screwdrivers, hammers or ladders, pick the best and get rid of the rest. If you are storing anything for another person, if it is possible, have them make other arrangements. Take boxes and purchase safe bins that are easy to combine boxes to make more space. Any garbage or things that need to be delivered need to be ready to go next garbage day.

Day 8 Talk to Family

Over the last week, you have purged a lot and the family may already see a big change. It is time now for them to start purging.

Day 9 Toys

Talk to your children to get broken unfixable toys together. They are taking up space and have to go!

Day 10 Baby Stuff

If you are finished having babies, it is time to part with the baby stuff. It can be an emotional experience, however, think of the pieces as serving a purpose for a new family, instead of sitting in your home. If you plan to have more children, check to see if the crib, car seat and more have expiry dates. Those that are passed the expiry date must go.

Day 11 Old Clothes

Time to get rid of your kid’s clothes that are stained beyond repair, ripped badly, things they will not wear or things that are way too small. Pack them up neatly and bring them to a women’s shelter or try selling the small items at a second hand consignment store.

Day 12 Documents

Do you have a pile of old taxes, documents, and things with your name on them? It is time to cut up anything you don’t need to save, shred it to pieces and get rid of it. Round up all outdated sensitive documents, old notes, letters, and purge them safely.

Day 13 Books

It is time to go through all of your books. Which books give you joy? Which books represent you and your family? Give away books that are too young for your children. Give away books that you did not absolutely love.

Day 14 Small Appliances

Do you have a toaster and a toaster oven? Do you have certain small appliances or kitchen gadgets that take up space and you don’t use too often? Try to sell on Facebook marketplace or at a garage sale for some extra cash.

Day 15 Collections

It is time to look at things that you have collected over the years. Do you have ten year old candles? Many incomplete collections? Give away your old stuff and think about parting with incomplete collections. Niche down with your collections to get something very sentimental that will increase in value and that you have an opportunity to complete the collection itself.

Day 16 Décor

It is time to go through your entire house and look at your home décor. Are there things that you don’t love? It is time to get rid of the décor items that you find are things that do not represent you or your family. This quick purge gives you an idea on how to consolidate the items you love and make them work in your home.

Day 17 Holiday Decorations

Time to have a look at those old Christmas decorations or Halloween decorations. What does not bring joy? What is taking up space? These are the things that need to go.

Day 18 Food

Look in your pantry and fridge. Clean out all old food and note the food that has been sitting there a while. Nonperishable items that are not being eaten should go to someone who will eat them. Food banks are a great place to donate food that you will not eat.

Day 19 Desk/Office

It is time to clean up your desk! Whether this is at work or at home, clear off your desk and create an organized station. You spend hours a day here so it should be a place of peace.

Day 20 Car/Vehicle

It is time to clean the car out of old receipts, papers, food, and clutter. Make sure to put in a first aid kit inside and update it. Place a blanket in case of emergency.

Day 21 Furniture

Evaluate all of the furniture in your life. What is bulky, clunky or just taking up space? What furniture do you not like? It is time to give them a purpose by giving them away to someone who would want them, selling them or donating them.

Day 22 Goals

Write down goals for you and for your family. What brings you all joy? It is time to rewire what you and your family want out of life

Day 23 Finances

Re-evaluate your finances. Where is your money going? How does this align with your goals as an individual or family? Re-budget and rework your finances to fit into your lifestyle.

Day 24 Hobbies

Do you have bicycles when you have not biked in years? Do you have an old canoe and you don’t live close to water? It is time to keep things that are regular hobbies for your family and get rid of things you bought on a whim.

Day 25 Flooring

It is time to purge any old carpets that just collect dust. This will also improve your families overall health.

Day 26 Crafts

It is time to go through the craft section and get rid of old paints that have dried up, craft supplies that are never used and anything that is taking up space and not being used.

Day 27 Workout Equipment

Do you want to start working out again? Get rid of old equipment that is just collecting dust. Join a local gym if it is easier. If not, keep equipment that can serve a daily or at least a weekly purpose. Purge what you don’t use regularly.

Day 28 Clean Up

Give your new minimalized house a clean. Get used to the new floor plan. Do you notice less work for you?

Day 29 Spirituality

Journal how you feel now that you have minimalized a lot of things in your life. Are there more things that you think should go? Sleep on it and decide if you should get rid of more things that do not serve you and your family.

Day 30 Reflection

It is time to journal and reflect on your 30 days. As parent who works hard to keep their family together, you have completed a basic minimalist clean up. Your soul should feel lighter and your house should be void of any clutter. You can repeat this process year after year. Make sure to check out our spring cleaning checklist so you can re-clean your new minimalized house and begin a more stress less lifestyle.

Minimalism For Moms

Minimalism does not have to be difficult to achieve. There are ways to start slow and there are ways to jump right into the minimalist lifestyle. People who have gone minimalist have reported that they have less clutter, less time spent cleaning, more time to enjoy the family, less stress and so much more. It is not only a change in life but a lifestyle change. Your whole family will eventually be intrigued to do it themselves.

Minimalism for Moms just takes a little bit of organization and time. With our 30 day checklist, you will be well on your way to a whole new stressless way of thinking in just a months time. Take time to spend life with your family, your friends and with yourself. Minimalism can be a gift. Spend more time doing things you love, instead of spending time maintaining stuff.

Minimalism For Moms – Change Your Life in 30 Days!