“Don’t own so much clutter that you will be relieved to see your house catch fire.”
— Wendell Berry
What Does Living Simply Mean, and Why Do We Long for It?
Simple living—what does it truly mean? For many Christian homemakers, decluttering your home and heart is about more than just tidying up—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s call for intentionality, peace, and love. We feel drawn to a simple life because it helps us focus on what truly matters, both externally and internally.
My journey toward simplicity began with an interest in minimalism. Over time, I realized it wasn’t just about having fewer possessions; it was about decluttering my home, mind, and heart—living intentionally and aligning my routines and habits with my values.
I was overwhelmed by the silent reminders of clutter—the piles of stuff, unnecessary routines, and mental noise. It was as if my home and my heart were both cluttered, and I couldn’t find peace.
How Cluttered Home Clutters Your Mind?
One day, I tried to find my keys — I looked everywhere: under the couch, in the fridge (yes, I’ve done that), and even in the laundry basket. Turns out, they were in my hand the whole time! That’s when I realized my clutter wasn’t just physical; it was mental. Simplifying my space meant more than tidying up; it meant tidying my mind too.
Week by week, I became increasingly anxious, yet I couldn’t quite understand why. Stress at work spilled over into my home life, and I couldn’t unwind. Grocery trips, which I thought would help, only exhausted me more. I knew I needed change but didn’t know where to start.
Then, one day, a video appeared in my feed on YouTube. Curious, I clicked and watched. That first video sparked something in me. I was hooked. Before I knew it, I was down a rabbit hole of more videos—some inspiring, some overwhelming—and I found myself exhausted and unsure how to implement what I’d learned. When you know, you know…
The Road to Peace Begins
The next day, I re-watched that first video with a renewed sense of purpose. I told myself, “No more endless scrolling.” I ran to my closet and started purging. I’m not talking about removing a few items—like two T-shirts, a pair of jeans, or some socks with holes. I mean trash bags full of excess. And you know what? I already felt lighter.
My husband walked in during the chaos and asked, “Are you starting a yard sale or trying to clear out the closet?” I just smiled and kept sorting. Sometimes, laughter is the best way to handle the clutter — especially the mental kind that sneaks up on us.
But then, evening came. As lights went out and we prepared to sleep, my mind began to spiral. I started obsessing over every corner of our apartment, imagining ways to “improve” it. The excitement was mixed with anxiety—I didn’t know how to feel about my newfound desire for simplicity.
The following morning, my husband gently asked what was going on. I shared my restless feelings and difficulty concentrating. He listened kindly and admitted he had sensed something was bothering me for a long time but didn’t know how to approach it without hurting my feelings. He showed interest in minimalism, and together, we decided to give it a try.
What Is This Journey Really About?
You might wonder: Is this post about minimalism? Or about simple living? Well, it’s about living simply, and this aligns deeply with our Christian calling.
I’m not suggesting poverty, although for some, such as those in religious orders vowed to poverty, that’s their specific calling. But for most of us, simplicity is about more than decluttering or organizing; it’s about aligning our lives with what truly matters—God, family, and peace. Our desire to live with less is rooted in virtue, and it’s a spiritual journey.
Wanting and having less is virtuous.
And honestly, who doesn’t want a little more peace and a little less chaos? Sometimes, decluttering feels like giving ourselves a big, warm hug — a gentle reminder that life doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful.
Saint Augustine reminds us, “Order your soul. Reduce your wants.” The virtue of simplicity isn’t just about possessions; it’s about ordering our desires so that our hearts are free to love God fully.
What Can We Learn From the Holy Family?
Living simply isn’t merely a modern trend; it’s rooted in Scripture and the example of the Holy Family. They teach us how to embrace humility, trust, and service—virtues that naturally lead to a simple, peaceful life.
Jesus teaches us that true wealth is spiritual. In Matthew 6:24, He reminds us, “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” He calls us to prioritize the Kingdom of God over material possessions.
Mary, with her Fiat and willingness to serve God’s plan, exemplifies humility and trust. Her “yes” to God’s will shows us how to surrender our attachments and accept life’s uncertainties with faith.
Saint Joseph demonstrates obedience and humility. His quiet acceptance of God’s will, even in difficult circumstances, teaches us that obedience rooted in trust is a form of simple, sincere living.
If Saint Joseph can trust God’s plan with a newborn in a stable, surely we can trust Him with our cluttered closets and busy schedules!
Saint Vincent de Paul beautifully said,
“When one has done all that God requires toward the success of a thing, if we have simplicity, we are tranquil whether it is a success or not”.
When we seek simplicity, we align ourselves more closely with Christ’s heart—a heart that loves and trusts completely. Simplicity is what brings a state of peace to our hearts.
Why Is Simplicity a Virtue?
The virtue of simplicity calls us out of ourselves and our attachments. It’s about detachment from superficial pursuits so we can focus on what truly matters—God, love, and service.
A Practical Tip: Want to practice simplicity? Start small! Pick one drawer or shelf and declutter it this week. It’s amazing how a tiny shift can spark motivation for bigger changes.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux beautifully expressed this when she said, “The important thing is not to think much, but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love.” Living simply isn’t about perfection but about loving wholeheartedly and living authentically.
Did you know that some saints, like Saint Francis of Assisi, gave away everything to live in radical simplicity? The secret is: you don’t have to go that far — just start where you are!
How to Practice Simplicity in Daily Life
Living simply doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some gentle, practical steps to help you along the way.
Your Home: A Sanctuary of Peace
- Create a space of rest and refuge. Make your bedroom a sanctuary—free of clutter and distractions.
- Unsure where to start? Close your eyes and imagine your home as a cozy B&B or a weekend retreat. Does it feel welcoming? Does it have everything you need?
- Small changes—like clearing a cluttered corner or organizing your essentials—can make a big difference.
Nourish Your Body and Soul with Simple Food
- Cook wholesome, basic meals from whole foods.
- Avoid overcomplicating your menu—build nutritious meals around just a few ingredients.
- Embrace fasting days as a spiritual discipline, helping us focus on God and foster gratitude.
Clear Your Mind with a Daily Reflection
- Instead of an endless to-do list, try writing down your thoughts and worries.
- Review what truly needs your attention and what can be let go.
- Simplify routines—commit to daily prayer or plan your week ahead to stay centered.
Manage Finances with Faith and Wisdom
- Approach money as a faithful steward.
- Have open conversations with your spouse about finances—grocery budgets, savings, debt, tithing.
- Pray about these topics together, trusting that God will guide your decisions.
Cultivate Gratefulness for What You Have
- Be cautious of comparison on social media. Remember, what you see are only highlights.
- Practice gratitude for what God has provided—whether it’s your grandmother’s silverware, a beloved quilt, or chipped plates.
- Small acts of gratitude can transform your perspective and deepen your trust in God’s providence.
An Invitation of Gentle Hope
Living simply isn’t about deprivation or perfection; it’s about creating space—physically, mentally, and spiritually—for what truly matters. When we let go of excess and focus on loving God and serving others, our hearts become more open to joy, peace, and authentic connection with Christ.
Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection. Celebrate small victories! Did you clear out one drawer or make time for a prayer walk? That’s victory enough.
God’s love for us remains steadfast, no matter our clutter or imperfections. His grace is greater than any mess we carry. As we seek to simplify our lives and declutter our hearts, we are responding to His call to grow closer to Him and live more intentionally in His presence.
Share Your Journey!
I’d love to hear from you! How do you practice simplicity in your daily life? Do you have any tips, experiences, or questions to share? Please leave a comment below—let’s encourage each other on this journey toward a more peaceful, loving, and intentional life rooted in faith.