10 Minimalist Habits to Help Improve Your Life & Save Money

I love talking about this sort of thing and could go on and on about it! Let’s get right into 10 minimalist habits to help improve your life and help you to save money.

1. Make Your Bed Every Morning

It takes less than a minute, but it makes a big difference. A made bed makes your whole bedroom feel cleaner. Plus, it sets the tone for a productive day. If nothing else gets done, at least your bed looks great. That’s a win. I read the book, “Make Your Bed“, years ago and still find inspiration from it.

2. Track Spending Daily

Money disappears fast. A simple minimalist habit is writing down what you spend. It makes impulse purchases stand out like a sore thumb. That just means, it will become obvious to you.

Next time you want a new item, you’ll think twice. Bonus: You might even find some extra money hiding in your budget. I love the EveryDollar app! Check it out when you get a chance. I have been using the free version for years. Simple money habits can make a big difference.

3. Drink Water First Thing

Coffee is great, but your body needs water first. Hydrating early gives you more energy, reduces decision fatigue, and makes you feel better. A simpler life starts with the basics—like being dehydrated.

4. Set a Daily Top 3

Long to-do lists are overwhelming. Pick three things that must get done today. It’s a great way to stay focused and avoid getting lost in digital clutter. Less stress, more progress.

5. Unsubscribe from Emails (not this one, of course!!)

Your inbox doesn’t need to be a shopping catalog. Those unnecessary emails tempt you into impulse buying. Set boundaries with your digital devices and hit “unsubscribe.” A little bit of effort now means fewer distractions (and fewer impulse purchases) later.

6. Use Cash for Extras

Digital payments make spending too easy. A minimalist journey means being intentional with money. Using cash for non-essentials helps curb impulse buying and keeps your budget in check. Fewer material possessions, more financial freedom.

7. Meal Plan Weekly

Wandering the grocery store without a plan is dangerous. A simple minimalist habit is planning meals ahead. Side note, I love meal planning for my subscribers. Oh, and it’s FREE!

It saves time, reduces decision fatigue, and cuts down on food waste. Plus, cooking at home means extra money stays in your wallet.

8. Declutter One Thing Daily

Less clutter, less stress. Every day, find one thing to donate, recycle, or toss (this could be as simple as your junk mail). A more minimalist lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, but this habit keeps your living space manageable. Bonus: It makes room for high-quality items that stand the test of time.

9. Limit Social Media Time

Screen time steals your free time. Next time you reach for your phone, ask yourself: Do I really want to scroll, or could I be spending time on something better? Set boundaries with digital devices and enjoy different areas of your life—outside of a screen.

10. Go Outside Every Day

Fresh air is free. A quick walk resets your brain and clears mental clutter. Simple living starts with simple actions—like stepping outside, breathing deep, and remembering there’s more to life than notifications.

Bonus Tips

Capsule Wardrobe 

Back in high school, we had uniforms. We didn’t call it a capsule wardrobe—it was just “the dress code.” You had three colors to choose from, the same pants (or skirt) every day, and shoes that went with everything. No decision fatigue, no impulse buying, just a simplified morning routine.

And honestly? It was kind of great. You walked into your closet, picked from option A, B, or C, and you were done. It saved time, took up less physical space, and kept things simple. Now, people call it a minimalist wardrobe.

Having fewer clothes means less time out of your daily life deciding what to wear. It also means that you won’t have to do as many huge clean outs or organizing days because everything has a place and you already have a simplified wardrobe.

You won’t be spending extra time trying to figure out what you love and like, because you have taken the minimalist approach and only kept what you actually wear and love. 

There is also a lot of talk about investing in quality pieces. There are timeless pieces that you can invest in that you will have for years. Sometimes, that isn’t in the budget. I have found that thrifty finds last for years if you take care of them. 

One simple habit I still follow? If a new piece of clothing comes in, something else goes out. It doesn’t have to be a one-for-one trade—a sweater for socks works just fine. It’s just an easy way to keep my closet from turning into a storage unit.

I learned this from a college professor. He had a love of sports coats, but his wife set the rule, “if you bring one home, one has to go”. Genius! 

Daily Routines Make It All Easier

Minimalist habits don’t just happen—they become part of your everyday life when you have solid routines in place.

A simple morning routine gives you time to practice gratitude, make your bed, and start the day with a clean slate.

When your evening routine includes a quick kitchen reset, your counters stay clear, and the dishes don’t pile up. And the best part? Less clutter means less to clean. You’re not spending time organizing things you don’t even need.

Even in a smaller space, small intentional changes—like a single greenery piece, a wreath on the door, or a cozy blanket—make a home feel peaceful. These little shifts add up, making simple living feel effortless and achievable.

Time to Be A Doer

I love that you are here and I hope these 10 minimalist habits to help improve your life and save money inspire you right where you are. You can start today!

Talk soon,

Anna Sue