Minimalist lifestyle has always fascinated me. The phrase “less is more” has become a personal mantra that I repeat often—whether I’m organizing my home, planning my schedule, or simply trying to quiet my mind. In a world overflowing with information, possessions, and distractions, simplicity feels like a breath of fresh air.
Psychologist Laura Palomares explains that minimalism isn’t just about owning fewer things. It’s about reducing mental clutter too—letting go of unnecessary information and distractions so we can stay present and focused. In other words, minimalism is as much a mindset as it is a lifestyle.
The 30-Day minimalist lifestyle Game Explained
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, creators of The Minimalists podcast and the Netflix documentary The Minimalists: Less Is Now, introduced a simple yet powerful decluttering challenge known as the 30-day minimalist lifestyle game.
The rules are straightforward:
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Day 1: Get rid of 1 item
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Day 2: Get rid of 2 items
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Day 3: Get rid of 3 items
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Continue increasing until Day 30
At first, it feels effortless—discarding a few items barely makes a dent. But by the second and third week, the challenge intensifies. You might find yourself donating, recycling, or giving away dozens of items daily.
Millburn himself started by removing just one item per day. Over time, he eliminated the majority of his belongings. Inspired by this approach, I began my own decluttering journey—and ended up letting go of nearly 90% of what I owned over eight months. Today, everything I keep either serves a purpose or brings genuine joy.
Interestingly, decluttering doesn’t have to be physical. Some days, I deleted old photos, emails, and digital files. Cleaning digital clutter helped me realize how excess—both physical and virtual—can weigh heavily on the mind.
The Hidden Cost of Owning Too Much
The documentary shares eye-opening statistics. The average American household contains around 300,000 objects, and people often spend more on clothes, shoes, and accessories than on education. These possessions, many of which are rarely used, can create stress and overwhelm.
To prove this point, Nicodemus packed all his belongings into boxes as if he were moving. Surprisingly, he discovered that 80% of the items were never unpacked—because he simply didn’t need them.
Psychologist José Elias supports this idea, stating that minimalism helps people appreciate what they have rather than worrying about storing and maintaining excessive belongings. When we own fewer things, we gain more time, peace, and mental clarity.
Minimalism: More Than Just Decluttering
Millburn once reflected that simplifying his life would free up time for health, relationships, creativity, and meaningful work. That idea resonated deeply with me. After reducing my wardrobe and possessions, I felt lighter, calmer, and more focused on what truly matters—emotional wellbeing, relationships, and personal growth.
Decluttering expert Monica Leed from Simply Spaced also emphasizes that minimalism is a practical and intentional lifestyle choice. It’s not about living with nothing; it’s about living with purpose.
What Does It Mean to Be a minimalist lifestyle?
Minimalism can be viewed in two ways:
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Psychological minimalism – Reducing mental clutter, digital overload, and unnecessary commitments.
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Physical minimalism – Owning fewer, higher-quality items.
Leed describes minimalists as people who embrace “quality over quantity.” Instead of accumulating things, minimalists choose items that are meaningful, functional, and well-made.
Benefits of a Minimalist Lifestyle
Adopting minimalism can bring powerful benefits, including:
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Mental clarity – Less clutter equals less stress
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Reduced decision fatigue – Fewer choices make life simpler
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Increased creativity and productivity – A clean environment supports focus
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More time and freedom – Less stuff means less cleaning, organizing, and worrying
Leed puts it perfectly: “I accomplish so much more with so much less. Minimalism isn’t just about objects—it’s about energy and intention.”
How to Start Your Minimalist Journey
There’s no single path to minimalism. You can start small and build momentum. Leed recommends asking yourself three simple questions when decluttering or buying something:
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Is this essential?
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Is this the best version of this item for me?
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Does it serve multiple purposes?
She also encourages investing in quality items instead of cheap, disposable ones. Whether it’s clothing, food, or home goods, choosing well-made products can reduce waste and improve your overall experience.
Final Thoughts: Less Truly Is More
Minimalism isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intention. It’s about removing distractions so you can focus on what truly matters: health, relationships, creativity, and happiness.
The 30-day minimalist challenge is a great starting point. Even if you don’t eliminate hundreds of items, the process will help you rethink your relationship with possessions and redefine what “enough” really means.
Sometimes, simplifying your space can be the first step toward simplifying your life.