Life can get pretty overwhelming sometimes, especially when we’re holding onto things we don’t really need.
Whether it’s clutter in our homes, endless digital distractions, or even negative thoughts and relationships. The good news? Simplifying doesn’t have to be complicated.
Thank God, there are things we can get rid of to make our lives easier and live a simpler way every day. By letting go of the things that no longer serve us, we can create more space for what truly matters: peace, joy, and a little extra breathing room. And this is actually one of the first steps to start simplifying your life.
In this guide, I’ll go over 32 things to quit for a simple life so you can enjoy a lighter, more stress-free life. Let’s dive in!
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Things to quit for a simple life
Here are 32 things to quit for a simple life that goes from mental to physical stuff.
1) The habit of negative self-talk
That little voice in your head? It shouldn’t be your toughest critic. Constantly putting yourself down only makes everything feel harder. Try a simple, powerful swap: trade those harsh thoughts for words of encouragement. Speak to yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a dear friend. You are so deserving of that compassion.
2) Contacts of people you don’t talk to
If your phone is full of numbers you haven’t used in years, it’s time to declutter! Keeping unnecessary contacts just adds digital clutter. Clear them out and keep only the people who truly matter.
Why keep numbers of people who never look for you or who you haven’t spoken to in a long time?
3) Distraction from social media
Ever gone online for “just a few minutes” and suddenly an hour is gone? This is a very common problem, but the effects are devastating.
Social media can be a huge time-drain. Try limiting your screen time and being more intentional with your scrolling. You’ll be amazed at how much time you get back so you can dedicate yourself to your hobbies and invest it in yourself.
4) Overcommitments
If your schedule is packed and you’re constantly exhausted, it’s time to say no more often. Protect your time and energy. You don’t have to do everything and believe me when I tell you, that saying no it’s not a rude act, but it is also an act of respect for yourself and your mental health.
5) Little time for yourself
When you’re always busy caring for everyone and everything else, it’s easy to forget the most important person: you. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s five minutes with a book, a quiet walk, or just sipping your coffee in peace, make your “you time” a non-negotiable part of your day. You are worth prioritizing.
6) Expired products
Those expired foods in the pantry, old skincare in the cabinet, or past-their-prime medicines? They’re not doing you any favors. Take a few minutes to check the labels and toss what’s no longer good. It’s a small, simple act that makes your space, and your life, feel instantly cleaner and safer.
7) Comparison with other people
It’s so easy to look at someone else’s highlight reel on social media and feel like you’re falling behind. But remember, you’re only seeing their curated best moments! Your journey is uniquely yours, with its own pace and path. Celebrate your own growth and how far you’ve come. You are exactly where you need to be.
8) Hobbies you don’t enjoy
Not every hobby has to be forever! If an activity you once loved now feels like a burden, it’s perfectly okay to let it go. This frees up mental space and time for the things that genuinely light you up. Life is too short for pastimes that don’t bring you joy.
9) Unused clothes
If your wardrobe is bursting with items you don’t reach for, it’s time for a refresh. Let go of what doesn’t fit your style or body anymore. Donating or selling them is about making room for a wardrobe that truly reflects and serves the person you are today, plus, you are being kind to someone else! (Yay!)
10) Burden of debts
Debt can feel like a cloud hanging over you, but you have the power to clear the skies. Tackling it, even little by little, brings immense relief. Start with a simple budget, cut back on non-essentials, and focus on one payment at a time. Every step you take towards financial freedom is a step towards a lighter, less stressful life.
11) Urge to buy things
That quick rush from a new purchase is tempting, but it often leads to clutter, debt, and regret. Before you buy, try asking yourself a simple question: “Do I truly need this?” If the answer is no, give yourself permission to walk away. A great trick is to sleep on it. If you don’t still want it tomorrow, you’ve just saved yourself money and clutter!
12) The myth of multitasking
Trust me in this, juggling ten things at once might make you feel productive, but it often leaves you feeling scattered and drained. Instead, try focusing on one single task at a time. You’ll be amazed at how much more you accomplish and how much calmer you feel when you give each thing your full, undivided attention.
13) Fear of change
Every good thing begins with the fear of change.
Fear of changing jobs, fear of changing cities, fear of meeting a person, or fear of starting a business.
Change can be intimidating, but it’s often the key to growth and new opportunities. Instead of fearing it, try seeing change as a fresh start. Who knows what amazing things could be waiting for you that can literally change the course of you life?
14) Late-night scrolling
One of the best things to quit to simplify life? Obviously late-night scrolling!
Falling down a rabbit hole of reels and tweets before bed is a surefire way to ruin a good night’s sleep. That blue light tells your brain it’s time to be awake, not to rest. Try swapping your phone for a book, some calming music, or a few minutes of quiet reflection. Your well-rested morning self will be so grateful.
15) Saying always yes
I used to be a “yes” person, afraid of letting others down. But I quickly learned that I was the one paying the price with my time and energy. It’s not only okay to say “no”, it’s an act of self-respect. Protect your precious resources by only committing to what truly aligns with your priorities.
16) Unplanned meals
That daily “what’s for dinner?” panic is real, and it often leads to expensive and less healthy takeout. Taking a little time to plan your meals for the week saves you so much stress, money, and mental energy. Plus, there’s a special kind of satisfaction in enjoying a homemade meal you planned yourself.
17) Ungratefulness
When we’re always looking ahead at what we want, we can forget to appreciate the wonderful things we already have. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. For me it’s a warm bed, a good friend, a sunny day. This can completely shift your perspective and make life feel richer and more joyful.
18) Depend on others
Having a support system is wonderful, but relying too heavily on others can sometimes keep you from discovering your own strength. Learning to trust yourself and do things on your own builds incredible confidence and independence. You are so much more capable than you know!
19) The desire to have more than you need
Our world often tells us that more is better, but true contentment usually comes from appreciating what we already have. Chasing after the next thing often leads to clutter and stress. Try embracing the beauty of “enough”. Less to manage, less to worry about, and more space for genuine happiness, this is so simple!
20) Negative relationships
Your energy is precious. Life is simply too short to spend it with people who drain you, criticize you, or bring drama into your world. Choose to surround yourself with those who uplift, support, and genuinely cheer for you. Letting go of toxic relationships was one of the most liberating things I ever did for my peace of mind.
21) Too many goals
It’s awesome to be ambitious, but trying to chase too many goals at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Focus on a few key priorities, and you’ll actually make progress without burning yourself out!
Having dreams and ambitions is a beautiful thing, but being realistic and knowing you have a plan to follow to achieve your few but important goals one step at a time is even more beautiful.
22) Mistakes of the past
We all have things in our past we wish we’d done differently. But holding onto guilt and regret only weighs down your present. The past is a place of learning, not a place of living. Forgive yourself for being human, learn the lesson, and step forward with a lighter heart. Your future is still being written.
23) Excess paperwork
Stacks of old bills, random receipts, and documents you’ll never need again create visual and mental clutter. Take an hour to go digital where you can and recycle the rest. A clear space truly does help create a clear mind.
24) Negative thoughts
Will you believe me if I say that your thoughts have immense power over your mood and outlook? If you find yourself stuck in a loop of negativity, try gently shifting your focus. What’s one thing that went right today? What are you looking forward to? Nurturing a more positive mindset can make every day feel a little brighter.
25) Bad daily habits
Those small, automatic actions, like skipping breakfast or procrastinating, can have a big impact on your well-being. The good news is, you can rewrite them! Identify one small habit that isn’t serving you and swap it for something that makes you feel good. Consistency is key, and you’ll feel the difference in no time.
26) Guilt and regrets
We touched on this with past mistakes, but it’s so important it bears repeating. Carrying guilt is like dragging a heavy backpack everywhere you go. Acknowledge the feeling, learn what you can from the experience, and then consciously set that burden down. You deserve to move forward freely.
27) Judgment of others
The truth is, most people are far too preoccupied with their own lives to spend much time judging yours. Freeing yourself from the “what will they think?” worry is incredibly liberating. Live your life for you—your own opinion is the one that matters most.
28) Accounts you don’t use
Forgotten social media profiles, old email addresses, and subscriptions you never read…this digital clutter can still subconsciously weigh on you. Do a quick sweep and delete or deactivate what you don’t use. It’s a small act of digital hygiene that leaves your online world feeling fresher.
29) Things you don’t use
One of the things to quit to simplify your life is also one of the simplest. Avoid storing material things that you no longer use.
That gadget you swore you’d use? Those clothes sitting in the back of your closet? If it’s just collecting dust, let it go. Less stuff = less clutter = more peace of mind!
30) Unhealthy eating habits
Relying on fast food, skipping meals, or mindlessly snacking can leave you feeling sluggish and low. You don’t need a drastic diet, but just a few simple, nourishing go-to meals can make a world of difference. Listening to your body and feeding it well is a profound act of self-care.
31) Excess of self-criticism
Let’s end where we began: with how we talk to ourselves. Being your own worst critic is an exhausting full-time job. What if, today, you focused on what you’re doing right? Celebrate your efforts, not just your outcomes. Treat yourself with the gentle kindness you so freely give to others. You are doing better than you think
Wrap-up
And there you have it, a whole list of 32 things to quit for a simple life and make room for more of what truly matters.
Remember, this isn’t about achieving perfection or overhauling your entire life overnight. You have to see it like small, conscious choices each day that add up to a profound feeling of freedom.
Every item you choose to release, be it a negative thought, an old contact, or the pressure to be perfect, is a gift you give yourself. It’s a declaration that your peace of mind is non-negotiable and that your happiness is worth prioritizing.
So be patient and kind with yourself on this journey. Start with just one thing. Celebrate the small victories. Feel the lightness that comes with each release.
You’ve got this.
