Explore simple living volunteering opportunities with farms, communities, eco-projects, homesteads and other hosts offering experiences centred on a more modest, practical or low-consumption way of life.

Simple living can mean different things to different people. It may involve reducing consumption, spending more time in nature, sharing resources, living communally, growing food or choosing a slower and less consumption-focused lifestyle.

Some listings may be seasonal, archival or no longer active. Always check the publication date and confirm the current activities and living conditions directly with the host before making travel plans.

How to use this page

Open the opportunity that interests you and read the complete announcement. Look for the contact details at the end of the listing to find the host’s website, email address or application procedure.

Before applying, confirm the activities, weekly hours, days off, accommodation, meals, access to transport, minimum stay and any fees, deposits or other financial arrangements directly with the host.

Some opportunities may be fair exchanges with no mandatory participant fee, while others may request a contribution or programme fee. If payment is required, ask for the exact amount, what it covers and the applicable payment, cancellation and refund conditions before making a commitment.

Voluntouring does not organise placements, select participants, arrange visas or mediate between volunteers and hosts. It does not process participant payments between travellers and host organisations. Publication on Voluntouring.org does not in itself constitute verification, endorsement or a recommendation of an opportunity.

What does simple living involve?

A simple living project may involve gardening, farming, cooking, maintenance, shared household tasks, community life or learning practical skills. Other projects may focus more on minimalism, self-sufficiency, sustainability or spending time away from an urban lifestyle.

There is no single model of simple living, and hosts may have very different expectations. Ask about privacy, shared spaces, internet access, transport, household rules and the level of communal participation expected before joining.

Basic living should still be safe

Simple or rustic accommodation should not mean unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Confirm access to safe drinking water, sanitation, suitable sleeping arrangements, heating or cooling where necessary and a realistic way to reach medical assistance.

Likewise, a simple lifestyle should not be used to justify excessive working hours or unclear responsibilities. Tasks and expectations should remain reasonable and agreed in advance.

Related opportunities

• Alternative living projects
• Minimalism projects and experiences
• Downshifting experiences
• Rural volunteering opportunities
• Work exchange opportunities abroad

For additional guidance, read Voluntouring’s information about safety and legality in volunteering and work exchanges.

Important: project availability, participant fees, living conditions and exchange arrangements can change. Confirm current information directly with the host before making travel or financial commitments.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Browse simple living volunteering opportunities 🌼🌿

Browse the projects below and use the “Older Posts” navigation if available to continue exploring previous opportunities. Always check the publication date before applying.

Do you host a simple living, low-consumption or community-based project looking for volunteers? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.

Submit a simple living opportunity