What if the secret to a simpler, more intentional life isn’t just about decluttering your home—but also your mindset? In this post, we explore the relationship between Stoicism and simple living. How Stoic wisdom can help you slow down, focus on what really matters, and let go of the rest.
IF LIFE IS FEELING CLUTTERED, IS IT TIME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY?
When life feels busy, cluttered, or just a bit overwhelming, it’s natural to start looking for ways to simplify. Many of us turn to decluttering our homes, streamlining our schedules, or reassessing our priorities. But what if the path to a simpler life isn’t just about doing less—but about thinking differently?
Although I know first-hand, and from supporting many, many readers through this blog, grabbing a bag and filling it with stuff you don’t want, need or use can be liberating. Yes, not everyone finds decluttering easy, but for those of us who want, need and can quickly clear some stuff and feel lighter in heart and mind, there’s no doubt that decluttering has some fantastic physical and mental health benefits.
But, then what?
The clutter comes back, your home feels stressful, your schedule is busy, your brain feels overloaded and your body soon says ‘Whoa, enough again.’
I think that’s because, as good as decluttering your stuff might be, it’s not the single solution to the complex problem of life. Or rather, I should rephrase that, the complex problem of how we approach life.
In this article I’m sharing another solution you might like to explore…
Enter: the Stoics.
WHAT IS STOICISM?
Although Stoicism began over 2,000 years ago in Ancient Greece and Rome, its timeless wisdom still speaks powerfully to the modern world—especially if you’re drawn to intentional living, minimalism, or a slower, more meaningful pace of life.
For me, Stoicism is a practical, time-honoured framework of finding purpose and direction in life. In other words, I like to think of it as another way to live a simple, intentional life. Not just the HOW TO of decluttering and simplifying by the WHY TO.
Stoicism is a philosophy with very practical roots, and that’s why I’m drawn to sharing it here on my website. My tag line is “practical inspiration to simplify life” and I think that echoes many Stoic principles. So, don’t be put off by the label Stoicism.
Instead, I hope by reading this article on Stoicism and simple living, you’ll find many ways that a Stoic approach to life can help you find meaning, value, virtue, courage, wisdom and happiness through stripping away what’s unimportant and focusing on what is.
WHAT THE ANCIENT STOICS CAN TEACH US ABOUT STOICISM AND SIMPLE LIVING
You don’t need to be a philosopher to learn from the Stoics. You just need a willingness to pause, reflect, and focus on what truly matters. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you might already be doing this regularly. Here’s how Stoic philosophy can gently guide us towards a simpler, calmer life—inside and out.
1. Focus on What You Can Control, Let Go of What You Can’t
At the heart of Stoicism is one very simple idea:
“Some things are up to us, and some things are not.” – Epictetus
When life feels chaotic, this principle is like an anchor. The Stoics remind us to place our energy where it actually makes a difference—our thoughts, our actions, our responses—and to release what’s outside our control, like other people’s opinions, the weather, or whether the traffic lights are in our favour.
In daily life, this might look like:
- Letting go of guilt over a messy house when your child is sick
- Focusing on preparing a nourishing meal, even if the day felt unproductive
- Choosing a kind response instead of stewing over someone else’s mood
It’s a quiet but powerful mindset shift that simplifies everything. You stop trying to control the uncontrollable, and start showing up with calm, steady intention where it counts.
2. Live by Your Values, Not by Comparison
Stoicism teaches us to live according to our virtue—meaning our own values, rather than what the world says we should chase. That might mean choosing rest over hustle, contentment over consumption, or family over constant productivity.
It’s easy to get caught up comparing our lives to others: their homes, their routines, their success. But the Stoics would gently remind us: Comparison is a distraction. Live your own values with clarity and courage.
One of my own values is simplicity. As a tiny but useful example, that’s why I choose a small, predictable weekly meal plan—even if it’s not Pinterest-worthy. It works for our family, and it keeps our evenings calm. That’s enough.
3. Time Is Precious—Use It Wisely
Seneca, a Roman Stoic, once wrote:
“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it.”
This one hits close to home. Time is one of our most limited resources, yet it’s so easy to let it slip away—wasting our time on scrolling, worrying, overcommitting.
Stoicism invites us to treat time with respect. To ask:
- Does this truly matter to me?
- Is this how I want to spend my one wild and precious life (as Mary Oliver describes it)?
- Am I being present in this moment?
When we start to see time as a gift instead of something to “fill,” it naturally leads to simpler, more intentional choices.
4. Let Go of Excess—Physically and Mentally
The Stoics weren’t minimalists in the modern sense, but they deeply believed in not being ruled by possessions or desires. They believed happiness comes not from having more, but from needing less.
That might mean:
- Clearing out the cupboard full of “just in case” items
- Saying no to another commitment you don’t really want
- Releasing the mental clutter of perfectionism or people-pleasing
In my own journey, I’ve found that decluttering isn’t just about space—it’s about freedom. The fewer things I own, the more space I have to breathe. The fewer “shoulds” I carry, the more clearly I can hear what I truly want.
STOICISM ISN’T HARSH—IT’S GROUNDING
People often picture Stoicism as cold or emotionless, but that’s a misunderstanding. At its heart, Stoicism is about staying steady. It helps us navigate life with grace, clarity, and calm—even when things don’t go our way.
It doesn’t ask us to feel less—it asks us to react with wisdom, not impulse.
In a noisy, fast-paced world, this kind of grounded thinking can be deeply comforting. It’s like a compass pointing us back to what really matters.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
You don’t have to become a philosopher to live more simply. But learning from the Stoics can quietly strengthen your mindset as you declutter your home, simplify your schedule, or make space for more intentional living.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or pulled in a dozen directions, reflect on the relationship between Stoicism and simple living. Pause and ask yourself:
- What can I control right now?
- What matters most in this moment?
- What would a wise, calm version of me choose?
The answer is often simpler—and gentler—than we think.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you come across Stoic ideas before? Do any of these principles resonate with you? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I think Stoicism and simple living share many parallels and the relationship between the two has really helped cement by drive to live with meaning and purpose, but also with fun and enjoyment. The Stoics encourage us to live every day like it’s our last, so whether that’s the work you do, the hobbies you enjoy, the time you spend with your kids, or what you do just for you, make the most of every moment.
And if you’d like to explore more ways to simplify and slow down with intention, make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter—you’ll get practical tips, honest reflections, and simplicity inspiration each week. I’d love for you to join me.
Stoic thinking is very practical. It requires habit and regular reflection. No big sweeping changes, just shifts in thinking and approach. If you’d like to make changes in your own life that are realistic and manageable, but that could really help to simplify your every day, I’d love to help. Why not take a look at my Simple Living Guide and Workbook where I offer plenty of ideas for these gentle shifts and worksheets to help you reflect on how they’re working for you and your life. Click here to learn more.
Here are some related articles and resources you might find helpful:
- Daily Stoic: Stoic Wisdom For Everyday Life – Ryan Holiday’s website is a go-to resource on Stoicism
- Simple Living vs Minimalism: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?
- 15 Simple Living Tips for Less Stress and More Freedom
- 30 Simple Living Quotes: Inspiration to Declutter
- 7 Ways To Be Intentional With Your Time
- Feeling Overwhelmed? Try This Stoic Mindset Shift
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.