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I’ll be honest, kids aren’t natural minimalists like many parents might wish them to be. They have an appreciation for knick-knacks and a natural tendency to collect things—rocks, toys, art projects, and anything they deem special. And that’s okay. Childhood should be full of wonder, creativity, and a little bit of mess. But in our family, we also value the deeper principles of minimalism and have sought ways to practice them together. We want our home to feel peaceful, our time to be spent intentionally, and our resources to be used wisely.
That doesn’t mean we live in a stark, empty house with nothing but white walls and a single wooden bench. Instead, we’ve worked to create a home that’s filled with only the things we love and use. We focus on experiences over things, leave room in our schedule for what truly matters, and try to teach our kids that happiness isn’t found in accumulating more stuff. It’s an ongoing journey, and we’re always learning, but over the years, we’ve found some practical ways to bring minimalism into our daily lives as a family. If you’re hoping to do the same, here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Start with a shared vision
Minimalism looks different for every family, so before you begin decluttering, have a conversation about what you want your life to look like. Do you want more time for family adventures? Less stress from maintaining a cluttered home? More financial freedom? When everyone understands the “why” behind minimalism, it’s easier to stay motivated. Try creating a family vision board or writing a simple list of goals to serve as a reminder of why you’re making these changes.
2. Declutter as a team
Instead of making minimalism a solo mission, turn it into a family project. Start with one room at a time and involve kids in decisions about their own belongings. Give them a say in what stays and what goes—this helps them feel in control rather than forced to part with things they love. Make it fun by turning on music, setting a timer, or turning it into a friendly competition—who can fill a donation box the fastest? Celebrate progress together and acknowledge the difference it makes in your home.
3. Emphasize experiences over things
One of the best ways to practice minimalism is to shift your focus from buying things to making memories. Instead of birthday gifts, consider experience-based presents like a trip to the zoo, a family camping weekend, or a special outing to their favorite restaurant. If relatives tend to buy lots of gifts for your kids, suggest alternatives like contributing to a savings account, paying for a class or activity, or gifting memberships to places like museums or amusement parks. Kids may remember an experience for a lifetime, but they’ll likely forget about another toy in a few weeks.
4. Create intentional family routines
Minimalism isn’t just about physical clutter—it’s also about simplifying your time. Look at your family’s schedule and ask: Are we overcommitted? Are we saying “yes” to things out of obligation rather than genuine desire? It’s easy to fall into the trap of signing up for every extracurricular activity, but too many obligations can leave the whole family feeling drained. Set boundaries around your time and make space for regular family nights, slow mornings, and unstructured play. When your schedule is less chaotic, you have more time to truly connect with each other.
5. Implement a one-in, one-out rule
A simple way to maintain minimalism is to establish a “one-in, one-out” rule: for every new item brought into the house, another item must go. If a child gets a new stuffed animal, they choose one to donate. If you buy a new kitchen gadget, consider whether you really need it or if another item can be removed to make space. This prevents clutter from creeping back in and helps kids develop a sense of responsibility over their belongings. It also makes them more mindful about what they bring into their lives in the first place.
6. Downsize holiday traditions
Holidays can be overwhelming with excess decorations, gifts, and obligations. Try simplifying by focusing on what truly brings joy. Instead of buying dozens of presents, consider a “four-gift rule” for kids: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. If your holiday calendar is packed with events, choose the ones that mean the most and let go of the rest. Shift the focus from material gifts to meaningful traditions like baking cookies together, making homemade decorations, or writing heartfelt letters to each other. Kids will remember the joy of these experiences far more than a pile of gifts under the tree.
7. Model contentment
Children learn from what they see, so if you’re constantly chasing the latest trends or complaining about what you don’t have, they’ll pick up on that mindset. Show gratitude for what you own and practice contentment by resisting impulse buys. Instead of shopping as a recreational activity, find other ways to spend time together, like going on a walk, playing a board game, or having a picnic. When kids see their parents valuing relationships and experiences over material things, they’re more likely to adopt that mindset themselves.
8. Simplify your home environment
A clutter-free home creates a peaceful atmosphere. Try reducing the number of toys in your home—many studies show that kids actually play more creatively when they have fewer options. Designate a “toy rotation” system where only a few toys are out at a time, and store the rest away to be swapped in later. Simplify other areas of your home too—clear out unnecessary kitchen gadgets, extra clothes, and duplicate items. When everything has a place and your home is easier to maintain, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying life as a family.
9. Encourage giving and generosity
Minimalism isn’t just about owning less—it’s about using your resources wisely. Teach kids the joy of giving by regularly donating items, volunteering as a family, or setting aside money for charitable giving. Let them choose a charity to support or participate in community service projects together. When they learn that excess can be shared with those in need, they develop a mindset of gratitude and generosity. Minimalism isn’t just about simplifying life—it’s about making space to give, serve, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Minimalism doesn’t have to be about extreme decluttering or rigid rules—it’s simply about making space for what truly matters. By embracing a simpler lifestyle as a family, you’ll create more time, joy, and meaningful connections in your daily life.
