Minimalism with Family (How does that work?)

You’ve finally jumped headfirst into the minimalist lifestyle and are starting to see the benefits of living with less... but now you’ve hit a bump in the road.

You have a family that doesn’t quite see things your way. Maybe you’re in the baby stage—with a toddler and all their gear. Or you’ve got school-aged kids with backpacks, sports equipment, and endless art projects. Or perhaps your teens are heading off to college, but somehow their stuff isn’t.

No matter the stage, it’s tough to embrace minimalism when the rest of your household keeps bringing in more!

So what's the magic spell for getting organized while other people still live with you?

Well, since this isn’t Wizards of Waverly Place, I’m afraid you’ll have to do it the human way… one small step at a time.

The good news? Once you start decluttering, your family will likely get on board—because they’ll see the benefits firsthand. A calmer space is contagious.

Start in a spot that brings you the most joy and is easiest to keep clutter-free. Your closet, bedroom, or bathroom are great options. Choose a place your family doesn’t use much so it stays tidy after you declutter.

But a quick warning: once that room has that peaceful, minimalist feeling, your family may start gravitating toward it. Don’t be surprised if your “sanctuary” suddenly becomes the most popular room in the house!

As your family starts picking up these habits, feel free to share helpful tips, but also give them room to personalize their own approach. Minimalism isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. Once they realize minimalism can be customized to fit their life, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead and do your thing. Then sit back and enjoy the show as your household jumps on the living-with-less bandwagon like it’s the latest trend on TikTok.

Happy decluttering!