20 Simple Living Books

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But for those seeking a simpler, more intentional lifestyle, there’s a wealth of knowledge to be found in the pages of “simple living books”. These books offer practical tips and advice on everything from decluttering your home to prioritizing self-care and mindfulness. 

Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, reduce stress, or connect more deeply with the world around you, there’s a simple living book out there to inspire and guide you. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite simple living books to help you on your journey towards a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

Simple Living Books with a Focus on Sustainability

Simply Living Well by Julia Watkins

Simply Living Well is a comprehensive guide to a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Watkins provides practical tips, step-by-step instructions, and gorgeous photography demonstrating how to incorporate these practices into your daily routine. The book is organized into sections covering every area of the home: kitchen, cleaning, wellness, bath, and garden.

One of my favorite takeaways from her book was her natural stain pre-treatment recipe. It’s easy to mix at home with 3-4 ingredients, and it works wonders on the various stains my little boys manage to accumulate. 

Julia Watkins is the creator of the popular Instagram account @simply.living.well, where she shares inspirational images, tips, and recipes for living a more sustainable and mindful life. Julia’s background in environmental studies and sustainability shines through in everything she creates, making her book an excellent resource for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact while simplifying their life. 

Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson

In this book, Bea Johnson offers practical tips for reducing waste and living a more sustainable lifestyle. She encourages readers to focus on the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot, and provides helpful tips on reducing waste in every area of life, from grocery shopping to travel. 

When I first read her book, I felt inspired and incredibly overwhelmed! I advise those who read this book to try ONE swap at a time. Maybe start with the way you shop for groceries. Then perhaps work towards minimizing your use of paper towels, then slowly experiment with reusable bathroom swaps, and so on.

Johnson’s background as a zero-waste advocate and blogger shines through in her approachable and inspiring writing style, making this a great resource for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact and live a more sustainable life.

Down to Earth: A Guide to Simple Living by Rhonda Hetzel

Down to Earth: A Guide to Simple Living by Rhonda Hetzel is a practical guide for those who want to embrace a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle. The book covers many topics, from growing your own food and reducing waste to making your own cleaning products and living debt-free. Hetzel’s writing style is warm and engaging, and she offers plenty of personal anecdotes and practical advice to help readers make the most of her information.

What sets Down to Earth apart is its focus on taking things slowly and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Hetzel emphasizes the value of taking time for oneself, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying the beauty of nature. She also encourages readers to be mindful of their environmental impact and take steps to live more sustainably.

Rhonda Hetzel is the author of several books on simple living, including The Simple Home (also on this list!) and The Simple Life. She also created the popular blog Down to Earth, where she shares her thoughts on simple living and sustainability. Hetzel’s background in journalism and her personal experience of simplifying her life shines through in Down to Earth, offering readers a practical and inspiring guide to living a simpler, more sustainable, and more fulfilling life.

Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle

Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle is a guide to living a simpler and more meaningful life. Boyle offers practical advice on simplifying your home and daily routines, creating less waste, and shopping more mindfully. The book covers various topics, from decluttering and organizing to sustainable living and DIY projects.

One of the key themes of Simple Matters is the importance of embracing a simple lifestyle to achieve greater peace and fulfillment. Boyle encourages readers to prioritize the essentials, focus on what truly matters, and let go of excess. She provides practical tips on creating a more sustainable home, shopping ethically, and reducing waste, emphasizing the connection between a simpler lifestyle and a more sustainable world.

Erin Boyle is the creator of the popular blog Reading My Tea Leaves, which focuses on simple and sustainable living. She has also written for several publications on slow living, sustainability, and minimalism. Her writing is rooted in her upbringing in rural New York and her experiences living in small apartments in New York City. 

Small Space Style by Whitney Leigh Morris

Small Space Style by Whitney Leigh Morris is a fantastic guide for anyone interested in downsizing or living in a small space. The book is filled with beautiful photos and practical tips on making the most of your space, whether you’re living in a tiny apartment or a small house. Morris covers everything from furniture selection to storage solutions, and her writing is informative and inspiring. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on sustainable living and the importance of making conscious choices about what we bring into our homes.

I was particularly inspired by Whitney’s use of natural elements inside her home. She finds creative ways to incorporate live plants into her tiny home – such as hanging from the ceiling or as wall art. Plus, her ability to create attractive storage solutions out of forgotten spaces (e.g. the toe kick underneath kitchen cabinetry) is inspiring!

Whitney Leigh Morris is a writer, designer, and small space living expert. She is the creator of the popular blog The Tiny Canal Cottage, which chronicles her family’s life in a 400-square-foot bungalow in Venice Beach, California. Morris’s background in design and her personal experience of living in a small space make her the perfect guide for readers who want to create a beautiful and functional home in a limited amount of space.

The Simple Home by Rhonda Hetzel

The Simple Home by Rhonda Hetzel is a practical and inspiring guide to creating a simpler, more sustainable home. Hetzel covers everything from decluttering to DIY cleaning products and provides practical advice on making your home a more peaceful and nurturing space. The book is filled with beautiful photos and helpful tips, making it a joy to read and explore. 

Simple Living Books with a Focus on Mindset

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist is a book about choosing a slower, more intentional way of living in a world that values busyness and productivity above all else. Niequist shares her struggles with perfectionism and busyness and offers practical tips for slowing down and finding joy in everyday moments. 

The book emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and saying no to things that don’t align with our values and priorities. Niequist encourages readers to prioritize rest, connection, and creativity.

Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Hoechner

Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Hoechner is a memoir that recounts the author’s journey towards a simpler, slower, and more fulfilling life. The book is divided into three parts, each covering a different phase of the author’s life: fast, slow, and in-between. Through her own story, Hoechner shares her struggles with perfectionism, anxiety, and the pursuit of success and how she learned to let go and embrace a more intentional and authentic way of living.

Chasing Slow is a poignant and relatable book that encourages readers to question the busyness and chaos of modern life and find their path toward a simpler and more meaningful existence. The author’s writing style is engaging and honest, and her vulnerability and self-awareness make the book all the more inspiring. Throughout the pages, Hoechner provides practical tips and advice on how to slow down, simplify, and focus on what truly matters in life.

Erin Hoechner is an author, speaker, and blogger who writes about the intersection of design, faith, and family. She founded the lifestyle blog Design for Mankind, which has been featured in publications like The New York Times, Lucky Magazine, and The Huffington Post. In Chasing Slow, Hoechner draws from her experiences as a designer, wife, and mother to share her insights and wisdom on creating a slower and more intentional way of living.

Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World by Brooke McAlary

In “Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World,” Brooke McAlary offers a guide for those seeking a slower and simpler lifestyle. The book is organized into three parts focusing on mind, body, and soul, each containing several chapters with practical tips, personal stories, and reflective exercises. 

Brooke emphasizes the importance of slowing down, disconnecting from technology, practicing mindfulness, simplifying possessions, nourishing the body with healthy food and movement, fostering relationships, and cultivating gratitude. Throughout the book, McAlary shares her experiences, struggles, and triumphs on the path to simplicity.

Brooke McAlary is a blogger, podcaster, and author passionate about simple living, mindfulness, and sustainability. She is the creator of the Slow Home podcast and blog, which have a large following of people interested in slow living. McAlary’s writing is informed by her experiences of burnout, overwhelm, and dissatisfaction with a fast-paced lifestyle. She has since made significant changes to her life, including downsizing her home, quitting her job, and focusing on what truly matters to her. Her journey and insights make “Slow” a relatable and authentic guide for anyone seeking to simplify their life.

Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day by Melanie Barnes

Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day by Melanie Barnes is a practical guide to slowing down and living more intentionally. Barnes shares her journey towards a simpler, more mindful lifestyle and provides helpful tips and advice on creating more space and calm in our busy lives. 

The book is structured in a way that makes it easy to read and follow, with clear and concise chapters and helpful exercises throughout. Overall, Seeking Slow is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to simplify their life and find more peace and balance.

Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life by Brook McAlary

In “Destination Simple,” author Brook McAlary provides readers with a guide to living a simpler, more intentional life by incorporating everyday rituals. She encourages readers to slow down and savor life’s small moments, whether that be through a morning coffee ritual or taking a few moments to sit outside and appreciate nature. 

McAlary’s writing style is approachable and relatable, making it easy to follow along with her suggestions and advice. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and mindfulness and provides practical tips for incorporating these practices into daily life. 

The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living by Mary E. Kingsley

The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living by Mary E. Kingsley is a comprehensive guidebook that promotes a holistic and sustainable approach to living. The book is divided into four main sections: food, clothing, shelter, and mindset. In each section, the author provides practical advice and tips on how to live more mindfully, reduce waste, and make more intentional choices supporting a slower and simpler life. 

Kingsley shares her journey towards a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle, providing practical advice on everything from growing your own food to reducing waste. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and photos, making it a joy to read and explore. 

Mary E. Kingsley, the author of The Lady Farmer Guide to Slow Living, is an experienced farmer and homesteader who has spent over a decade living and working on her farm in Maryland. She is also the co-founder of Lady Farmer, a sustainable clothing and lifestyle brand that promotes slow living and ethical fashion. With her extensive knowledge of sustainable living and passion for the slow living movement, Kingsley is an excellent guide for readers looking to make positive changes in their lives and embrace a more mindful and sustainable way of living.

Simple Living Books with a Focus on Minimalism

Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life by Shira Gill

Minimalista is a practical guide for anyone seeking to simplify their home and wardrobe and ultimately live more intentionally. The book is organized into three sections: Home, Wardrobe, and Life, with each section providing step-by-step instructions on how to declutter, organize, and simplify.

Gill argues that simplifying our surroundings can reduce stress, increase productivity, and help us live more sustainably. She provides practical advice on reducing waste, shopping ethically, and incorporating eco-friendly practices into our daily lives. I was personally most inspired by the calming, clean, organized home images. Simply looking at the images of her home made me feel calmer and inspired to recreate a similar environment for my family.

Shira Gill is a professional organizer and founder of Shira Gill Home, a lifestyle brand focused on simplifying and organizing homes and lives. She has been featured in several publications, including Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple, and is known for her practical and accessible approach to minimalism and organization. Gill’s background in organizing and interior design is evident throughout the book, offering readers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Essentialism by Greg McKeown is a book about focusing on what truly matters in life by doing less but better. McKeown argues that we need to prioritize and simplify our lives to achieve our goals and live a more meaningful life. 

The book encourages readers to prioritize their goals, saying, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” McKeown emphasizes the importance of saying no to things that don’t align with your values and goals and being intentional with your time and energy. 

Essentialism is one of those books I return to every year to reset my mindset. It is always full of helpful reminders to prioritize how I spend my time and money thoughtfully. I highly recommend this book as a valuable addition to your home library.

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is a book about simplifying and minimizing our use of technology to improve our mental health and overall well-being. The book argues that our constant use of technology and social media is causing us to feel more anxious, distracted, and disconnected than ever before. 

Newport suggests practical steps for reducing digital dependence and creating more intentional and meaningful relationships with technology. The book also includes examples of people who have successfully implemented digital minimalism.

This book served as a sobering reminder of how my use of technology is affecting every other area of my life. It’s another book I return to every year to help reflect on and readjust my relationship with social media and technology in general.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

This book has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions to declutter their homes and simplify their lives. Marie Kondo’s KonMari method focuses on decluttering by category and keeping only the things that “spark joy.” 

There’s something to the “sparks joy” concept while decluttering. As I declutter, I laugh at myself because I sincerely ask myself, “Does this spark joy?” whenever I am stuck on an item I can’t seem to part with.

The book is structured clearly and concisely, with helpful illustrations and tips to guide readers through the process of tidying up. Kondo’s background as a professional organizer shines through in her approach, making this an excellent resource for anyone looking to simplify their home and create a more joyful life.

The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker

The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker is a thoughtful guide on minimalism that helps readers to declutter their lives and focus on what truly matters. The author, Joshua Becker, is a renowned minimalist behind the popular blog Becoming Minimalist. He has been writing about minimalism for over a decade. 

One of the overlying themes of the book is the importance of living intentionally and being mindful of the things we bring into our lives. The book encourages readers to let go of material possessions and focus on experiences that bring joy and fulfillment. The book is structured into short, easy-to-read chapters that make it easy for readers to absorb the information and implement the strategies into their lives. 

Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living

Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living is a memoir by Elizabeth Thames about her family’s journey to achieving financial independence by living a simple, frugal lifestyle. 

The book offers practical tips and advice for reducing expenses, saving money, and living more sustainably. Thames shares her experiences of living frugally to achieve financial freedom and includes stories and insights from others who have pursued a similar path. 

For many years I have enjoyed following Elizabeth and her family on their popular blog Frugalwoods where she documents their family’s frugal experiments and reader case studies. Her book is an excellent way to consume her helpful content in an organized, packaged format.

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders is a memoir about Cait’s year-long shopping ban, during which she stopped buying anything but the essentials. The book is structured in a way that alternates between Flanders’ personal story and practical tips and advice for living a simpler, more intentional life. 

Flanders’ journey to self-discovery and minimalism is inspiring and relatable, and the book includes practical exercises and challenges for readers to implement in their own lives. The Year of Less encourages readers to question their spending habits and values and consider living a more intentional and sustainable lifestyle.

The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz

The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz is a book about the downside of having too many choices in life and how it can lead to anxiety, dissatisfaction, and regret. Schwartz argues that too many options can make us less happy and more stressed and suggests ways to simplify our lives and make better, more meaningful choices. 

The book encourages readers to question their consumption habits and values and to consider the benefits of a simpler, more intentional way of living.