For some people, simplicity means living off the land. For others, it means living in a city within walking distance of grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Others simplify their lives by selling everything and traveling the world. And, of course, there are lots of stops in between these examples.
There is no right way to do this simple living thing; no exact number of items you should or shouldn’t own, and no benefit to living simpler than someone else. We all have to define what enough means to us and proceed accordingly. This isn’t about creating a simple life, but about creating a life you love.
If you want some structure around your efforts, or think a challenge may inspire momentum and action, choose your own simplicity adventure with these recommendations.
1. Project 333
A new season of minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 begins on January 1st, but you can start anytime. Check out the rules, try the course, or join me on the Tiny Wardrobe Tour.
2. The 100 Thing Challenge
Could you live with only 100 items? See what happened when Dave Bruno did in his book, The 100 Thing Challenge: How I Got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul
3. Create a shopping ban
Cait’s 2-year shopping ban will inspire you to get started, and create your own rules.
4. 30 days to a simpler life
Try this 30-day email course that will inspire + encourage you to design a simple life.
5. Hide things
If you aren’t sure if you need or want something that you already own, hide it in an unmarked box for 30 days. If you don’t remember what’s in the box, give it away.
6. The Busy Boycott
Trade your busy life for a full one with this free 21-day challenge. Join here when you subscribe to Be More with Less.
7. A Simplicity Summit
Schedule a meeting with the people you want to get simple with. Here’s how to hold your own summit.
8. The Minimalism Game
Get rid of one item on the first of the month, two on the second, three on the third and so on. Learn more here about how to get started.
9. 21 Day-Decluttering Challenge
Check out these free YouTube videos and declutter every area of your life in the next 21 days. If you implement the day 1 challenge, it will make the rest much easier.
10. Read all about it
While you are simplifying your life, read books that encourage your decision to make a big change. Here are the books I recommend to help.
You don’t have to do all of these recommendations or any of them. Create your own adventure if that’s more appealing. This is your simplicity, your choice, and your life.
I love your recommendations. I got a chuckle out of #5 “Hide Things”. I was thinking I would never find it again. I guess that would be problem solved. LOL. One day I will be brave enough to play the The Minimalism Game.
Tony, I’m actually the kind of person who would probably never find it again so that made me chuckle too!.
I really value the structure of challenges like these – helps cut through the overwhelm. I am currently in the midst of a second round of The Minimalism Game, and thinking this will lead to Project 333 when I get to my wardrobe.
Thanks for these. Lots of intriguing things to check out. I’m often in need of inspiration!
Thank you for putting all of these together in one place. I feel as excited as a kid in a candy shop now trying to figure out what to try first!
Thank you for putting this list together. I recently started Project 333 and I’m loving it so far! I’ll have to try some of the others, a shopping ban sounds like a good challenge!
I love these ideas. I’ve just completed my first 3 months of Project 333, so I’m excited to continue with that whilst taking on one of these challenges too.