The 30-Day Minimalist Challenge: A Journey to Simplify Your Space and Spirit

In a world often filled with chaos and distractions, finding peace and tranquility is not only a precious pursuit, it's a necessity. What if there was a way to declutter not only your physical space but also your spirit? Enter the 30-Day Minimalist Challenge, a transformative journey taught by Truth & Tidy Co., where Christian principles guide the path to simplicity and order.

What Is the 30-Day Minimalist Challenge?

This 30-Day challenge is a way to engage with the minimalist lifestyle by removing physical, digital, mental/ emotional/ spiritual things as well as an opportunity to change bad habits over the course of 30 days. Simply put, on Day One, one item is removed. On Day Seven, seven items are removed. This continues until Day 30, when 30 things, habits, etc. are removed.

Why Choose the 30-Day Minimalist Challenge?

A Holistic Approach:

At Truth & Tidy Co., we believe in the connection between an organized space and a peaceful spirit. The 30-Day Minimalist Challenge is more than just decluttering; it’s a holistic approach that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of your life.

Christian Values at the Core:

Truth & Tidy Co.is founded on the principles of Philippians 4:4-9, and for the purpose of this challenge, we are going to focus on verse 8: "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things." The 30-Day Minimalist Challenge integrates these values, providing a unique experience that not only transforms your living space but also aligns with your spiritual journey.

Getting Started: Week 1-2

Setting the Foundation:

As you begin this 30-day adventure, start by defining your decluttering goals. What are you hoping to achieve? Whether it’s creating more physical space, reducing stress, or fostering a sense of peace, your goals will guide you through the process.

Room-by-Room Assessment:

Take the time to assess each room in your home. Identify items that serve a purpose, bring joy, and align with your values. This process isn’t just about discarding; it’s about curating a space that reflects your moral principles.

Create a Schedule:

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, create a realistic schedule. Allocate specific days or weekends for each room. Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection.

Diving Deeper: Weeks 3-4

Start Small and Systematic:

In these weeks, focus on easy wins. Tackle less challenging areas first to build momentum and motivation. This approach sets the tone for a clutter-free lifestyle.

Establish Sorting Criteria:

Define clear criteria for keeping, donating, or discarding items. Channel your values into this process, considering how each item aligns with your faith and commitment to simplicity.

Invest in Organizational Tools:

Enhance your space with organizational tools. Bins, shelves, and organizers can transform a chaotic space into a curated space, creating designated spaces for every aspect of your life. Everything must have a "home."

Digital Declutter:

Extend the decluttering process to your digital life. Organize files, emails, and photos. This step is about simplifying your virtual space in alignment with your physical surroundings.

Evaluate Sentimental Items:

Approach sentimental belongings with prayer and thoughtfulness. This is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of items and keep only those that truly hold meaning. Beyond this, many times when we are holding onto sentimental items, it's because we lack trust in ourselves or our bodies to hold space for the memories that those items bring up. This isn't to say that there is never a good reason to hold onto something sentimental - quite the contrary - but it is something that needs to be said. If we trust ourselves a little bit more, we might find we need "stuff" a little bit less. Another rule of thumb here is to take a picture of the item and put it in a designated album. That way, you'll always be able to look back and recall the memories without taking up physical space in your home or work environment.

Deep Cleaning:

Schedule a thorough cleaning session. As you physically cleanse your space, allow the process to cleanse your spirit as an act of worship. Remember what Jesus said about loosing and binding? "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 18:18. When you clean your spiritual house, you have the authority to bind up the foul spirits of negativity, depression, division, self-doubt, etc. and you simultaneously (and purposefully) loose peace, joy, unity, confidence (that comes only from Christ), etc. A clean and organized environment supports a clear, focused mind and encourages an open heart.

Maintenance Plan:

Develop a simple daily routine to maintain the order you’ve created. Regularly assess and address any new items that enter your space. Remember, quality over quantity. Another way of thinking about this is the phrase, "less but better." This ongoing commitment aligns with the Christian principle of stewardship – taking care of the gifts you’ve been given.