Brand new to minimalism? Just looking for something new to read? Here are my personal favorite books and blogs on simple living. This is an ever-expanding list, so keep checking back (and keep an eye out for my weekly roundup of Links I’m Loving). I’m always looking for something new and inspiring, so if you don’t see your favorite resource here, tell me about it!
Books
Miss Minimalist by Francine Jay – A collection of her blog posts, ranging from anecdotes to practical tips on minimizing to philosophical dissertations about our relationship with stuff.
The Joy of Less by Francine Jay – A step-by-step, room-by-room guide on minimizing and decluttering.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo – Another practical guide to decluttering, from a simultaneously more clinical yet more sentimental perspective.
Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson – An anecdotal guide to creating a Zero Waste household, it’s one of the most inspiring yet intimidating books you’ll ever read.
No Impact Man by Colin Beaven – One New York family’s year spent living as green as possible, told in a relatable and real voice. Hilarious, informative, and also terrifying.
The Power of Less by Leo Babauta – A study in setting limits and goals in order to focus your life around what’s most important.
You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap) by Tammy Strobel – A Tiny Houser’s journey through downsizing and self-actualization with her husband. Lots of great info about happiness and simplicity.
Simplify by Joshua Becker – A quick but compelling read about simplifying and decluttering.
Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott – Less about minimalism than about living well and with passion (it’s a memoir about an American girl’s semester abroad in Paris), there are still lots of great ideas for a minimalist to consider.
Twelve by Twelve by William Powers – A man stays in a tiny off-the-grid cabin in order to learn the value of simplicity and homesteading. It tends to get a bit philosophical, verging on sanctimonious, but it’s interesting.
Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin – I’ve just started this, but it’s a study on simple living at its purest.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau – The original minimalist bible, as it were. I haven’t read it yet, actually, but I know it’s something we should all take a look at.
Blogs
Simple.Organized.Life (I’m not sure what happened to this site… it abruptly turned into a Buzzfeed-esque, lame, listicle site. Start at the beginning [which I linked to]; it used to be great.)
Happy reading! Oh, and get an RSS feed if you don’t have one. Feedly changed my life.
minspiration 