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Simplify Your Life by spending less and managing less. A new year brings a clean slate and it is the perfect time to reflect and make an effort to simplify your life. Be sure to see our winter self-care tips for some self-care inspiration.

Hello Friends! It is already mid-January and time for another installment of the Simplify Your Life series.  You may recall that my word of the year is SIMPLIFY, so in that spirit, today I am sharing a few things that I do to simplify my life.

One of the goals that we use when streamlining business processes for productivity is maximizing time (and money). If you have been here a while, you know that maximizing time is the underlining mission of this blog. The key is to accomplish the necessary tasks in the least amount possible while maximizing the time available to spend enjoying life.

By simplifying, you are reducing the number of things that require maintenance or actions (your attention and sometimes money). Below I have outlined a few processes that are easy and actionable to incorporate, that will simplify your life.

Simplify Your Life By Spending Less

Create a Monthly Budget to reduce overspending and to reach savings goals. We have a free downloadable budget that you can use to track and measure your spending. This part is not always fun, but it is necessary in order to prepare for future expenses.

Consider using the envelope system for your after-tax income. Before debit cards, we could easily view the cash that came home and how we spent it. Purchases can seem less painful when we are just swiping a card than when you use actual cash.

Use a Printable Menu Planner to plan your meals. Plan meals with seasonal fruits and vegetables to keep the costs down.

Simplify Your Life by Decluttering

Declutter that closet and get rid of things that you no longer need. Donate these items or resell them at a consignment shop.

Clear off counters of clutter that has managed to make its home there. Visual clutter has been proven to contribute to anxiety and stress. If you have several counters that are piled with stuff, my suggestion is to start with those rooms that are used the most (e.g., the kitchen, the dining room etc.)

Unsubscribe from any publications or email lists that are not adding value to your life. Do the same with your phone apps. Remove any apps you are not using and close any social media accounts you no longer use.

Take time out of your day to reflect and plan. Be mindful of your daily goals and make it a priority to reduce distractions.

Below are several articles that help to de-clutter and organize family spaces.

Simplify Your Life by Reducing Your Streaming Time

These days we all have our list of show series that we are streaming on TV. While there are so many great shows out there, be conscious of how much time you are spending on these shows. Some of that time could be spent with friends, family or pursuing a passion of yours. By making an effort to limit or time block your viewing, you open up your life to other things.

Kitchen Storage Solutions – Maximize your space by using storage solutions that help manage space.

Organizing E-Mail – Tips to declutter and organize your email so that you don’t have a ton left in your inbox.

Paper Organization – Tips to organize, manage and reduce paper by creating a home command station.

Goal Setting Tips – Tips for setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.

No one is organized every moment, but by creating storage systems and designating a home for your belongings will help you simplify your life. No more hunting for things that you have misplaced or rummaging through stuff you really no longer need. For my final tip, I suggest you schedule 30 minutes every week to organize and declutter a part of your home.

If you found this article helpful, we’d love you to become an islander and subscribe to our posts. Also please consider sharing this to a friend that could use some simplicity in their lives.

Do you live simply? What is your best tip for simplifying your life?