It’s surprisingly satisfying to want less. Less to buy. Less to clean. Less to store. Fewer choices and less waste. We get a small thrill from consolidating two items into one or freeing up drawer and closet space by paring down. Why buy ten bottles to do ten separate things when one product can cover many needs? Three years ago I wrote about how we try to keep things simple in small ways, and after plenty of requests for an update, here’s an extended list of what’s worked for our household. With a third person in the house now, our collection of cleaning, grooming, and hygiene products is still smaller than it used to be. The specific “magic products” that work for us might not be the ones you prefer, but the approach—choose fewer, versatile items—can help you simplify shopping, storage, and daily routines.
Early on we realized John and I could comfortably share shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Instead of each keeping separate bottles and ending up with six or seven containers in the shower, we keep just one bottle of each and replace them when they run low. Three bottles in the shower at any time is much simpler, reduces shopping trips, and clears up space in the vanity and linen closet. When one runs out, we buy a replacement—no extras collecting dust.
Our eco-focused choices also led to natural simplifications. Relying on a single laundry detergent for everything reduces shopping and storage: we use one gentle detergent for clothing and cloth diapers, and we stopped buying fabric softener after realizing we didn’t miss it. Fewer products means fewer decisions and less clutter.
For dishwashing we use a single dependable detergent, and for general household cleaning we rely on two versatile cleaners most of the time, supplemented by occasional homemade solutions. Rather than buying a separate cleaner for windows, tile, wood floors, and counters, we dilute an all-purpose cleaner for most surfaces and use a microfiber cloth for wiping. For glass, a simple mix of five parts water to one part white vinegar does the trick. These choices cut down on bottles under the sink and simplify keeping the house in order.
We also dilute liquid soap like Dr. Bronner’s for hand-washing and light cleaning tasks, which makes it go further. A one-to-one dilution works well for sinks and hands, and it’s mild enough for face washing and even for bathing our dog. Using fewer, multi-purpose products saves money and limits the number of single-use cleaners in the home.
My makeup routine has been simplified by necessity and preference. For years, everything I own fits in one small makeup bag that lives in the car for easy touch-ups. Keeping my kit compact makes application quick and consistent. My essentials are a bronzer/blush, a two-toned eye product, a concealer stick, mascara, an eyelash curler, a brush, and one spare contact lens. Using a small, curated set of products keeps me from impulse-buying trendy colors I won’t wear and makes getting ready faster.
On grooming and hygiene, we keep things straightforward: shared razors of the same type so refills are compatible, a basic shaving cream, and toothpaste and deodorant we both tolerate. We buy one tube or container at a time and restock only when needed. For sun protection and lotion, we keep a single favorite of each and keep spares in convenient places like the travel bag and the car.
When our daughter arrived, we intentionally avoided registering for dozens of baby-specific products. Instead we started with three versatile items: a gentle shampoo and wash for bath time, a reliable baby sunscreen, and a multipurpose calendula-based cream for face, body, diaper rash, cradle cap, and dry patches. Those three items have covered nearly all of our needs for almost two years. Keeping a small, functional baby kit reduced storage and made travel easier.
Less consumerism has meant more space in drawers and closets, a healthier bank balance, and extra time that would otherwise be spent restocking and sorting products. Simplifying isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about choosing better and keeping fewer things that truly work. I’m curious how others simplify their routines—whether by sharing products, making their own cleaners, buying in bulk, or limiting purchases. If you’ve found practical ways to live with less while still enjoying life, I’d love to hear about it.
