Decluttering momentum is an awesome thing when it happens, but to truly maintain a clutter free space, there needs to be regular decluttering by the whole family. So far I’m the main person decluttering and if I get tired or distracted, it doesn’t happen. I’ve been pondering how I can involve my family more.
30-Day Minimalism Game
Something I’m going to try in November is a version of the 30-day Minimalism Game. In the Minimalist’s game, they ask people to get rid of 1 thing on the first day of the month, then 2 things on the second day of the month, and so on until you get to 30 or 31 days for the month. My sons are always up for a game, so to get and keep them involved, we’re going to give this a try.
The exciting thing is that as I was thinking of this idea, I found out that a group of bloggers are also planning on doing it in November. They have a Facebook group dedicated to the mission – The Minsgame-BOSS. They will be updating their blogs every Monday with how things are going in the game, and I’m going to update weekly as well.
I’m not sure I’m going to have full participation from the whole family. When I suggested the idea to my middle son, he stated hopefully, “why don’t we declutter the declutterer.”
Challenge: Donate/Trash/Recycle 2,325 items during the 30 Day Minimalism Game with my family. Wanna know how to play? #MinsgameBOSS #minimalism Click To TweetIf I could get the whole family involved that would be 465 x 5 = 2,325 fewer items in our house. I’m envisioning us playing this game with a focus on the basement. The idea of our basement having 2,325 fewer pieces in it makes me positively giddy!
Want to play along? I’ll be posting pictures of what we’re decluttering on Instagram through the month with the hashtag #MinsgameBOSS. Feel free to follow me on Instagram to see our progress…and who lasts the longest!
I’ll be sharing this post at these link ups.
Oh Angela, that sounds wonderful! In September I did an opposite challenge- declutter 30 items first day and count down. Unfortunately, I only made it to day 13, but that was still fewer things in my house than I had in August! So I didn’t say I failed. I just didn’t complete. The challenge. Due to other commitments I’ve already made for Nov. I’m not ready to play again yet. But I’ll be cheer ing y’all on!!
Melinda
Melinda that’s awesome! You certainly didn’t fail. As you know, my motto is progress, not perfection. I know for certain that we are not going to do this challenge “perfectly” (if that is even possible?!?) but we will make progress if we’re able to work together with this common goal. Thanks for cheering us on!
Lol your son’s comment!! So glad you are joining us! You and your family will be getting rid of so many items…I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I know Heather – he has a way of cutting to the chase. I can’t wait to see how it goes either! 🙂
I’ve seen and considered this game several times, and each time I get spooked by the number of things to get rid of. We’ve cleared out so much lately that it feels as though we’d have nothing left by the end! Although I guess that’s not true…
Okay. The resistance is telling me I need to do this – I’m in!
(eep)
Yay! I’m so glad Eva. We unfortunately will not have a hard time finding enough items! Glad you’ll be on this journey for the first time with us/me! Are you joining the Facebook group?
This sounds like a great idea! I think my husband and I decided that January is going to be our big clean out month before we put our house back on the market. Maybe I should try this challenge then.
I personally like to do large sweeps when I have the energy, but I’m hoping this game will bring my family members into the mix and encourage the habit with them. I may do it again in January too! I know some people who try to do it every month I think – yikes!
Hmmm, I’ve been doing a lot of decluttering over the last 18 months so I don’ t know if I could do the cumulative thing! I’m definitely going to try to get rid of at least one thing a day for the month though. Unless you’re counting things like a piece of paper as one?
One thing a day for a month is a great idea. I personally am going to encourage the family to count a piece of paper as one item. Our rooms are full of paper that need to be recycled. There aren’t any hard and fast rules as long as your making progress I think. You know we have enough stuff in our house Liz to do 465 items x 5!
wow brilliant! my boyfriend and I need to do this STAT!
I’m so glad you’re excited Tianna! Please join along!
That is a pretty lofty goal, Angela! I can’t wait to keep up with how you guys do. I think Aaron and I are at a point where we don’t have so many things to get rid of– but with the holidays coming up we need to dream up creative ways to give gifts that aren’t clutter-inducing!
I know Daisy – it is a lofty goal! I’ve never done this before but the challenge will be exciting to try to do individually and as a family. Most of the challenge might be actually getting them to participate! Thanks for following along!
My November series is also about decluttering, and organization I think I probably did that much decluttering in about 2 months getting ready for our cross country trip. It was a great feeling. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea.
It sounds like you have wisdom to share about decluttering and organizing! It always feel good to clear things out. I’m hoping that feeling will be contagious to my kids and husband.
You have cats, you’re Asian, and you’re a blogger. Hurray! I’m excited to get to know you better throughout the Minsgame process. 🙂
Me too Laura! ?
I love this idea! Not even just as a means to minimalism, but just as a way to intentionally cut back on the STUFF.
Absolutely Abby! It’s a great way to maintain your space whether your goal is minimalism or not.
I love this idea! Every time I get rid of a giant pile of stuff, I find another giant pile of stuff that needs to go.
I just “discovered” your blog, and I’m so glad I did! I’m going through the decluttering thing, but I seem to get all bogged down by paperwork. I have piles and piles of it everywhere! I’m definitely going to do the minimalist game you wrote about, and soon I’m going to start on my closet. Wish me luck, and I’ll wish it back to you!
Hi Christine! I’m so glad you found the blog!Paperwork is a killer. I will be cheering you on! I hope you’ll join the FB group for support!
I hope you join in Jamie! I agree that the piles never seem to totally disappear.
I am game to join you. As I imagine my husband will be too. The nine-year-old who can verge on being a hoarder? She might be a little more challenging to convince 🙂
Great Carla! There’s a great group of folks on the FB page too if you’d like to join it for encouragement. My 11 year old sounds very much like your 9 year old!
Great idea, Angela! I’ve heard of it from the Minimalists before and thought about it, but never quite followed through. You’ve got me wondering if I should give it another thought…
I hope that it goes well for you all, I look forward to hearing updates on your progress!
Thanks Hannah! It’s my first time too. It would be easier just doing it myself, but probably not as rewarding!
This is such an amazing idea! Jason and I will be doing this in November. Not sure how happy he’ll be about it, but I’m excited!
I’m so glad you’re joining in Elizabeth!
Oh I love this idea!! Excited to see how it goes. Thanks for both of your links to our link party! We are so excited to have you at the Alder Collective, and hope you will join again next week!
Thanks Kelsie! It’s a nice community of bloggers who connect at the Alder Collective. I’m happy to join you guys!
Women’s possess can often employ nappies, scrub, and other
toiletries and supplies.
I’m counting down from day 30, and have just 10 days left on my challenge! I am so glad to be rid of the free samples and hotel shampoos from my bathroom closet, ad-laden coffee cups and pens, and ratty old towels that I’d use “someday”. It’s not hard to do, we all have lots of things hiding out in our homes that are depleting our energy and making us feel guilty for not using them. I donated my personal care items to a homeless shelter, towels to the animal shelter, and took the coffee cups and pens to work – medical settings are ALWAYS short on pens, and running on caffeine!
Your probably done by now Nicole, and it seems like you’re doing great! I love the challenge – it’s such a great way to get some decluttering momentum
I just found your site on Pintrest and I must admit what I had searched was ” what to do when your house has consumed you” I looked down a bit and while nothing showed anything about the ” house” it definitely spoke of clutter! I also must admit I am terrified of moving forward (I must be more att at he’d to my things than I am willing to admit) I am going to give this a shot! I have absolutely no ambition, energy, gumption, heck I have nothing! But hopefully with a little inspiration as your site I will be able to find the way! I am lost in a sea of endless clutter that I have used to replace the void of my ex hubby. Wish me luck please!?????
Oops it is supposed to say “I must be more attached to my things”