5 Simple Ways to Experiment with Minimalism

Have you ever gone on a vacation that required you to step outside your comfort zone? Maybe you traveled to a place with a completely different lifestyle, smaller living spaces, or unfamiliar habits. At first, the idea of adjusting to new routines might feel intimidating, but the fact that it’s just a temporary trip makes it easier to embrace.

What if you could experiment with the minimalist lifestyle in a similar way? By testing out living with less for a specific period, you can ease into the concept without feeling overwhelmed or committing to it long-term. Here are five simple ways to experiment with minimalism and see if living with less could be a good fit for you.

1. Simplify Your Wardrobe with Project 333

One of the easiest areas to begin simplifying is your wardrobe. We all have more clothes than we need, and it’s easy to feel like we have nothing to wear, despite the full closet. The key often lies in understanding what truly fits our personal style and how to mix and match items effectively.

To get started, try Project 333, a minimalist fashion challenge that encourages you to wear just 33 items for three months. This includes clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, but excludes things like workout clothes, sleepwear, or uniforms.

Pack away the rest of your clothes and commit to wearing only those 33 items. This experiment helps you focus on what you truly love and need while showing you how little can actually go a long way. You may even discover that you enjoy the simplicity of a pared-down wardrobe.

2. Try Packing Items Away Instead of Decluttering

If the idea of decluttering feels daunting, you can start by temporarily packing things away. Sometimes, we hold onto items because we think we might need them, or because others in our family feel attached to them. Rather than giving these items away right away, simply box them up and store them for a while.

Put a time limit on this experiment—try keeping them in storage for a month or even a few months. If you don’t miss the items, it might be time to let go. This approach allows you to test living with less without feeling the finality of getting rid of things permanently.

3. Experience a No-Spend Month

Money is one of the biggest sources of stress, and adopting a minimalist mindset can help alleviate some of that. The idea is to reduce spending by focusing only on essentials. A great way to do this is by attempting a no-spend month. During this month, avoid all non-essential purchases—no extra snacks, coffee, or even new clothes.

If a full month feels too much, try setting a goal of 10 no-spend days each month. On these days, live off what you already have, and resist the temptation to buy anything that isn’t necessary. By tracking these days, you’ll begin to see the benefits of living with less and how much it can save you.

4. Go on Vacation with Less

Sometimes the best way to experience living with less is by actually going on vacation. When you travel, you automatically reduce your belongings to what you can carry, and you adapt to a simpler lifestyle. There’s no need to worry about what to wear or whether you have every gadget and item at hand.

Vacations offer a great way to test how little you truly need. The focus shifts from material possessions to the experiences and connections you make. This temporary shift can inspire you to live with less once you return home, as you realize that minimalism can make life feel more relaxed and fulfilling.

5. Practice Saying No or Waiting

One of the most powerful ways to embrace minimalism is by learning how to say no or simply wait before making purchases. We live in a world where we’re constantly encouraged to buy things impulsively. However, taking a step back and learning to say no to non-essential items or waiting before buying something can help reduce clutter and prevent unnecessary spending.

Next time you’re tempted by a spontaneous purchase, try waiting 24 hours to see if you still feel the same way. If you forget about the item or realize it’s not necessary, you’ve saved yourself money and reduced clutter. Similarly, saying no to activities that don’t align with your goals or values can help simplify your schedule and reduce distractions.