10 Minimalist Habits That Actually Stick

Published on February 4, 2025

by Ivy Rhodes

Minimalism is more than a one-time decluttering project — it’s a lifestyle. But to make it sustainable, you need small, meaningful habits that support your values day after day. Big overhauls might feel great temporarily, but it’s the consistent actions that truly change how you live.

If you’re ready to live with intention and avoid falling back into clutter or overwhelm, these minimalist habits can help you stay aligned without the pressure of perfection.

Simple Habits to Make Minimalism Last

Here are 10 minimalist habits that are easy to adopt — and stick with — no matter where you are in your journey.

1. Practice the One-Minute Rule

If something takes less than a minute, do it immediately — no need to pile up micro-tasks.

Try this with:

Washing a dish right after use
Putting away a coat or shoes
Replying to short emails or texts
Filing or recycling loose papers

2. Do a Daily 5-Minute Reset

Spend five minutes each evening resetting your space. This helps prevent clutter buildup and makes mornings feel calmer.

Use the time to:

Clear surfaces like countertops or tables
Put away items used during the day
Prep for tomorrow (lay out clothes, pack lunch)
Notice what’s out of place

3. Ask “Do I Really Need This?” Often

Whether you’re online shopping or browsing in-store, pause and question the purpose behind each purchase.

This habit helps you:

Avoid impulse buys
Buy only things you’ll truly use
Save money by skipping duplicates
Be intentional about consumption

4. Keep a Donation Box Handy

Make it easy to let go of things as soon as you realize you no longer need them.

Why it works:

Decluttering becomes ongoing, not seasonal
You won’t second-guess what to do with items
Creates space without pressure
Easy to grab and drop off when full

5. Unsubscribe From Unwanted Emails

Clutter isn’t just physical — it’s digital too. Cleaning up your inbox is a minimalist win.

Focus on:

Retail emails tempting you to buy
Newsletters you never read
Spam or outdated subscriptions
Clearing inbox distractions

6. Take Photos Before Letting Go

Sentimental items are tough. Taking a photo helps you keep the memory without the bulk.

Try this with:

Childhood keepsakes or trophies
Old greeting cards or letters
Inherited decor or gifts
Art or school projects from kids

7. Limit “Just in Case” Items

These are the things you hold onto because “maybe someday…” — but most of them go unused.

Manage them by:

Setting a space limit (one shelf, one bin)
Asking yourself when you last used it
Trusting you can borrow or replace if truly needed
Letting go of the fear of waste

8. Do Regular Inventory Checks

From your closet to your kitchen, knowing what you already own reduces overbuying and helps with mindfulness.

Start by:

Reviewing what’s in your wardrobe monthly
Clearing duplicates from your pantry
Keeping a running list of essentials
Using what you have before restocking

9. Create No-Buy Periods

Challenge yourself to pause new purchases for a set time — a week, month, or even longer.

Why it’s helpful:

Resets your spending patterns
Increases appreciation for what you have
Breaks the habit of shopping for fun
Boosts savings and mindfulness

10. Schedule Declutter Dates

Put them on your calendar — even 30 minutes a month makes a difference.

Use these sessions to:

Tackle one drawer, shelf, or closet at a time
Sort through seasonal items
Reset your space before a new season
Reflect on what you no longer need

Expert’s Advice

Francine Jay, author of *The Joy of Less*, recommends thinking of your home as a curated space: “Everything you own should be beautiful, useful, or both.” This mindset helps make decisions more intuitive — and less stressful.

Additional Tips for Building Habits

Consistency is easier when your habits feel natural. Here are a few ways to keep minimalist habits from slipping:

Pair them with existing routines (e.g., declutter while cleaning)
Use visual cues — like a clean entry table — to anchor behavior
Celebrate progress — not perfection
Set reminders for weekly or monthly resets

Takeaway

Minimalism isn’t a one-time fix — it’s a rhythm of everyday choices. By building easy, repeatable habits into your routine, you can create a home and mindset that feel calm, clear, and clutter-free without constant effort. Start small. Keep going. Let simplicity guide you.