I don’t mind paying for something that will help me improve and simplify my life, but there are some amazing free resources out there that I use and highly recommend. Some of them have paid versions, but in most cases, they are aren’t necessary.
1. Pandora
I use Pandora to create playlists from my favorite artists. Not only can I listen to the music I choose, but Pandora throws in other songs I might like based on my choices. This has introduced me to new music that I really enjoy. Just like the radio, the free version of Pandora does have advertising, but it’s pretty painless.
Pandora simplifies your life because you don’t have to spend money on music you aren’t sure you want. You don’t have to spend time organizing playlists, and Pandora provides the tunes you want to listen to while decluttering, cleaning, entertaining or doing work you love. Learn more here.
2. Evernote
Until recently, I was an Evernote dabbler, but now I use it for everything. I’m building a cookbook of my favorite recipes, drafting future blog posts, making travel plans and integrating other projects. I like having everything in one place that I can access from my computer or phone. One of my favorite features is the ability to email notes directly to my Evernote account. I recently started using the paid version, but earn points to use it by referring the service. You can do that too.
Evernote simplifies your life by giving you a place to store everything digitally, easily search what you need, and access it from anywhere. Learn more here.
3. Dropbox
I store 95% of my photographs and any documents that aren’t in Evernote in Dropbox. If I were more computer savvy, I might be able to use Evernote for everything, but because I was using Dropbox first, I still do a back up of computer files there too. It’s part of my little guide to digital decluttering. I also use it to share things with other Dropbox users. Dropbox is free for a certain amount of storage and then you can upgrade by paying for more space or like Evernote, you can recommend it and earn space.
Dropbox simplifies your life by giving you an easy way to back up your computer, share files, and if you use your phone to take lots of pictures like me, you can easily back them up to Dropbox and free up space on your phone for more awesome photos. Learn more here.
4. Hugs
My friends Joshua and Ryan are giving away free hugs on their book tour. Attending one of their tour stops will simplify your life from sheer inspiration. You will laugh, cry, get a free hug, and great ideas on why living with less will make you rich. See all of the tour dates here.
5. Simple Facebook updates
I share some of my favorite archived posts along with my photography and favorite quotes and thoughts. Facebook won’t simplify your life, but if you are already using it, infusing your feed with simple inspiration might help. I share things like this …
These simple updates will simplify your life by reminding you what’s most important in the midst of farm crush and candy ville updates from your friends. Learn more here.
6. Soul nurturing
Hayley wrote this great piece called 7 Simple Ways to Nurture your soul. I think you will really like it along with her other offerings on The Tiny Twig.
This will help you simplify your life by making you smile, reminding you to rest, and giving you great examples of where to start. Read it here.
7. Recorded webinar
I hosted a free webinar about capsule wardrobes, traveling lightly and living well with less.
This webinar will simplify your life by giving you great ideas to work with a smaller wardrobe, and show you how the simplicity of dressing with less can inspire other ways of living with less. You can listen to the recording here.
You probably already know this, but when I recommend things, like the resources above, you are not obligated to click the links, visit the sites, or implement the resources. Choose the ones that you are most interested in and give them a try or pass altogether.