As a couple who transitioned to a minimalist lifestyle, we feel as though we have read the best books on minimalism.
While minimalism is a broad topic, encompassing everything from a way of life to architecture and interior design, our list involves lifestyle. For us, the best books on minimalism showcase simple living—not allowing stuff to get in the way of truly living.
We keep this list updated as we run across more that should be included in the best books on minimalism, so be sure to stay connected to our Micro-adventure Moments to know when we refresh it.
Top 10 Best Books on Minimalism
When we sold everything and moved to the coast, we became minimalists. We didn’t know it then, but that is what we did.
Having read many minimalist books throughout the years, we feel we know which ones are the best.
We came across some in research, and some were recommended to us. This is our list of the best books on minimalism that we feel are pivotal for anyone considering the minimalist lifestyle.
1. Minimal: How to Simplify Your Life and Live Sustainably
When we first saw this book by Madeline Olivia, we knew we would love it. It was the cover, and yes, we judged the book by its cover. The simplicity of it was intriguing.
Nonetheless, this book is not only a guide for minimalist living but also ties in sustainable living in a way that we have not seen. The author shows the reader simple, easy ways to make changes in their lives. You can do it all at once as you read the book or take it in baby steps. We love that!
2. The More of Less
Joshua Becker was one of the people who played a role in our lifestyle change. We loved seeing his story about living minimally with his family in the documentary Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things. That led us to his book, and inevitably, following along as he is one of the strongest and most inspiring voices in the minimalism movement.
3. Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life
When we first started our blog back in 2017, this used to sit at the top of our website as a resource we could not live without. That is how big of a role they have played in our lifestyle change.
Millburn and Nicodemus are “The Minimalists.” They have a popular podcast, a documentary, and, of course, this book. They walked away from making great money, buying stuff that didn’t matter but filled a void, to realize that none of it mattered.
This is a great book to read when you are getting started in the minimalist lifestyle or want a boost of inspiration.
4. Zero Waste Home
When we first heard about Bea Johnson, it was one of those Sunday news stories meant to be shocking or clickbaity. The headline was something along the lines of, “This lady fit all of her family’s trash for a year in a jar!” Of course, we were intrigued.
We immediately read this book. Note it was before our lifestyle change, but it was primarily responsible for our sustainable mindset.
Sure, this book is mainly about living the zero-waste lifestyle, or at least a low-waste lifestyle, but it will shift your mindset. Not only will you consider the impact of the things you buy, but you will change the way you look at the things you consume daily.
The biggest takeaway from this book is buying in bulk. With that being said, we don’t mean going to get a Costco membership. We mean buying food or household items in bulk, where you take your container to fill it, rather than buying small plastic packages all the time.
Bea has a great bulk finder on her website, which is super helpful.
5. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Would this list of best minimalist books even be the best list if it did not include Marie Kondō? This book was the first book we read on living minimally, or should we say, joyfully. A friend told us that he had read it and emptied most of his apartment, but he thought we should read it since we had recently sold all of our stuff.
Kondō is great at explaining how people are not tied into things. For example, people keep most items because they feel guilty. Perhaps the item belonged to their grandmother and yet the item does not “spark joy”. That is a reason to consider letting it go.
It is perfect for anyone looking to declutter and reduce the chaos in their life from their stuff.
6. The Little Book of Hygge
We cannot tell you how much we adore this book! This book introduces you to this essential part of Danish life, Hygge, and offers tips on how to bring more of that cozy, connected feeling into your own life.
The author, Meik Wiking, is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. This book will show you how to prioritize a sense of contentment when enjoying comfort food and good conversation with loved ones by candlelight. Or the warmth of the morning sun shining just right on a crisp, blue-sky day.
7. Cozy Minimalist Home
This book is your go-to guide if you’re the DIY type rather than hiring someone. Myquillyn Smith walks you through each room, helping you make intentional design choices that reflect your values and priorities.
Focusing on people and purpose can help you create a warm, inviting home that reflects your unique style—there’s no need to chase trends.
8. Make Room
This book explores the idea that true joy doesn’t come from our possessions but from living out our purpose. Jennifer Ford Berry guides readers through living a more intentional and meaningful life by focusing on what truly matters.
She knows a little something about the topic since she is a professional organizer. Here’s the thing, though: she doesn’t tell you to organize the things you have. She discusses considering fewer things in the first place. We love that!
9. Minimalista
Shira Gill shares that living a more intentional lifestyle within your home involves five essential steps: Clarify, Edit, Organize, Elevate, and Maintain.
While focusing on the minimalist lifestyle within your home, this book helps you choose your own path to getting there—whether it’s tackling a whole room, organizing a drawer, styling a bookshelf, or donating a sweater.
This book will highlight the small wins and how they add up to big changes. It’s all about cutting back on the clutter in your life.
10. Goodbye Clutter, Hello Freedom
This book relates to the Danish concept of Hygge. Hygge is all about comfort and coziness, but clutter can creep in when we stop caring about our surroundings, making that sense of peace harder to achieve. Lena Bentsen shows the reader how you can turn things around.
By putting thought and care into our space, we can simplify our lives and create room for more of what truly matters.
Get Inspired by the Best Books on Minimalism
There are plenty of other great books on minimalism that we have read and recommend, but these are the best, in our opinion.
If you are intrigued by the minimalist lifestyle, cozy minimalism, or the hygge life, check out more of those topics by following along our adventures.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The principles of minimalism focus on simplifying and prioritizing what matters, regardless of space or your living situation.
Yes, many books on minimalism are designed for readers at all levels, from those just starting out to those looking to deepen their practice. These are perfect for starting your minimalist lifestyle or if you need additional inspo!
Yes, reading books on minimalism can provide valuable insights and motivation. They offer strategies, tools, and inspiration to help you implement minimalism in your life.
