Simple Matters by Erin Boyle

Summary

Simple Matters by Erin Boyle is a thoughtful guide to embracing minimalism and sustainable living in everyday life. Drawing from her own experiences living in a small Brooklyn apartment with her family, Boyle shares practical advice on decluttering, thoughtful consumption, and finding contentment with less. The book delves into mindful routines, creative storage solutions, and eco-friendly habits to help readers create a home that is both functional and comforting. Boyle's gentle encouragement empowers readers to prioritize quality over quantity and cultivate lasting simplicity.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Choose quality over quantity to foster lasting satisfaction with your possessions.

2. Mindfulness in daily routines can transform small spaces into more peaceful, organized environments.

3. Sustainable and intentional consumption benefits both the household and the planet.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2016

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 83

Practical Examples

1. Decluttering by Category

   Boyle recommends sorting and letting go of possessions by specific categories (like books, clothes, or kitchenware) rather than room-by-room. This approach helps prevent the emotional overwhelm that can come from tackling an entire space at once. She shares how focusing on one type of item at a time leads to more decisive and lasting decluttering.

2. Repurposing Everyday Objects

   Instead of buying new organizing tools, Boyle encourages readers to repurpose what they already have. For instance, she uses canning jars for bulk pantry storage and transforms old tins into containers for office supplies. This not only saves money but fosters a more sustainable approach to home organization.

3. Mindful Cleaning Routines

   Creating simple, consistent cleaning routines is emphasized to maintain harmony in small spaces. Boyle describes setting aside short, regular intervals for cleaning, which prevents clutter and chaos from accumulating. This habit builds a peaceful, orderly environment without requiring big cleaning marathons.

4. Capsule Wardrobe Creation

   Boyle outlines how she built a capsule wardrobe, focusing on a limited number of versatile, high-quality items. She shares the benefits of this approach, including simplified decisions, reduced laundry, and a cohesive personal style. The process involves thoughtful evaluation of each clothing piece’s usefulness and joy.

5. Opting for Multi-Functional Furniture

   In her small apartment, Boyle advocates for furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, a storage ottoman doubles as seating and a place to store blankets. Multi-functional pieces are crucial for maximizing utility in limited spaces while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

6. Sustainable Grocery Shopping

   The book details how Boyle shops with reusable bags and containers at local markets, minimizing packaging waste. She emphasizes buying only what’s needed, which reduces both food waste and unnecessary expenditure. Developing relationships with local vendors is also highlighted as a way to form a more sustainable food routine.

7. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

   Boyle shares recipes for safe, do-it-yourself cleaners using basic ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. She explains how swapping out chemical cleaners for these homemade alternatives improves indoor air quality and protects the environment. The process is simple, cost-effective, and reduces reliance on disposable packaging.

8. Personalization Through Fewer, More Meaningful Decor Pieces

   Rather than filling her home with numerous decorative objects, Boyle selects items with personal significance. For example, she displays family photographs or handmade crafts, which create a warm atmosphere with less visual clutter. This encourages a more intentional approach to decorating that’s rooted in meaning, not trends.