I don’t know whether it’s the economy, the ongoing downsizing trend, or just my own tendency toward neatness, but lately we’ve embraced living with less. Instead of accumulating more, we’ve been intentionally cutting back—closets and cabinets have been pared down for a soul-cleansing donations run, paperwork is sorted and reduced, and we’re committed to organizing the house for real this year. Beyond tidiness, what surprised me is a genuine craving for less: less to buy, less to clean, less to store, and less to use.
One area where this shift shows up clearly is our shower.
We discovered we both prefer the same shampoo and conditioner, so we stopped buying separate bottles and now share one of each. Sharing eliminates the frequent runs to the store and reduces duplicate products in our bathroom. Using the same body wash and one bar of face soap allows us to buy larger sizes less often, saving money, reducing packaging waste, and freeing up time we used to spend replacing small bottles. We also share a loofah and a pumice stone—well, the pumice is mostly mine—so aside from my razor, there’s very little clutter. Choosing to share a few basic items has made our shower neater and our shopping list shorter. We’ve also experimented with different natural brands and found options we like, which aligns with our goal of fewer, better-quality products.
Other rooms followed suit naturally. Since switching to an eco-friendly laundry detergent, my laundry shopping and storage needs dropped to just a single bottle on the shelf. Choosing environmentally friendly basics across categories simplified routine purchases and cut down on the number of products in our home.
My makeup routine underwent an even more dramatic reduction. Moving to natural, all‑gentle formulas means I don’t end up with a pile of impulse purchases that never get used. I no longer buy every trendy color; instead I keep a few reliable shades that actually get worn. I’ve stopped painting my fingernails and mostly avoid nail polish on my toes, and that decision has been liberating. Not having to maintain chipped polish saves time and money, and I still keep my nails neatly clipped and buffed for a clean, polished look. When I do paint them, I reach for one of three non-toxic shades I own—soft pink, deep red, and coral—so I don’t accumulate dozens of bottles.
Here’s a snapshot of what my pared-down makeup bag looks like.
Pardon the worn faux designer bag I’ve had for years—it still works—but the point is that all my makeup fits into this single, compact pouch. It’s my everyday bag and it’s easy to toss into a suitcase when we travel. Inside are a handful of trusted products that carry me through both daily life and the occasional special event.
When emptied out, the contents are minimal and multifunctional.
A bronzer and blush in recyclable packaging add color and double as eye shadow when needed. A quick curl of the lashes, mascara, and a touch of brow gel finish the look. I’m not into fussy techniques like liquid liner or false lashes, and that’s fine—I want a simple routine that’s quick and reliable. Streamlining my makeup has made applying it faster and left me feeling more put together than when I spent time experimenting with dozens of products.
Beyond beauty products, I’ve cut back on perfume as well. Many fragrances contain chemical additives that can irritate and contribute to indoor air pollution. I prefer the subtle, clean scents of my natural soaps and lotions, so skipping traditional perfume doesn’t feel like a loss. It also means I’m less tempted by every new product feature in magazines; I can skim those sections and keep my focus on essentials.
Choosing to own fewer items—and to prefer natural, well-made products when we do buy—dramatically reduces impulsive purchases. The benefits have been tangible: a healthier lifestyle, more space in closets and cabinets, money saved, and extra time that used to be spent shopping or maintaining unnecessary items. Instead of feeling deprived, I feel richer in the ways that count.
Life is better when it’s simple. I’m curious: what steps have you taken to live with less? Whether you share products, make things yourself, buy specific items in bulk, or decide to forgo certain things altogether, please share how you’re clearing clutter and simplifying your life.
*There are many posts and conversations about paring down and returning to basics—everyone seems to be embracing a simpler life.
**For a list of our favorite natural and organic products, check the comments on the original post for personal recommendations and product names.