How to Become a Minimalist in 30 Days: Achieve Serenity and Simplify Your Life
How to Become a Minimalist in 30 Days?
To become a minimalist in 30 days, follow these steps:
1.
Use the Freedom App to block distracting apps on your phone.
2.
On Day 5, declutter your wardrobe by getting rid of clothes that haven’t been worn in 6 months to a year.
3.
Donate or sell clothes that don’t fit, are out of style, or disliked.
4.
Make a list of experiences that bring joy and excitement on Day 6 and commit to trying one of them in the next 30 days.
5.
On Day 7, go through emails, unsubscribe from newsletters, delete unnecessary emails, and set up a filing system for important emails.
6.
Declutter the kitchen on Day 8 by getting rid of unused mugs, old pots and pans, and appliances.
7.
Throw out expired food on Day 9 and take everything out of the pantry to ensure nothing is missed.
8.
Schedule time to see friends and maintain social relationships on Day 10.
9.
Go through the linen cupboard on Day 11 and donate old towels and bed sheets to a local charity.
10.
Throw out expired makeup and toiletries on Day 12 and get rid of products you’ve never used.
11.
Keep in touch with family members through phone calls or video chats on Day 13.
12.
Declutter old photos on Day 14 and get rid of duplicates or photos that no longer hold meaning.
Scan and upload photos to a cloud storage service.
13.
Empty out purses, wallets, backpacks, and handbags on Day 15.
Remove expired or unused receipts and cards and vacuum out dust and debris.
14.
Cancel memberships and subscriptions on Day 16 to save money and time.
15.
Declutter office space on Day 17 by sorting through items and organizing them into categories.
16.
Reevaluate the monthly budget on Day 18 to see if any expenses can be cut back or eliminated.
17.
Get rid of broken or unusable items on Day 19.
18.
Clear cluttered flat surfaces on Day 20 and sort items into piles for keeping, donating/selling, and recycling.
19.
Clean out the car on Day 21 and only keep necessary items.
20.
Write a daily to-do list on Day 22 to stay organized and clear the mind.
21.
Clear out accessories like jewelry, scarves, hats, and belts on Day 23 and donate or sell items no longer used.
22.
Declutter the garage on Day 25 and only keep what is necessary.
23.
Donate unwanted items to a charity shop on Day 26.
24.
Set up recycling bins for plastics, paper, and cans/bottles on Day 27.
25.
Write a weekly shopping list on Day 28 to be more mindful of consumption and avoid waste.
26.
Declutter bathroom drawers, get rid of old makeup and skincare products, and keep only regularly used items.
27.
Block out white space on the calendar on the weekend for activities like meal prepping, hiking, or spending time with family.
28.
Say no to commitments or activities that feel like obligations to create more time and space for important things.
29.
Create a personal “Box of Life” to hold sentimental items and review the contents every 6 months to pare down.
30.
Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and memberships and put the saved money into a savings account.
Purge 5 things from each closet and dresser, including single socks, stained or damaged clothing, and items that have been outgrown.
31.
Establish a family donation box and encourage members to regularly contribute unwanted items, donating the box contents when full.
Key Points:
- Use the Freedom App to block distracting apps on your phone
- Declutter your wardrobe by getting rid of clothes that haven’t been worn in 6 months to a year
- Donate or sell clothes that don’t fit, are out of style, or disliked
- Make a list of experiences that bring joy and commit to trying one in the next 30 days
- Declutter the kitchen by getting rid of unused mugs, old pots and pans, and appliances
- Throw out expired food and go through pantry to ensure nothing is missed
Did You Know?
1. In ancient Japan, minimalism was practiced as a philosophy called “ma.” It focused on creating a balanced and harmonious space by intentionally leaving empty spaces and simplifying the environment.
2. Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen was a prominent figure in minimalist design. He famously said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” encapsulating the essence of minimalist aesthetics.
3. Minimalism extends beyond just physical possessions. It can also be applied to digital clutter by practicing “digital minimalism,” which involves decluttering and organizing digital files, emails, and social media accounts.
4. Minimalist fashion icon Steve Jobs was known for his signature black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers. By adopting a consistent wardrobe, he reduced decision fatigue, allowing him to focus on more important tasks.
5. Minimalist living can lead to significant environmental benefits. By consuming less and embracing sustainable practices, minimalists reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Day 5: Decluttering Your Wardrobe
To embark on your minimalist journey, it is crucial to start by decluttering your wardrobe. On day 5, take a look at your clothing collection and let go of those items that haven’t been worn in 6 months to a year. Clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or simply disliked should be donated or sold. By doing this, you are clearing out physical and mental space, allowing for a more streamlined and intentional wardrobe.
Take time to reflect on each piece of clothing and ask yourself if it truly brings you joy and serves a purpose in your life. Letting go of unnecessary clothes not only simplifies your daily choices, but also promotes a sense of liberation and detachment from material possessions.
Day 7: Decluttering Your Inbox And Managing Emails
In this digital age, our inboxes often become cluttered with various newsletters, promotional emails, and unnecessary messages. On day 7, it is time to regain control over our digital space by decluttering our inbox and managing our emails more effectively.
- Start by unsubscribing from newsletters and subscriptions that no longer provide value or interest.
- Delete unnecessary emails, spam, and junk to create a clean and organized virtual environment.
- Additionally, establish a filing system for important emails, allowing for easy retrieval and quicker decision-making.
Remember, a clutter-free inbox leads to improved productivity and reduces the likelihood of missing important emails.
Day 8: Streamlining Your Kitchen
Day 8 is dedicated to decluttering and streamlining your kitchen. Begin by identifying items that are no longer used or necessary, such as unused mugs, old pots and pans, and appliances gathering dust. This process not only frees up physical space but also encourages mindful consumption.
Furthermore, take the time to examine your pantry and refrigerator, discarding expired food items. To ensure nothing is missed, it can be useful to remove everything from the pantry and systematically assess each item before categorizing them into keep, donate, or dispose piles.
With a decluttered and organized kitchen, preparing meals becomes more efficient and enjoyable.
- Identify and remove unused items such as mugs, pots, pans, and appliances gathering dust.
- Discard expired food items from the pantry and refrigerator.
- Remove everything from the pantry and systematically assess each item.
- Categorize items into keep, donate, or dispose piles.
“With a decluttered and organized kitchen, preparing meals becomes more efficient and enjoyable.”
Day 10: Prioritizing Social Relationships
In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining social relationships. On day 10, make a conscious effort to prioritize social connections by scheduling time to see friends and engage in activities together.
Set aside intentional time for socializing, whether it’s meeting for a coffee, going for a walk, or simply having a phone call. By prioritizing social relationships, you foster a sense of community and strengthen bonds, enhancing both your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
- Schedule time to see friends
- Engage in activities together
- Meet for a coffee
- Go for a walk
- Have a phone call
“By prioritizing social relationships, you foster a sense of community and strengthen bonds, enhancing both your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.”
Day 12: Clearing Out Expired Toiletries And Makeup
On day 12, shift your focus towards decluttering your bathroom and specifically targeting expired toiletries and makeup. Take a critical look at your collection of products and discard those that are past their expiration date or those that have never been used.
This exercise not only helps free up physical space but also promotes a mindful approach towards self-care. Keeping only regularly used items allows for a more simplified and enjoyable daily routine, where each product serves a purpose and brings value to your life.
Day 14: Organizing And Digitizing Photos
The memories captured in our photo albums hold a special place in our hearts but can also become overwhelming. On day 14, dedicate your time to decluttering, organizing, and digitizing your photos.
Start by sorting through your photo collection and let go of duplicates or images that no longer hold significant meaning. Once you have streamlined your physical collection, consider scanning and uploading your photos to a cloud storage service. This not only saves space but also ensures the preservation of these cherished memories for the long term.
- Declutter and organize your photo collection
- Let go of duplicates or images with little meaning
- Scan and upload photos to a cloud storage service
Remember, digitizing your photos is an effective way to both declutter and ensure the long-term preservation of your cherished memories.
Closing Thoughts
By following these actionable steps, you are taking significant strides towards becoming a minimalist and simplifying your life. Each daily task contributes to creating a more intentional and clutter-free living space, allowing room for serenity and personal growth.
Remember, minimalism is not about depriving yourself but rather about letting go of excess and focusing on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Embrace the journey and revel in the freedom and clarity that a minimalist lifestyle brings.
- Key steps towards becoming a minimalist:
- Let go of excess possessions
- Declutter your living space
- Prioritize experiences over material things
- Practice mindful consumption
- Simplify your daily routine
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 30 day rule for minimalism?
The 30-day rule for minimalism is a simple yet effective technique to gradually reduce clutter and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. The rule suggests that for every day of the month, you get rid of the same number of belongings. This method not only helps in streamlining your living space but also encourages introspection on the true value of our possessions. By spreading out the decluttering process over a month, it becomes a manageable and less overwhelming task, allowing us to make thoughtful decisions about what belongings truly bring joy and purpose to our lives.
How long does it take to become a minimalist?
The time it takes to become a minimalist varies depending on individual circumstances and goals. While some may embrace minimalism quickly and fully adopt the lifestyle within months, others may take longer to declutter, simplify, and reevaluate their consumption habits. It is a personal journey that requires time to reflect, make deliberate choices, and gradually align one’s life with minimalist principles. Therefore, the duration of the transition process could range from a few months to a year or two, with each person shaping their own path towards a minimalist lifestyle.
What is the 20 20 20 rule for minimalists?
The 20 20 20 rule for minimalists states that anything deemed unnecessary and discarded can be easily replaced with a similar item for less than $20 within a 20-minute radius of the current location. This rule encourages minimalists to let go of possessions without fear, knowing that they can easily acquire a substitute if the need arises without much time or financial investment. By applying this principle, minimalists can embrace a decluttered lifestyle, focusing on simplicity and reducing their attachment to material possessions.
Are minimalists actually happier?
Numerous studies have consistently revealed a significant correlation between embracing a minimalist lifestyle and experiencing increased levels of happiness. It appears that the act of consciously simplifying one’s life and reducing material possessions resonates positively with individuals’ overall well-being. While the reasons behind this association may vary from person to person, the evidence strongly suggests that those who embrace minimalism are more likely to find enhanced happiness in doing so.