5 Things Simplifying My Life Right Now (Vol. 2)

By Elle Penner M.P.H., R.D. | October 2, 2026

This is part of my Things Simplifying My Life series, where I share the little things making everyday life easier, calmer, or more enjoyable.

We’ve officially been back in Oregon for seven months now, and our house is finally starting to feel more like home again. We still need a few pieces (wall decor, side tables, a feature bookshelf for the living room), but I’ve really enjoyed not rushing and letting things come together gradually.

I shared the first version of this “things simplifying my life” list as we were preparing for our move last June (you can read it here if you missed it). It ended up being one of my favorite posts to write, so I decided to make it a regular series.

Here are a few more things that are simplifying my life lately:

1. Getting help with the floors 🤖

Since moving back from Spain, I’ve been handling the house cleaning myself. I don’t actually mind it (probably not surprising?), but with a larger house, hardwood floors, and two kids, floor maintenance is just not something I have time or energy to keep up with.

Enter Narwal. He vacuums, mops, cleans himself, and gets under the beds better than I ever could. It was an investment, but considering what it’s saved us on cleaning help, it’s more than paid for itself.

I went deep into reviews and Reddit threads before purchasing (as an Enneagram 5 does), and I 10/10 recommend it!

2. A simple points system for the kids 🏆

When school started last September, I found myself repeating the same things over and over: seatbelts, backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, coats. So I set up a simple points system to encourage the kids to do these things without me having to nag.

They earn points for daily routines and can earn extra for things like folding laundry or wiping bathroom sinks. At 50 points, they can cash them in for $20 or a special outing. So far, they’ve been all about the cash!

October 2026 update: Since the start of the new school year, the kids have officially been doing these things on their own, no points and minimal reminders needed! 🙌

3. Airtable for organizing my life 💻

I’ve used Airtable for years to manage my business and personal life. I use it to track ideas, projects, content, metrics, timelines, deliverables—even gifts! It’s flexible, easy to customize, and has helped me create streamlined systems for literally every aspect of my life.

If you hate spreadsheets or need a better way to organize information, definitely check out Airtable.

4. Voice-adding groceries to store-specific lists 🛒

A few months ago, I set up separate grocery lists in the Reminders app on my iPhone for each store I shop at.

Now, when I realize we’re out of something, I just tell Siri to add it to the right list.

“Siri, add ketchup to my Costco list.”

Done. No opening an app, no typing, and no trying to remember it later.

5. Repeating an easy outfit formula 👖

Lately, I’ve been loving this simple formula:

  • High-waisted bottoms
  • A cropped shirt, tucked-in tee, or sweater
  • Slim boots, sneakers, or ballet flats

The proportions work well with my 5’4” frame, the pieces feel like me, and I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every morning.

This formula is one small piece of how I simplify getting dressed. To make your own mornings easier, start with my guide on how to build a capsule wardrobe and check out my other capsule wardrobe posts when you’re ready for more.

Want more life-simplifying ideas?

Browse the Things Simplifying My Life series or read Vol. 1 here.

What’s something simplifying your life right now?

I’d love to hear what’s making your everyday life a little easier. Leave a comment below, and I’ll share some of my favorites from the series in a future installment!

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