In a world overflowing with choices and possessions, the allure of “less” has become an increasingly powerful draw. Less to acquire, less to clean, less to organize, less to choose from, and ultimately, less to discard. For us, there’s a unique satisfaction in consolidating two items into one, or in liberating precious drawer, cabinet, or closet space by simply paring down. This philosophy isn’t just a trend; it’s a deliberate choice that brings us genuine joy and a sense of liberation. Why invest in ten different products when a single, versatile solution can seamlessly fulfill multiple needs?
Three years ago, we shared insights into our initial efforts to simplify various aspects of our home life in a dedicated post. The journey of decluttering and optimizing our routines has only deepened since then, and in response to numerous requests for an updated and expanded guide, we’re thrilled to present the next chapter of our minimalist adventure. What’s truly remarkable is that, even with the addition of a third family member, our home now houses even fewer cleaning, grooming, and hygiene products than it did at the outset of Project Simplify. While the “magic products” that resonate with our needs might differ from yours – and there’s absolutely no pressure to embrace organic alternatives if they don’t align with your preferences – we hope our approach inspires you to discover your own path to a simpler, more streamlined existence. This isn’t about rigid rules, but about finding what works best to create a more harmonious and less cluttered life.
Our journey towards a simpler bathroom routine began subtly back in 2009. John and I realized an undeniable truth: we genuinely didn’t mind sharing the same shampoo and conditioner – specifically, Avalon Organics from Target. It quickly dawned on us that the same principle could apply to body wash; we’re currently fans of Say Yes To Cucumbers, also a readily available Target find. This simple revelation sparked a question: why were we each buying our own bottles, resulting in a chaotic clutter of 6-7 containers constantly occupying our shower space? The solution was clear: stop the madness and start sharing.
Embracing this shared approach meant purchasing a single bottle of each product. This seemingly minor shift had a profound impact, effectively breaking the tedious cycle of someone always needing shampoo or conditioner every time we made a grocery run. Now, with just three essential bottles in the shower at any given time, the visual and mental refreshment is palpable. We’ve eliminated the need for backup bottles stashed in the vanity or linen closet; what’s in the shower is precisely what we have. When a bottle starts running low, we simply add it to the shopping list for our next visit. It’s a beautifully uncomplicated system that keeps our bathroom tidy, our shopping stress-free, and our focus on what truly matters.
The lessons learned from our early eco-conscious adjustments several years ago have transformed our approach to other areas of household management, making “pairing down” an almost automatic process. When it comes to laundry, our strategy is remarkably straightforward: we rely exclusively on Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent. We’ve completely eliminated fabric softener from our routine, a decision made after discovering absolutely no noticeable difference in the feel or cleanliness of our clothes without it. This singular focus drastically reduces the frequency of our laundry product shopping trips and simplifies storage to a single, easily managed bottle.
Historically, we experimented with Charlie’s Soap for our cloth diapers, often alternating with Seventh Generation whenever we ran out. Over time, the convenience and consistent performance of Seventh Generation led us to commit fully to it. It proved to be a versatile solution, performing admirably on diapers and becoming our go-to for all laundry needs. The accessibility of Seventh Generation in most stores, combined with its effectiveness across the board, reinforced our decision. By removing fabric softener and standardizing our detergent, we’ve not only streamlined our shopping and storage but also embraced a simpler, more environmentally friendly laundry routine that works seamlessly for our family.
Continuing our theme of efficiency, our dishwasher operates with the same minimalist philosophy. We utilize a single, reliable detergent for all our dishwashing needs, ensuring consistency and ease of purchase. While we haven’t yet ventured into making homemade laundry or dish detergents, it’s a concept that consistently sparks our interest and remains on our radar for future exploration. Should we ever make that switch, rest assured, we’ll document our entire experience and share it with you here on the blog. For those interested in delving into natural, DIY cleaning solutions, we’ve compiled some fantastic recipes in a vintage post that continues to be a valuable resource. It’s all about finding what works for your family and lifestyle, without feeling overwhelmed by an endless array of options.
When it comes to tackling the myriad cleaning tasks around the house – from pristine floors to sparkling counters, gleaming tubs, and spotless tiles – our approach is surprisingly simple and incredibly effective. We rely on just two primary cleaners for approximately 99% of our household needs, occasionally supplementing them with a homemade recipe from our guide to all-natural cleaners. This means no more dedicated window cleaners, separate tile cleaners, or specialized wood floor solutions, each designed for a singular job. The days of accumulating a cabinet full of different bottles for every surface are long gone.
Our go-to powerhouse is Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner. The “all-purpose” label genuinely lives up to its name, proving its efficacy on a wide range of surfaces including counters, wood floors, and beyond. We typically dilute a small amount of Mrs. Meyer’s with water, then use a moist microfiber cloth to effortlessly wipe down anything requiring a scrub – be it floors, kitchen counters, tabletops, or windowsills. For streak-free glass and mirror cleaning, our secret weapon is a simple solution of vinegar and water, specifically five parts water to one part white vinegar. This combination provides exceptional clarity without the harsh chemicals or price tag of commercial window cleaners. This streamlined routine not only simplifies our cleaning process but also significantly reduces clutter and our exposure to unnecessary chemicals. For a deeper dive into our entire cleaning regimen, you can find a comprehensive breakdown in this detailed post.
Continuing our theme of multi-functional simplification, Dr. Bronner’s soap stands out as another cornerstone of our minimalist cleaning and hygiene arsenal. Its incredible versatility allows us to use it for virtually all hand-washing needs throughout the house – from the kitchen sink to every bathroom. The best part? The bottle itself provides clear instructions for dilution, a fantastic feature that effectively doubles its longevity and cost-efficiency. We mix one part water with one part Dr. Bronner’s soap, and the result is a gentle yet highly effective cleanser.
Beyond hand-washing, this remarkable product serves multiple purposes for me personally. It’s my preferred choice for washing my face and effortlessly removing makeup. Its mild formulation means it cleanses without stripping my skin of its natural oils, preventing dryness and irritation that often lead to breakouts with harsher products. And for our furry family member, Burger, it’s also pup-approved! We use it to wash him, ensuring a gentle, natural clean that’s safe for his sensitive skin. This single, diluted product truly embodies the “less is more” philosophy, simplifying our routines, saving us money, and reducing the number of different bottles cluttering our home, all while being effective and kind to our skin and environment.
My personal journey towards embracing simplicity, particularly in my beauty routine, truly took root during my time living in a minuscule studio apartment in NYC. With no room for extraneous possessions, the concept of mindful consumption became a necessity, not just a preference. Ladies and gents, allow me to introduce you to my incredibly humble makeup bag. While I might not boast about its origins – a $5 Chinatown purchase from nine years ago that, miraculously, still has a functioning zipper – its significance lies in its capacity. This unassuming pouch holds virtually every single piece of makeup I own. It’s not merely a travel bag; it is my sole, comprehensive makeup repository.
This compact solution offers unparalleled convenience. It’s effortlessly portable, making it a breeze to toss into a suitcase for any trip. More often than not, it resides in our car’s glove compartment or center console. Given John is usually the driver, this arrangement allows me to “put on my face” as we head to our destination, a much more practical approach for a busy mom who struggles to find dedicated makeup time at home. This streamlined routine ensures that my makeup application is always super speedy and efficient, ironically resulting in a more polished appearance than when I had an overwhelming array of choices. If my routine were complicated or time-consuming, I simply wouldn’t bother; I’m inherently a “wash and go” kind of girl, hence my frequent ponytail days. Furthermore, since making the switch to a select few organic products, my skin has noticeably improved. The days of impulsive purple eyeshadow or bubblegum pink lip gloss purchases, which once seemed like a good idea but quickly led to product graveyard, are thankfully over. This minimalist approach has freed me from unnecessary clutter and decision fatigue, allowing me to look and feel my best with minimal effort.
My minimalist makeup bag, a testament to effective simplification, consistently holds the following essentials, all chosen for their reliability and ease of use:
- **Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Bronzer/Blush:** Sourced from Target or CVS, this versatile compact provides a natural flush and sun-kissed glow without needing separate products. Its dual functionality is key to maintaining a minimal collection.
- **Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Two-Toned Eye Makeup:** Also available at Target or CVS, this palette offers just enough variety for a subtle enhancement, simplifying eye shadow choices to the absolute minimum required for a polished look.
- **Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Concealer Stick:** An essential for quick touch-ups, this stick from Target or CVS offers targeted coverage, making it ideal for on-the-go application without fuss.
- **Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Mascara:** A staple from Target, this mascara delivers definition and volume, completing the eye look without the need for multiple mascaras.
- **An Eyelash Curler:** A single, high-quality curler from Sephora is all that’s needed to open up the eyes, demonstrating that some tools are irreplaceable, even in a minimalist kit.
- **A Blush Brush:** This essential brush, also from Sephora, is used for both bronzer and blush, proving that one well-chosen tool can serve multiple purposes.
- **One Lone Contact Lens:** A practical precaution, kept just in case I unexpectedly lose a contact, reflecting a preparedness strategy within a simplified routine.
I have exclusively relied on these specific products for the past two to three years, and my satisfaction with them remains unwavering. While I acknowledge that I’ve never mastered the art of liquid liner or artificial eyelashes – and perhaps those who do might feel I’m missing out – for me, this simplified selection is perfect. It guarantees a super-speedy makeup application, which paradoxically results in a more consistently polished appearance. My natural inclination is for a “wash and go” routine, often resorting to ponytails, so any overly complicated or time-consuming makeup process simply wouldn’t integrate into my lifestyle. Furthermore, embracing these few organic products has significantly improved my skin’s health. This shift has also curbed the impulse to amass a collection of new, often regrettable, beauty purchases like fleeting purple eyeshadows or bubblegum pink lip glosses that once seemed appealing but quickly fell out of favor. This intentional choice allows for a more efficient, healthier, and clutter-free beauty regimen.
When it comes to essential hygiene products for both John and me, our philosophy continues to prioritize simplicity and effectiveness. John, of course, has his specific hair styling needs. He uses Crew from Target, having settled on it after his previous favorite, Got2be, became harder to find due to packaging changes (a common challenge in product simplification!). He also keeps shaving cream and aftershave, preferring Burt’s Bees for these items. On my end, I’ve discovered a wonderfully simple trick: I actually just shave with a little bit of conditioner while in the shower, eliminating the need for a separate shaving cream.
To further streamline, we both use the same type of razor. We have two, one in my shower and one in John’s drawer, but the key is that they share common refill blades. This makes purchasing replacement blades incredibly simple; we don’t have to navigate two different types for two distinct razors, saving both time and potential confusion at the store. For our oral and personal care, we’re both loyal to Tom’s of Maine deodorant and toothpaste. After a brief experiment with fluoride-free toothpaste that unfortunately resulted in both of us getting cavities, we promptly switched back to the fluoride-containing version and have been cavity-free for the past two years, proving that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing health or effectiveness. This coordinated approach to our personal care items ensures our routines are efficient, clutter-free, and perfectly suited to our needs.
Beyond our core shampoo, body wash, conditioner, and personal care items, our beauty and grooming product purchases are remarkably minimal. John isn’t a cologne enthusiast, and I’ve never been much of a perfume wearer, which instantly cuts down on a whole category of potential clutter. Our remaining essentials primarily consist of sunscreen and lotion. For these, our strategy remains consistent: we aim to buy just one container of each and only restock when it’s genuinely empty, rather than accumulating backups or trying multiple brands simultaneously. This ‘one in, one out’ approach prevents overflow and ensures we’re using products mindfully.
Our preferred lotion is Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion, which we easily find at Target or Whole Foods. For sun protection, we trust Bullfrog Sunscreen SPF 30, readily available at Target and CVS. To ensure these vital products are always within reach, we keep a tube of each in our designated travel bag under the sink and another set in our car’s middle console. This strategic placement means we’re never caught without sun protection or moisturizer, whether at home or on the go. Interestingly, since I’ve adopted a milder makeup routine and started using Dr. Bronner’s soap on my face, I’ve found that I no longer need a dedicated face cream. The soap doesn’t strip my skin, so it remains hydrated and doesn’t feel dry, which previously caused my sensitive skin to break out. This discovery has further streamlined my routine, eliminating yet another product and simplifying my daily regimen considerably.
Looking back to my high school years, I was, admittedly, quite the slave to beauty products. My stash was truly something to behold – I probably had a million bottles, potions, and powders scattered across my vanity. It was a time when coming home from school at 3 PM often meant spending hours experimenting with nails, hair, and makeup. However, life as a “grown-up busy mom” has ushered in a completely different reality and a routine that aligns much better with my current lifestyle. For the past three years, I’ve confidently forgone hairspray, pomade, and perfume entirely. This is certainly one of those “to each their own” scenarios, but I genuinely love the clean, subtle scent of my shampoo and body wash enough for it to serve as “my scent.”
And thanks to my inherent ponytail propensity, there’s simply no need for any elaborate hair products beyond a good shampoo, conditioner, and a reliable old-fashioned brush. It’s a look I affectionately refer to as “low-maintenance chic” on a good day, and perhaps “messy momma” on a more challenging one! This shift has been incredibly liberating, not just in terms of saving time and money, but also in embracing a more natural, authentic version of myself. It’s about finding confidence and comfort in simplicity, rather than feeling pressured to conform to an endless parade of beauty trends and products.
One of the most delightful side effects of this commitment to minimalism is the absolute freedom it grants me when perusing magazines. There are entire sections dedicated to makeup and perfume that I can now effortlessly gloss over. In high school, I was the quintessential “ooh, I want that!” girl, which undoubtedly contributed to the approximately 500 bottles, samples, and cans that once cluttered my vanity. The sheer relief of not constantly feeling the pull to acquire every new product I read about is immeasurable. I simply flip past those pages without a second thought, completely unburdened by the desire for more. It’s a profound sense of contentment. Oh, wait, there is one small exception: nail polish.
For a period, in an effort to maximize simplicity, I stopped painting my nails and toes altogether. However, I soon realized that I occasionally experienced a genuine yearning for a vibrant pop of color, a small personal indulgence that didn’t feel like a step backward in my minimalist journey. So, I made a conscious choice to reintroduce nail polish, but with strict parameters. I now own a select few polishes from brands like Zoya and Honeybee Gardens, chosen specifically because they are free of some of the harsher, “fumier” chemicals found in many other mainstream brands. This ensures that even my small indulgence aligns with our family’s preference for more natural products.
My entire collection consists of ten nail polish bottles, a perfectly manageable number that fits neatly into our freshly organized drawer. Maintaining this specific number is crucial for me; it acts as a firm boundary, preventing any impulsive future purchases. Compared to the 50+ bottles I likely owned in high school, ten feels like a revolutionary new standard. The rule is simple: I won’t buy any new polish unless one of my existing ten runs out completely. This mindful approach allows me to enjoy a touch of color without succumbing to the consumerist cycle of endless accumulation, keeping this small luxury contained and truly special.
And then there’s this absolute essential. I have to admit, I have a deep and unwavering affection for lip balm. You’ll find it strategically placed in my purse, tucked into a box beside my desk, resting on my nightstand, and safely stashed in the glove compartment of the car. My reliance on it is almost comical; you truly don’t want to witness me when I can’t immediately get my hands on lip balm. I become an utter baby, as if my lips are actively falling off or perpetually on fire. Seriously, it’s not a pretty sight.
Through trial and error, I learned that the simplest and most effective solution for me is to keep one stick of this indispensable product in each of these four key locations. This proactive strategy ensures I’m never completely out of luck. Since I have multiple sticks in rotation, they tend to last a good while, which means I’m not constantly buying them one at a time. This small act of strategic placement has brought immense peace of mind and eliminated a surprisingly significant source of daily frustration. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful organization, even for something as minor as lip balm, can contribute significantly to a smoother, more simplified daily life.
Oh yes, within the last three years, our family grew by one with the arrival of our precious baby, Clara! One might assume that with a new addition, we would have amassed a mountain of baby-specific products. After all, we’re incredibly attached to our little girl. However, when it came to keeping Clara moisturized, clean, diaper-rash-free, and protected from the sun, we consciously resisted the urge to register for or purchase twenty different creams and lotions. Instead, we decided to scan just three core items and adopt a more pragmatic “wait-and-see” approach. We knew that we could always purchase more or different products once Clara arrived and we understood her specific needs and sensitivities – who knew if she’d have an allergy to something, anyway? So, we started with a thoughtfully selected, minimalist arsenal:
- **California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash:** Our single go-to for bathtime, sourced from Target. This product effectively cleanses both hair and body, eliminating the need for separate bottles.
- **Badger Baby Sunscreen:** Essential for sun protection, this natural choice was purchased from Whole Foods. We prioritized a gentle, effective sunscreen to keep her delicate skin safe outdoors.
- **California Baby Calendula Cream:** Our multi-purpose hero for everything from face and body moisturizing to diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema, and general dry skin. This versatile cream, found at Target, truly does it all, removing the need for an array of specialized creams.
And that’s truly it. No baby powder, no separate face lotion, body lotion, and diaper cream – just one powerhouse cream that handles everything. And no distinct body soap differing from her hair soap. Simply three foundational products. The most remarkable aspect is that, nearly two years later, this remains our entire arsenal! Seriously, these three carefully chosen products constitute Clara’s complete personal care collection. You can imagine the ease of storage; they all conveniently slip into the top drawer of her dresser, with the exception of the shampoo, which we keep in the closet of her bathroom alongside her washcloths and towels. There’s no sprawling basket of products, no overflowing stockpile of extra bottles. Just these three essential items.
When one runs out, we simply purchase one more. We intentionally avoid getting ahead of ourselves, because who knows when needs might shift or preferences change? But so far, this minimalist approach has worked wonderfully, keeping her routines simple, her space uncluttered, and our minds at ease. Off to knock on some wood, just in case! This experience with Clara has further solidified our belief that thoughtful, intentional choices can drastically simplify life, even with the added complexities of parenthood, proving that less truly can be more in every facet of family living.
By consciously striving to covet less and actively focusing on natural alternatives or a highly curated selection of essential items, we’ve drastically reduced the number of products that might impulsively jump into our shopping cart. The incredible benefit of this intentional approach is that it never feels like we’re missing out on anything. Quite the contrary, it feels like a constant gain. We’re gaining precious closet and cabinet space, seeing more “moolah” remain in our wallet, and reclaiming valuable extra time that would otherwise be spent restocking various bottles or endlessly comparing product labels.
This lifestyle isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about mental clarity, financial freedom, and a lighter environmental footprint. We’ve discovered that simplifying our product consumption liberates us from the consumerist treadmill, allowing us to invest our energy and resources into experiences and relationships that truly enrich our lives. We’re genuinely eager to hear how you all cultivate simplicity and live with less. Whether it’s through sharing products, diving into DIY solutions, intentionally forsaking certain categories of items, or strategically purchasing specific products in bulk, we’d love for you to share what strategies have worked best for you in making life easier and more fulfilling. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to explore the many facets of a simplified, intentional existence.
Update – Curious about where we found a specific item in our home, or what paint colors adorn our walls? Simply click the button below to explore our curated selections: