Simple Living vs Minimalism: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?

Are you curious about the difference between simple living vs minimalism? The terms are often used interchangeably but there’s some subtle differences between the two in approach. In this article I look at the difference between simple living and minimalism so you can explore which is right for you.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SIMPLE LIVING AND MINIMALISM

Have you ever found yourself longing for a slower, simpler life? A life that feels less rushed, less cluttered, and more intentional? If so, you’ve probably come across the terms simple living and minimalism. I use these terms frequently in my articles. They’re often used interchangeably, but are they the same? Not quite.

Both simple living and minimalism share a common goal—creating a life with more meaning and less excess—but they approach it in slightly different ways. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, slow down your lifestyle, or embrace a more mindful way of living, understanding the difference between these two concepts can help you find the right path for you.

So, let’s dive in. What is simple living? What is minimalism? And which one (or both!) might be the best fit for your life?

WHAT IS SIMPLE LIVING?

Simple living is all about slowing down, being intentional, and focusing on what truly matters. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary—not just in terms of physical clutter, but also commitments, distractions, and anything that adds unnecessary stress to your life.

A simple life doesn’t mean living with as little as possible; rather, it means living with just enough—enough time, enough space, enough resources—to feel content and at ease. It’s about making choices that prioritise joy, connection, and balance over busyness and excess.

For some, this might look like moving to the countryside, growing their own food, and stepping away from consumer culture. For others, it might simply mean setting boundaries around work and social obligations, cooking homemade meals more often, or creating pockets of quiet in a noisy world.

Simple living is deeply personal and adaptable. There’s no single way to “do” it, and that’s part of its beauty.

WHAT IS MINIMALISM?

Minimalism, on the other hand, is often more focused on reducing possessions and removing distractions to create a more meaningful life. It’s a mindset that asks: What adds value to my life, and what doesn’t?

At its core, minimalism is about removing the excess to make room for what truly matters—whether that’s relationships, creativity, experiences, or personal growth. It’s often associated with decluttering, but it extends far beyond just getting rid of things. Minimalists apply the same principle of intentionality to their schedules, commitments, and even their thoughts.

Some minimalists take a very structured approach, reducing their belongings to only the essentials. Others take a more flexible approach, simply focusing on owning and doing less in order to live more.

Minimalism is not about deprivation. It’s about making conscious choices to live with less so you can have more—more time, more peace, more space to breathe.

Side Note: At this point, I want to stress something. I do not teach strict minimalism. I don’t believe in owning a certain number of items, or putting yourself in a situation where you get rid of so much that you live in scarcity and discomfort. The minimalism I like to write about is comfortable, heart-centred, not stuff-centred so if you want to keep a collection of ornamental elephants out on your shelves because you love elephants (hello, yes, that’s me!) then do so. You’ll find white walls in my home and not much décor, but you WILL find artwork, a few too many mugs in my kitchen and even a cupboard full of stuff that I’ve been meaning to declutter.

Minimalism does NOT mean you’ve got a perfect home and a perfect life. It DOES mean that you’re aware of the drain that managing stuff has on your time, space, energy, freedom, bank account and stress levels – and that you aim to reduce that drain to easier proportions wherever possible.

THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SIMPLE LIVING AND MINIMALISM

While simple living and minimalism overlap in many ways, there are key differences between them:

Mindset vs. Physical Space – Minimalism often begins with decluttering physical belongings, whereas simple living is more about creating a balanced and intentional lifestyle. There’s also a difference between decluttering and minimalism as they aren’t the same thing either.

Strict vs. Flexible – Minimalism sometimes, note the word sometimes, follows a structured approach (e.g., owning a certain number of items), while simple living is more fluid and adaptable to personal preferences.

Aesthetic vs. Philosophy – Minimalism is often, but not always, associated with clean, clutter-free aesthetics, while simple living doesn’t have a specific “look” but is more about feeling at ease in your life.

Decluttering vs. Slowing Down – Minimalists tend to focus on removing excess possessions as their first point of entry, while those who embrace simple living focus on removing unnecessary commitments and distractions to create a calmer pace of life.

That said, these two lifestyles often blend together. Many people who start as minimalists naturally embrace aspects of simple living, and vice versa. I started out decluttering, became a minimalist and embrace the tenets of simple living. For me there is no simple living vs minimalism, rather one naturally leads into the next.

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The good news? You don’t have to choose one over the other. Both minimalism and simple living can work together to help you create a more intentional life.

If you love the idea of a clutter-free, distraction-free environment, minimalism might be a great starting point. By removing excess possessions, you’ll create physical and mental space to focus on what’s important.

If you’re more drawn to the idea of slowing down, simplifying your routines, and focusing on experiences rather than things, then simple living might be a better fit. There’s much to be said for living life in the slow lane.

Most importantly, neither of these lifestyles should feel restrictive. The goal isn’t to follow a set of rigid rules but to design a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with your values.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH SIMPLE LIVING OR MINIMALISM

If you’re curious about adopting either of these lifestyles (or a mix of both), here are some small but powerful ways to begin:

Start with a declutter session – Whether it’s your wardrobe, kitchen, or digital files, clearing out unnecessary items can be an instant relief.

Slow down your schedule – Assess your commitments and let go of anything that no longer serves you. Give yourself more breathing room.

Be intentional with purchases – Before buying something, ask yourself if it’s truly needed and if it aligns with your values.

Create space for what matters – Prioritise quality time, meaningful experiences, and rest. Simplifying isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about doing more of what truly matters.

Embrace the process – Whether you lean towards minimalism or simple living, know that it’s a journey, not a destination. There’s no rush—only progress.

FAQS ABOUT SIMPLE LIVING AND MINIMALISM

I receive many questions about both simple living and minimalism, so I thought it might be helpful to share a few here along with some thoughts.

1. Is Minimalism Just About Getting Rid Of Things?

No, minimalism is about focusing on what truly adds value to your life. Decluttering is often a starting point, but the ultimate goal is to create more time, space, and freedom. Minimalism is actually about more, not less.

2. Can I Practise Simple Living Without Becoming A Minimalist?

Absolutely. Simple living is more about slowing down and prioritising what matters, while minimalism tends to focus on reducing possessions. You can embrace one or both, depending on your preferences.

3. Do I Have To Live In A Tiny House To Be A Minimalist?

Not at all! Minimalism isn’t about living in a particular type of home—it’s about making intentional choices with your space and belongings, whether you live in a small flat or a large house.

4. Is Simple Living About Self-Sufficiency And Going Off-Grid?

Not necessarily. While some people embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle, simple living can also mean just being more mindful with time, money, and resources, even in a city setting.

5. What’s The First Step Towards A Simpler, More Minimalist Life?

Start by evaluating what areas of your life feel overwhelming or cluttered. Whether it’s your home, schedule, or even your thoughts, choose one small change to make and build from there.

SOMETHING FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

One of the themes that links both simple living and minimalism is awareness. Awareness that YOU have the power to shape your every day. Whether that’s simple habits that keep your home tidy or your body healthy, to being a more conscious consumer, more environmentally and financially aware or a myriad other ways to lead a more intentional life.

The thing is though, the changes we’d like to make and the skills, experience and opportunities we want to take advantage of don’t always happen by luck. Sometimes we have to MAKE them happen. So, that’s where setting meaningful goals to help us achieve our plans, hopes and dreams can be vital.

If this speaks to you, I invite you to take a look at my Goal-Setting Workbook. This has monthly review and reflection sheets to help you stay motivated, consistent and aligned with what REALLY matters to you.

Click here to learn more about the Goal-Setting Workbook.

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re drawn to minimalism, simple living, or a blend of both, the key is making choices that align with your values. You don’t have to follow strict rules or live in a white, empty space to enjoy the benefits of a simpler life.

Instead, focus on removing what feels like excess and adding more of what feels meaningful. A life with less stress, less overwhelm, and more joy is within reach—you just have to take that first step.

Which approach resonates with you more—simple living, minimalism, or a mix of both? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!