Minimalism 30 Day Challenge: Take this challenge

Minimalism 30 Day Challenge

Minimalism 30 Day Challenge Ready to prove how much lighter your life can feel in just one month? This playful game asks you to remove a set number of belongings each calendar day and send them out of your house by midnight—donate, sell, or trash.

We’ll guide you step by step so you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed. You’ll get simple rules, real examples, and a plan that fits your time and lifestyle!

You’ll notice momentum fast! Many players report big wins early: cleared hundreds of items, sold valuables, and found small wins that change how they use their living space.

We’re here to clear mental clutter and free up space at home, one easy move at a time! Play with friends, share progress, and watch energy lift as items leave your rooms and your focus returns.

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Key Takeaways

  • You’ll remove items daily with a clear, friendly process.
  • The game builds momentum and quick wins to boost your energy.
  • Simple rules let you fit the plan into your time and life.
  • Real results include donated, sold, and trashed things from around home.
  • By the end you’ll feel lighter, focused, and proud of your space.

What the 30-day minimalism game is and why it works right now

A simple daily goal keeps you moving—one more item today than yesterday—and momentum builds fast! This minimalism game, created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, asks you to remove 1 item on day one, 2 on day two, 3 on day three, and so on. Everything leaves your home by midnight.

Why it works: The steady math removes decision fatigue. You never wonder what to do next. Small wins stack into big change by the end of the month.

People report calmer rooms and easier chores by week two. Editors from Good Housekeeping UK saw major gains in the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. One participant sold items online and another hit 465 items removed by month’s end. Share progress with #MinsGame for extra accountability and fun!

Quick benefits

  • Clearer space and less visual noise.
  • Easier daily routines around the home.
  • Opportunity to sell things for extra cash.
Creator Format Typical wins by week two
Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus Daily increasing removal (1, 2, 3…) Calmer living room, clearer counters, fewer things
#MinsGame community Social sharing & accountability Motivation, selling items, fast progress
Case results 30-day minimalism game Hundreds of items removed (example: 465)

“Small, steady action beats occasional big bursts.”

— Popular advice from the Minimalists community

How the Minimalism 30 Day Challenge works

This simple daily formula turns clutter into momentum—one more thing each day! Start small, build confidence, see change.

The core rules

Start on day one with one item. Then remove two on day two, three on day three, and so on until the final day. Count true objects, not routine trash.

What counts (and what doesn’t)

Anything goes: clothes, mugs, gadgets, furniture, collectibles. Tiny fillers (toothpicks, single screws) and ordinary trash don’t count. Pick meaningful items so the habit sticks!

A sun-drenched minimalist setting, a young woman with flowing white hair sits cross-legged on a wooden floor, surrounded by simple objects - a potted plant, a single candle, a stack of books. Soft natural light filters through a large window, casting gentle shadows. The woman's expression is serene, her gaze focused inward as she contemplates the 30-day minimalism challenge. The sparse, uncluttered environment reflects the tranquil mood, inviting the viewer to pause and consider the transformative power of decluttering and living with less.

Remove items daily

Get things out of your home by midnight—donate, sell, or discard. Move items today so the space and energy change immediately!

The motivating math

Track the total number items to stay fired up: a 30-day run totals 465 items. If you extend to 31 days the total number becomes 496. That clear number makes progress real!

Rule Example items Why it counts
Daily increment one item on day one, two on day two Builds habit and momentum
Anything goes duplicate kitchen tools, old tech, expired medication Targets things that no longer help you
Out by midnight donate, sell, or toss Immediate impact on home energy

“Small, steady action beats occasional big bursts.”

Inspired by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, this minimalism game gives you a simple, trackable plan. Ready to get rid of things and feel lighter by the end month?

Set up your 30-day decluttering plan

Pick a date and get ready — a small plan makes big change feel doable! Grab the printable calendar from The Minimalists, tell a friend, and commit to quick daily action.

Pick a start date, print a calendar, and find an accountability partner

Lock your start date and invite a buddy! Accountability turns a solo task into a fun game. Print a calendar and mark each day so you see progress at a glance.

A minimalist living room with a large white-walled window overlooking a serene landscape. A young woman with long white hair, dressed in a simple knee-length cotton dress, sits cross-legged on a plush cream-colored rug, her hands resting on a notebook in front of her. The room is bathed in soft, diffused natural light, creating a calming, contemplative atmosphere. On the rug around her are various neatly organized objects - a pen, a glass of water, and a few small, geometric decor pieces. The overall scene conveys a sense of focus, simplicity, and a thoughtful, 30-day decluttering plan.

Map clutter hotspots: living room, cupboards, bathroom shelves, storage

Walk every room and circle obvious targets. Hotspots that give fast wins include the living room surfaces, kitchen cupboards, bathroom shelves, and storage nooks.

  • Pre-label three bags: sell, donate (hello, charity shop), and trash — decisions get easier!
  • Give yourself 10–30 minutes each day — small blocks of time beat big marathons.
  • Start with easy items like magazines and books to build momentum.
  • Park your staging area near the door so items leave your home fast.
  • Snap photos for your partner or a social post — little wins keep you fired up!

Keep your list on the calendar so you always know what to pull each day. This simple setup saves time and turns removal into steady progress!

Week-by-week how-to: from easy starts to the final push

Tackle the month one week at a time and watch steady wins stack up fast! This plan breaks the run into short goals so you keep pace and feel progress.

Week one: quick wins

Start with day one and pull one item from the junk drawer. Clear chargers, loose cords, and small things in the living room.

Sift shelves for books and documents you no longer use. Quick wins give momentum fast!

Week two: dig deeper

Move into cupboards and kitchenware. Donate extra mugs, 11 ramekins, and thin stacks of magazines.

Add handbags you never reach for. Your kitchen will feel lighter and easier to use.

Week three: maintain pace

Work room by room. Remove extra cables, tech waste, and tool-drawer extras. Free up storage and keep steady!

Week four: finish strong

Remove expired medication (one editor found 20 boxes), old CDs/DVDs, decor, and fill bags for donation.

Competitive twist

Play with friends or coworkers! Compare items day to day, cheer each other on, and post to #MinsGame for extra push.

“Small weekly goals beat vague intentions.”

Customize the game to fit your life and home

You can bend the rules—sell some things first, batch other days, and still win big. Make the process match your schedule and storage limits so progress feels joyful, not stressful.

Selling online? Stage items in a neat area, list them, and ship as they sell. Many players tweak the “out by midnight” rule when they need time to sell.

Practical tweaks that work

  • Batch days: clear several days’ worth in one session if that suits your time!
  • Room-by-room: focus on one room to keep energy high and results visible.
  • Label bins: sell, donate, trash — a clear process moves items out fast.
  • Coordinate with family: agree on keepsakes so nothing meaningful disappears.
Situation Simple fix Benefit
Selling online Stage & list; move when sold Protects value and avoids regret
Limited time Batch several days into one session Big progress with less daily stress
Family items Discuss keepsakes first Prevents conflicts and saves memories

“Play the game your way — aim for the end month goal, but fit it into your life!”

If it’s been two years since your last reset, no worries. Pick a date, tweak the process, and start — your living space will thank you!

Conclusion

Close out the run with a quick review and celebrate the new room to breathe! Take stock of wins, note the total number items you released, and mark the end month with pride.

By finishing this 30-day minimalism run you’ll clear about 465 items (496 in a 31-day month) and see real changes in storage and living areas. Keep momentum with a simple rule: one in, one out and short weekly scans around home.

If you played years ago, try the game again — you’ll spot fresh things to release and new energy in your space. Ready? Set a date, invite a friend, and enjoy calmer daily living!

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FAQ

What is the Minimalism 30 Day Challenge and who created it?

The Minimalism 30 Day Challenge is a month-long decluttering game created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists. It asks you to remove an increasing number of items each day so you build momentum and clear space fast!

How does the game actually work?

Start by removing one item on day one, two items on day two, and keep adding one more item each day until you reach day 30. Each item should leave your home by “midnight” — donate, sell, recycle, or trash. The daily math is motivating and keeps you focused!

What counts as an item? Are tiny things included?

Items include anything you can remove: clothes, books, kitchenware, bags, magazines, decor, expired medication, CDs/DVDs, and duplicates. Tiny items like single cables or a pen count, but you can group similar tiny pieces if that makes sense for you.

Do I have to get rid of everything the same day if I plan to sell online?

No! You can adjust timelines if you’re selling items online. The spirit of the game is to reduce clutter, so schedule pickup or list items promptly and move them out of living spaces as soon as possible.

How many items will I remove by the end of the month?

If you follow the one-more-each-day plan through day 30, the total is commonly noted as 465 items (or 496 depending on whether you start counting at zero). Either way, it’s a huge win for your home and your mindset!

Where should I start in my home?

Begin with easy hotspots: a junk drawer, the living room, kitchen cupboards, bathroom shelves, or a bookcase. Quick wins — like chargers, mismatched mugs, or old magazines — build momentum for tougher areas later.

What should I do with items I’m not sure about?

Use short rules: if you haven’t used it in a year, consider letting it go. Put uncertain items in a “decision box” and set a 30- or 60-day review. If it didn’t matter while boxed, donate or sell it.

How can I stay motivated through week three and four?

Break tasks into small chunks! Batch days, focus room-by-room, and tackle closet accessories, cables, and tool drawers in week three. In week four, finish strong with expired meds, CDs/DVDs, decor, and bags headed to a charity shop. Celebrate progress daily!

Can I do this with family or roommates?

Absolutely! Coordinate with household members, assign rooms, or set shared removal days. Having an accountability partner or playing a competitive twist with friends or coworkers makes it fun — share progress with #MinsGame!

What if I have limited storage or a small apartment?

This game is perfect for small spaces! Prioritize clearing common areas and storage, then cut duplicates and excess. Even removing a few things each day quickly frees valuable room and breathes life into tight spaces.

Are there rules about hazardous waste or expired medication?

Yes. Don’t toss hazardous items in regular trash. Take expired medication to a pharmacy or local take-back program. For batteries, electronics, and paint, use proper recycling or hazardous-waste services in your area.

How do I track progress and the total number of items removed?

Print a calendar, mark each day’s count, or use an app or notebook. Counting daily keeps the math visible and the momentum high. You’ll love seeing the total climb toward that big finish!

Can I customize the game to fit my schedule?

Yes — tweak it! Batch several days into one weekend, extend the timeline, or group items by room. The goal is sustainable change, so adapt the rules to your lifestyle while keeping steady progress.

Where can I donate or sell items quickly?

Local charity shops, donation centers, consignment stores, and online marketplaces are great options. For faster removal, choose a nearby charity shop or schedule a pickup service to keep items out of your home same day.