The Benefits of Minimalism for Moms
The benefits of minimalism for moms are countless. But my top three are to simplify your life, reduce stress, and gain more time with your family. Because who really wants to spend all their free time running around like a chicken with their head cut off, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by a bunch of stuff that doesn’t really matter?
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of minimalism for moms, share statistical insights, and recommend books to guide you on your journey. So snuggle up, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and let’s get into it!
My “Why” for Choosing Minimalism in Motherhood
Being a mom is by far one of the most beautiful journeys I’ve ever experienced. But that’s not to say it doesn’t come with overwhelming responsibilities. Between managing the household, prepping meals, organizing extracurriculars and playdates, scheduling appointments, keeping little humans alive, and possibly balancing a career, the mental and physical load can feel exhausting. This is where minimalism came in for me.
When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I packed up our 672 square ft home in Colorado and moved to the PNW. Since moving is expensive and we were about to loose my income, we tried to make this move as affordable as possible. We rented two small U-Pak moving containers, packed and loaded everything to be shipped ourselves. Then my husband drove our Honda Civic packed with luggage, two large dogs, a drugged cat and my very pregnant self west. This move was my first step at truly taking a look at everything we owned and realizing that we didn’t really need to bring, and also couldn’t fit, everything we owned with us. So my first few rounds of decluttering began.
Once we’d moved and our daughter was born, I found myself regularly overwhelmed by needing to manage so many things when all I really wanted to do was enjoy being present with her. This desire to slow down and be present became an ongoing desire to live with less so I could do more. Minimalism offers a powerful solution—simplifying your life so you can focus on what truly matters.
The Science Behind Minimalism: Why Less is More
Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about intentional living. Research shows that reducing excess possessions and commitments leads to lower stress levels, improved mental health, and stronger family connections.
Stress Reduction
A study from UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF) found that mothers who live in cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone which in excess can cause contribute to weight gain, anxiety, and high blood pressure. The study revealed that managing excessive household items leads to increased anxiety and emotional exhaustion. By adopting a minimalist lifestyle, moms can create a more serene environment, reducing stress and improving their overall well-being.
Improved Mental Health
Psychologists have long studied the impact of clutter on mental health. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, individuals who perceived their homes as cluttered experience higher levels of stress and depression. For moms, a clutter-free home can lead to a calmer mind, better sleep, and more patience with their children.
More Quality Time
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American spends over an hour per day cleaning and organizing their home. Minimalism reduces the need for constant tidying, freeing up valuable time for meaningful family interactions. Instead of managing belongings, minimalist moms can spend more time playing, reading, and creating memories with their children.
The Benefits of Minimalism for Moms
1. Less Cleaning, More Living
Fewer toys, clothes, and household items mean less time spent cleaning and organizing. A minimalist home is easier to maintain, allowing moms to focus on enjoyable activities rather than endless chores. Minimalism even makes it easier to develop new hobbies or find time to work-out, read, or lay the hell down every now and then.
2. Financial Freedom
Minimalism encourages mindful spending, which can lead to significant financial savings. The average American household owns 300,000 items, and consumer spending on non-essential goods continues to rise. By purchasing only what’s necessary, moms can reduce debt, build savings, and invest in experiences rather than things.
3. Teaching Children Valuable Life Skills
Children learn by example, and a minimalist lifestyle teaches them to value experiences over possessions. Studies show that kids with fewer toys engage in more creative and meaningful play. By limiting material excess, moms can encourage their children to develop problem-solving skills, imagination, and gratitude.
4. Enhanced Well-Being
Decluttering the home also declutters the mind. Minimalist moms report feeling lighter, more in control, and less overwhelmed. A simple, intentional home environment promotes relaxation and helps reduce decision fatigue—allowing moms to focus on self-care and personal growth. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup mama!
5. Sustainable Living
Minimalism aligns with eco-friendly living. Reducing consumption means less waste, lower carbon footprints, and more environmentally conscious choices. By adopting a minimalist lifestyle, moms contribute to a healthier planet for their children’s future.
Book Recommendations on Minimalism for Moms
If you’re looking to dive deeper into minimalism, these books provide inspiration and practical steps:
- “The Minimalist Home” by Joshua Becker – A step-by-step guide to decluttering and simplifying every area of your home. He also co-created the Minimalism documentary and has a podcast called The Minimalists if you need more audible learning at this phase in life.
- “Simplicity Parenting” by Kim John Payne – A must-read for parents looking to reduce overwhelm and create a calm, connected family life. This book was life changing for me! I hear it recommended over and over again on numerous parenting blogs, podcasts, and Youtube channels about parenting.
- “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” by Dana K. White – Practical advice for moms who feel stuck in clutter and need realistic solutions. This book also offers suggestions for helping other people in your life declutter, such as your partner or children. As well as relatives and friends.
- “Goodbye, Things” by Fumio Sasaki – A personal journey of embracing a minimalist lifestyle and finding happiness with less from an ordinary guy who needed a humbling change.
- “Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity” by Diane Boden – Written specifically for moms, this book explores how to incorporate minimalism into family life. Diane also has a podcast with insightful and encouraging talks, including special guests.
How to Start Implementing These Benefits of Minimalism
- Start Small – Choose one area, like a kitchen drawer or toy bin, and begin decluttering. I like to set a 15 minutes timer and not move from that area until the timer goes off. Make piles for items to be donated, go in the trash, or that need to go elsewhere to avoid distraction.
- Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule – For every new item that enters your home, remove an old one. This doesn’t mean you just declutter then go buy a bunch more. This means that if you really need something, like a new bra for example – you get ride of the old bra that’s falling apart and makes you feel uncomfortable every time you wear it.
- Prioritize Experiences Over Things – Instead of buying more toys, invest in family outings, travel, or quality time together. Your kids will remember the places you went as a family more than they will a toy that broke or got lost shortly after receiving it. Experience gifts are also a great way to help extended family be more mindful of your minimalist lifestyle.
- Be a Mindful Consumer – Be mindful of what enters your home and say no to unnecessary purchases. This is where a ‘wants vs needs’ list can come in handy. This is super helpful for reducing impulse purchases, especially if you have an expensive need coming up like new tires on your car.
- Embrace Gratitude – Focus on appreciating what you have rather than seeking more. This may seem simple, but it actually takes a lot of work. But gratitude is such a beautiful gift to have in our consumer driven society.
Final Thoughts
Minimalism is not about deprivation—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. For moms, this means less stress, more time, and a deeper connection with their children. By embracing a minimalist mindset, you can cultivate a home filled with joy, peace, and meaningful experiences.
Are you ready to simplify your life? Start today by taking one small step toward minimalism and enjoy the freedom it brings!
Already enjoying a minimalist home? Please share in the comments how it has impacted your life and family. Feel free to share any additional tips as well.
