Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter

by Elaine St. James

More than 1,000,000 copies in print!

The more complex life becomes, the more people crave simplicity. Whether it's in your work, relationships, health, finances, or leisure time, North America's simplicity expert Elaine St. James can help you learn to unwind and improve the quality of your life. If you're feeling over-powered, overextended, and overwhelmed, Simplify Your Life is the antidote, providing one hundred proven, practical steps for creating a simple and satisfying way of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Lifestyle, Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1994

Reviews

[Sherilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has 100 practical suggestions to simplify your hectic lifestyle. Her thinking clarifies my thinking on why some people are sooo busy! Because they make their lives busy. I've seen people who make their lives more complicated, dramatic, going from one crises to the next. It makes me wonder if some people actually enjoy running around like a headless chicken!

She explores each aspect of our lives and makes suggestions on how to get rid of the fluff, to give you more time to do the things you really want to do.

Many of the ideas are things I am already doing, and maybe that's why I don't feel like I have a hectic life.
I really liked her ideas on simplifying your household and lifestyle. Like, reduce the clutter in your house, move to a smaller house, buy in bulk, run all your errands in one place, leave your shoes on the front door, get speckled carpet, turn off the TV, don't answer the phone just because it's ringing, and that goes for the doorbell too, if you don't like the holidays, bow out, get out of debt, drive a simple car, reduce your needs for goods and services, make water your drink of choice, pack your own lunch, be in bed by nine once a week, beware exercise equipment and take a walk.
It makes me feel good that I have learned on my own how to keep life simple.

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt the ideas in this book were a little "out there". I'm all about simplifying but ideas like "get rid of your lawn" or "get rid of your phone" aren't really that practical. I also felt the the author was an old curmudgeon who got rid of all her stuff and never did anything fun, or spent any money in order to have a "simple" life. It just wasn't selling it for me.

[Sassa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains common sense advice really, things we already know but perhaps need someone else to tell us to do. Sometimes it’s harsh advice, some things I couldn’t do (such as don’t answer your door unless you have invited someone over or using only one towel the whole week long). I did like the idea of leaving the competitive spirit out of entertaining and just being yourself!

Notable quotes:
“Wise men and women in every major culture throughout history have found that the secret to happiness is not to getting more but in wanting less.”
“Remember, the idea is not to deny yourself the things you want, but to free yourself from the things you don’t want.”

If your life is disorganized and you are slave to all the “stuff” in your life, this book may be just the ticket to freedom for you. If not, just listen to what you already know to be true about organizing and simplying and do it. ☺️

[Manzoid · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book reads like a collection of household tips, e.g., "Hints from Heloise".
Truly simplifying your life takes a lot more thought and effort than the tips in this book would imply. We live in a society that strongly encourages us to consume and/or strive for status. Real life simplification usually means painfully recognizing and kicking away many ego crutches, summoning up the discipline to let go of a lot in order to focus on what really matters.

To her credit, the author has a significantly deeper take on this whole process in her later book, "Living the Simple Life". That is recommended as a complete replacement for "Simplify Your Life"; don't waste your time on it unless your intent is just to free up a few hours in an otherwise unchanged lifestyle.

Also consider "Voluntary Simplicity" by Duane Elgin. It offers a sociologist's perspective, which is a bit dry but includes opinions of dozens of people he encountered in his research on the nationwide movement toward a less materialistic, more relationship-oriented style of living.

[Allie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I was expecting more. I read about this book on Zen Habits, which I love. But given the amount of awesome advice out there readily available I just wasn't at all impressed by this. Step 1 is "reduce the clutter in your life." How you ask? By just getting rid of the clutter! Perfect. How had I not thought of that before? This might have been a good read when it was published (in 1994) but now I don't really see its relevance to me. Speaking of the publication date, it is also tremendously dated. For instance St. James tells you to get rid of your car phone! If you still have a car phone, for the love of God get rid of it! For simplicity's sake.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

100 tips for simplifying your life. This book was a little hit or miss for me, though there are plenty of really good tips as well. Part of it's problem is that's it's fairly dated (1994). I can't say I really learned anything new from its pages - I'm already either doing a lot of these things or am in the process of simplifying to that end. Basically, get rid of the clutter, ditch the back-ups, simplify your wardrobe, eliminate the excess activities, move to a smaller home, shop less. I think I'll keep making my bed though. lol

[Inês · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ouvi falar neste livro há alguns anos, numa reportagem sobre pessoas que tinham abdicado da maior parte dos seus bens para viver uma vida mais simples e mais desprendida. Quis saber de que se tratava, numa sociedade puramente consumista e que se alimenta das aparências, a verdade é que dou muitas vezes por mim a olhar em volta e a pensar que nada disto faz sentido. Temos de mais, complicamos de mais, somos felizes de menos.
Este livro foi escrito nos anos 90 por isso está muito datado, faz-lhe falta uma abordagem séria ao fenómeno das redes sociais e tem vários exemplos que se aplicam sobretudo à sociedade americana, mas não deixa de ser uma leitura agradável. É autoajuda, claro, é óbvio muitas vezes, mas não chega com um intuito de nos fazer uma lavagem cerebral.
Teria todo o prazer de emprestá-lo a vários familiares e amigos. E acho que, em certas situações, vai saber-me muito bem reler algumas passagens.

Link para a reportagem:
http://www.dn.pt/revistas/nm/interior...

[Karmelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than a little bit vintage, most of what Elaine St. James presents is still quite useful. The book does assume you have children, investments, and other signs of age or wealth. I simply skipped what didn't apply, or what I felt was beyond dated, and feel satisfied with the (quick) read.

To reap the biggest benefits of this book, one will need to be in a position of thorough self-reflection and conscientiousness. Akin to Voluntary Simplicity, the theory is that by paring down the excess, we actually feel richer.

I found her advice on cleaning inspiring too. A clean house in under an hour? I'll be testing this method...

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve already incorporated many of her ideas but did enjoy this old book. There’s always something to learn and I did remove two huge bags of old linens from my linen closet and took them to the goodwill and I will no longer even look at the vintage linens in shops bc I love them but then never use them. I now have room in my linen closet to see what’s there. I thought I didn’t have many pillow cases and I found about a dozen.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned that in order to simplify my life I have to go back to the '90s 😭

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is The go to book for simplicity written for the twitter generation (as opposed to Walden for people that have time), it will cause you question the rush in your life if you have not already done so and it will make you realise that "the value of anything is how much time you are willing to exchange for it"..... It is full of honest evaluations and suggestions like; sell the boat, get a smaller place, reduce the clutter in your life.... if we all valued the principals in this book the world would be a much better place.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy read to help one learn some new ways how to de-clutter our lives. Lots of suggestions on ways we can make things much easier especially when at times you feel behind with chores or projects since you not home much to do them. I highly recommend anyone that is looking for more organizing to read this book. For example, you do not always have to answer the phone or the doorbell just because it is ringing. Try to relax more. Learn to live on half of what you earn and save half. Great idea. Life is not meant to be so complicated. Simplify whatever you can in your life and enjoy it. Many aspects of life are covered in new ways to de-stress and become ourselves. Work less and enjoy it more. Great book to keep on hand and read once a year in my opinion.

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book on my book shelf during the move and thought it might have some helpful tips. First, it was very dated. I laughed when it made reference to a tie clip, when was the last time someone wore one of those? And it felt like it was written by a couple of grandparents so it didn’t feel relevant to the average person. A bunch of ridiculous tips, like get rid of your phone and car, and a couple of decent ones. Wouldn’t recommend.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated but interesting.

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated, mostly common sense, occassionally odd, but with some really good ideas sprinkled throughout. 3.5 stars

[Michele Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The references to things of the, then recent, 80’s was enjoyable. Solid tips - most all are still relevant. Fun to discuss the content. All in all- good takeaways from a fun to read book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated but good advice on how to get rid of all the extra stuff we have in our life and to just enjoy the simple pleasures instead. Like a sunset, a good book, etc.

[Jess Dollar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s fascinating to read a book on simplicity that was written in the 1990s. The simplicity movement feels so modern but reading this book reminded me that these ideas are timeless. I didn’t agree with all 100 ideas, of course, but much of her critique of modern excess was still 100 percent on-point 24 years later.

[Jaymz · Rating 2 out of 5]

very ambivalent on this. the ideas the author raises here are by the wealthy, for the wealthy, but they have become largely mainstream throughout modern american society despite that. she was so ahead of her time, and yet so out of touch. there are things like "move closer to work", "get out of the rat race and live at your own pace", or "do all your shopping on one day" which make so much sense. but the rationale behind that will be "you can now fire your cook and maid". what? you just had that sort of money lying around? "pay off all your debts. that will simplify your life." okaaaaaay (looks at my student loan debt) let me do that. haha. (sweating)

author builds a particularly hellish conjuration of the 1980s as a consumerist nightmare where people would just buy things for the sake of it or to show off. again, where was all that money coming from? can i have some? id like to pay rent for an apartment that isnt full of mold or insects, because i likely wont have the income to buy a house until im dead at this point. what i mean to say is that the authors ideas are especially common today because the economic circumstances have (unintentionally?) made her cost-cutting and life-simplifying ideas mainstream because, frankly, a lot of us dont have any other choice anymore. while the 80s and 90s were a time of wealth and relative stability, the large part of workers today live paycheck to paycheck, and much of her advice works because we dont really have much else of a choice.

thats why her comments on owning a huge house, but choosing not to, or having a maid and a chef, but choosing to fire '"the help" (how did they go afterwards? did they find work easily? were they able to pay their bills?) come off as so old and fogey-like. you have to take these suggestions with a grain of salt, because its a reflection of a time gone past. there is helpful advice here, if youre willing to find it, but its largely shit.

strange little thing.

[Amy Rodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished "Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down & Enjoy the Things That Really Matter" by Elaine St. James. It was a quick read and kept me engaged. I particularly enjoyed the sections devoted to "Lifestyle" and "Work", as there were several new suggestions I plan on implementing in my own life. The only section I really disliked was the section on finance. Nothing new or original was recommended, and I disagreed with the author's recommendation on how to simplify your portfolio by investing in only a couple different stocks/mutual funds. In my personal experience, I've found it more beneficial to diversify your investments so if one of your main stocks or mutual funds takes a loss, you're not SOL. This book was written in the 90's so several of the suggestions seemed a little outdated, but overall still a lot of timeless suggestions that could benefit many.

[Adrienna · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a state librarian, I ordered this book thinking it would be helpful to simply your life and slow things down, including me as a worker. However, as I started reading the first 50, I see this book is outdated and had to check copyright date of 1994, then reprint 2001, but still reads as if livin in the 90s. Who has a car phone still in their car? Now, we have cars that are bluetooth connected to your cell phone to use on speaker is your car phone now not an actual one. Another example is call waiting, we did used to in the 90s when these features were offered would add or remove them and pay a few dollars more, nowadays, we get the bundle and these features are already in the bill.

Buy in bulk. This doesn't work for me and heard it before reading this book. Some things get dated, expired, or old, or we do not eat plentiful like oats. I buy fresh, organic, and tryin to eat more vegetarian meaning mainly fruits and veggies. You cannot buy this in bulk, it'll rot. Many of her suggestions, I say no way for me today! I do agree with uncluttering the "mathoms" in your household and give to someone who can use them (which she did not say or specify, but give to goodwills, thrifts, to family/friends like they did in the Hobbit she did quote, or just trash). I am learning to purchase less and clean things stored. I donate books to libraries or also depart from them.

I strongly disagree w/ cutting laundering in half. #8 I know in Cali we live in droughts, so less is best, is why I will wash a full large or extra large load than a small load. She says to wash one load a week or every other week, and sheets to stretch longer than the weekly routine. Yes, I am known for washing them weekly since I have pets; hotter months, you sweat, and who wants to sleep on such things. Use less towels; yet in summer and hotter months, it will smell hanging in your bathroom to save on washing. You will use more but let them pile up in your laundry bin until you have enough to wash a load is my thingy.

I do not agree either with #16 about pets. I love pets. She suggest not to have one due to grooming bill. I have cats, short haired, and only do their grooming before summer months to cool down and free of their winter hair! I have learned the hair is to cool them down not what we think to keep them warm but also know in the winter their coat is thicker and longer.

#17 moving simplified, I agree with most since I have been the main one packing in my family and save the kitchen last. Learn what things you have and don't need during this time too. Also, traveling simplified, I am learning to bring less than more. Pack in zip lock bags or dividers help. Place shirts, pants, dresses to count the days and items that can go with something else like jeans. Casual mainly. Dress clothes for church or special occasion. Some of us like to shop, so make room for this than have an over 50lb suitcase or buy another luggage on return flight (she didn't say but I know).

#39 most people have consumed so much that they cannot live off half of their earning. I have learned to have a budget of 60% bills, 20% spend (food, gas, clothes, etc.), 20% invest/save. Her next one is to rethink our spending habits--agree but not sure I will follow her method. Figure out what's yours.

#43 get rid of credit cards, truth. I learned the hard way when I went to college up to my late twenties. Had my first card around 18/19, and didn't know much about finances. She later adds to teach your kids, yes! You have to continue to learn about your monies and how it works best for you! She the advantages of the card; I like secured cards to build your financial status or scores, and its your money not borrowed money! I also like credit/debit card w credit union (which she did not provide) since it usually doesn't have fees, annual fees, etc.

#44 consolidate checking accounts. Best to have a business one separate from personal if you have one. I would also recommend a savings and a checking account, anything more is a burden. I tried various banks in the past too with fees, etc. and best to have no more than 1-2 bank accounts or banks that service your money. Most credit unions will not offer a business account, so therefore, you will have to have another bank to do that.

Other things I have lived and learned such as pay off mortgage, or sell and find smaller and more comfortable debt. Refinance that better suits you to save. Still learning more about homeownership and rental properties. She didn't really go into that. Buy used car (she says secondhand, so old fashion, archaic term).

I did like how she broke it up in 6 sections: household, lifestyle, finances, job (helpful), health (learning and researching on for last ten years or so), personal life.

We do need to have organization, time management, decipher priorities, etc. Now that I moved to work in another library after setting a system in place at other library, have to redo things that makes sense to me and others, not to make it so confusing or complicated. Stop being busy but not productive is the real thing! You do have to figure out what you really want to do #52 which I am at this brick wall again. Updating resume, references, etc. Add a hobby or find your job as such--to do what you love.

I have seen this first hand: busy work. She lists 2.
1. we don't want to do what were supposed to be doing
2. we want to look busy

workaholism. this has become an artform. I agree with this. I have even became busy to be busy. Most the tips, I am familiar with and so outdated, hardly agree with her recommendations, and only a few parts were decent but have better suggestions as listed above in my honest review.

I read a copy and providing review.
1.5

[Carrie Marcotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this years ago when I was doing something similar for a New Year's resolution. I found it so easy to follow and so logical, that I have since then encorporated a lot of the recommendations into my everyday life. It's written in simple one or two page chapters and you can do the chapters as you see fit in your life. It starts off simply, in your own house, such as 'reduce the clutter,' 'cutting down the grocery shopping' and gets to 'get rid of your lawn.' It moves into life-style, finances, job, health, and personal life. The last two chapters is one for women and the last is for 'hard-core' simplicity. Easy to read, simple tips and you can get as simplistic as you want to.

[Julie Peggar · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are still a few good ideas here, but it’s obviously SO outdated and SO much inherent privilege! Get rid of your car phone, let your cleaning lady and cook go, write checks for everything to keep track of spending, live on half your income, fire your personal trainer, cancel call waiting. It was definitely a fun trip down memory lane and I would recommend it for nostalgia and pure entertainment, but from the perspective of today it looks like life in the 90s was ALREADY simple. I kept imagining the author curled up in a fetal position crying in 2025.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't we all wish we could simplify our lives? This woman did it and so can I. I'm positive. I just have to read this book a few more times. It's always in a prominent position on my shelf and its presence reiminds me of its good suggestions, many of which I adhere to.

[Breena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these ideas. I think every one needs to stream line and simplify to save time for the things that matter most. I like the house hold ideas and especially the laundry ones. We are implementing these now!

Best idea yet -take a vacation at home. Try it!

[Diana Nagy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of it was pretty good but since I'm a pretty well read individual it's nothing I haven't heard of before. Much of it is about her and her family or her friends and whet they've done to simplify their lives. Likely some good advice for you if you've never read a book on simplifying your life.

[Laura Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A home and life self-help book with personality and hilarious suggestions like "don't waste time on a lawn, plant ground cover."

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I already do a lot of the things she suggests changing but I agree with a lot of her ideas and will probably read more by this author even though it was published in the early 90's.

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved most of the suggestions. I can't quite bring myself to live some of them but I already live by many of them. This book helps me to keep my focus on what "things" are really important.

[♥ Aphrodite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read all 100 but once in a while I go through it to get more ideas. The ones I've read and applied so far have been helpful.

I recommend this book to anyone.