20 Quick Tips to Simplify originally appeared on Adore Them

After polling our friends and Facebook community on their favorite tips for simplifying their lives, I compiled this list to share with you. Here are 20 quick and easy tips to simplify life.

While all of these may not work for your phase of life, hopefully they can spark some ideas that you can begin to implement and try today 🙂

20 QUICK TIPS TO SIMPLIFY LIFE

1. LEARN TO SAY “NO” MORE OFTEN

Also, learn that not every “No” needs an explanation.

Discover how to say No to your kids without losing your mind

2. LOOK LONG-TERM AT YOUR CALENDAR

Try this as opposed to just day/hour, when making commitments.

Discover how to better organize and enjoy calmer days

3. KEEP ORGANIZED CHORE LISTS TO SIMPLIFY LIFE

This is great for your kids and even for yourself!

Discover and take advantage of these free printable sticker charts

4. SCHEDULE CLEANING AND HOUSEWORK DAYS

Everyone thinks to schedule doctor appointments and work meeting, but what about your days at home? By giving yourself a block of time to get things done at home, you will feel much more accomplished and better balanced!

Discover how to pick your days and organize your focus

5. TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS AND SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Turn off notifications for all of the apps on your phone, and then only turn back on the ones that you truly need. It is amazing how freeing it can be when your phone isn’t dinging all day long!

Discover how to simplify your smartphone by watching this video

6. TRY DOING THE BARE MINIMUM FOR A WEEK

There will still clearly be things that you have to do, but you will realize where your priorities lie. Then you can work on letting those smaller busy-making items go.

Discover how to find the balance between work, home and play

7. DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES TO SIMPLIFY LIFE

This can be much easier said than done, but you don’t have to handle everything on your own!

Discover how to make your life (with tweens/teens) easier

8. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE A SIMILAR MINDSET

People who tend to over-schedule will make you feel like you should be scheduling more too.

Discover what you should look for in a friend

9. DON’T DO THINGS JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO

Take the step back and truly think about your reasons for participating in certain activities, events, and other stressors.

Discover why/how one family dialed their life back to the basics

10. MAKE CROCKPOT MEALS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

There are many wonderful, healthy, and delicious recipes out there that will not require all day in the kitchen.

Discover family meal recipes, print out free recipe cards, and try easy recipes

11. LIMIT ACTIVITIES AND FAMILY OUTINGS TO ONLY A FEW DAYS A WEEK

Activities and experiences are important for children. However, so is that genuine, innocent, imaginary play that is unprompted by others! Our kids are only young once, and they only have one childhood – so give them a good one!

Discover the importance of play, and how trading activities for more play time can be beneficial for the entire family

12. SCREEN TIME HAS TO BE EARNED

Screen time should be earned through chores and/or quiet time spent reading or coloring. Note – Quiet time helps the day to feel simpler

Discover the importance of a home library

13. LAUNDRY STRATEGY

Come up with a laundry routine and strategy that works for you!

Discover and try this simple laundry solution

14. DECLUTTER AND SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE INSTANTLY

Physically touch every object in your house and ask yourself “Does this serve a purpose or bring me sentimental joy?” If not, get rid of it. Note – Having Less makes chores go by faster, reduces cleaning time, and is less for you to pick up and organize at the end of the day

Discover tips to get organized for every area of your home

15. ALLOW KIDS TO HELP YOU WITH DAILY CHORES

It doesn’t always have to be for money, and it will give you more quality time together, examples – setting table, putting away laundry, etc.

Discover age appropriate chores, the benefits of teaching responsibility, and download free sticker charts

16. PLAN MEALS BY THE MONTH

Finding a few key recipes that you can make on rotation, or picking a day to prep a bunch of food for the weeks ahead, can be extremely helpful!

Discover new recipes here, or try these tips and strategies for stress management

17. STAY OUT OF STORES

Not only does buying less help you to save more money, but it also saves on clutter.

Discover what questions you should ask before making a purchase in order to shop smart and shop simply

18. TOYS!

Often times little toys and accessories for our children just equals more little toys and accessories for us to clean up. Consider instead saving money longer to buy a larger toy, or plan for a special treat/event, instead of so many little items/things.

Discover how to organize the toy room

19. SET UP A GOOGLE CALENDAR

Or use an app that allows your whole family to work off of the same schedule.

Discover options for setting up a family calendar

20. SEEK ADVICE

Listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and read books that encourage minimalism and organization for additional tips.

Discover books on minimalism at your favorite book store

Expert parenting advice and resources from Adore Them