I’m celebrating the start of 2025 by once again joining the 30-day decluttering challenge (aka the “30-Day Minimalism Game”) that I learned about through The Minimalists. In some years, I’ve gotten through the entire 30-day challenge. Other years, I felt good stopping around the 15th day. The structure makes it very easy to get started, and it is more about being mindful of what you have around you than hitting a number. Are you ready to jump-start your decluttering minimalism plan? Read on for what the 30-day decluttering challenge is and how I’m adjusting to it this year.
How do you play the 30-day decluttering challenge?
The rules are relatively simple. The Minimalists explain: “Each person gets rid of one thing on the first day of the month. Two things on the second. Three things on the third. So forth and so on.” I tend to start with small things without emotional attachment to them. Why? If I started with decluttering sentimental items, I would not get beyond the first day. Beginning with the basics allows me to get some momentum going.
How am I adjusting to this year’s challenge?
I’m often literal about the challenges. On day 1, I would literally recycle one plastic bottle or one magazine. And I felt good about it. This year, I’m tempted to allow for groups/categories of things to go. For example, instead of removing one piece of junk mail on a pile growing on the side table, I am getting rid of that entire pile today. If I have 10 magazines that can be recycled, I don’t need to wait until the 10th day to do it.
I may also add digital decluttering to my challenge. While the game is typically about removing physical clutter, there is no reason why you can’t add decluttering duplicates from your online photo accounts or finally sorting through your inbox to get ready for the new year.
Does removing trash or cleaning count?
Removing broken or stained things from your home that cannot be reused or repaired is just as much decluttering as donating clothing you don’t wear. Beyond that, don’t stress about the rules. The challenge is (hopefully) a fun, structured way to start being more mindful about the things in your home.
Something to remember about the 30-day decluttering challenge
One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to remove the items from your home as soon as you have designated them as items you are donating or trashing. The one exception is if you have decided to sell the items you are decluttering through Poshmark or another online reseller. In those cases, I recommend designating a clean, dry space to store the items that are not in your closet. You want them out of your space. Then, if they do not sell for some reason, they are already in a bag or packaging and ready for donation.
Ready? What are you decluttering on your first day?
For more articles about how I have done in the past on this challenge, visit us here and here.