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More Experiences, Less

Stuff Challenges:

Own Less. Experience More. Live

Fully

by Maria Gracia Updated on July 1, 2026 The happiest memories come from experiences, not possessions. These 20 challenges will help you clear away clutter while rewarding yourself with simple experiences that enrich your life. Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Each challenge is designed to help you own less and experience more ___1. Clear Out Unused Cleaning Products. Gather bottles, sprays, and cleaners you no longer use or that have been sitting untouched for years. Properly dispose of expired products and keep only the ones you actually reach for. Reward: Visit a museum or aquarium. Go by yourself or invite a friend or family member to join you. ___2. Let Go of Uncomfortable Shoes. Donate or discard shoes that pinch your feet, no longer fit, or simply aren't your style anymore. Keeping only shoes you enjoy wearing makes getting dressed much easier. Reward: Watch one of your favorite movies from beginning to end…without multitasking. ___3. Replace Worn-Out Bath Towels.  Set aside towels that are threadbare, stained, frayed, or full of holes. Keep only those that are soft, absorbent, and in good condition. Reward: Spend an hour working on a fun DIY craft project. ___4. Pare Down Food Storage Containers. Match lids with containers and recycle the lonely pieces. Keep only the sizes and styles you regularly use. Reward: Treat yourself to lunch at a favorite restaurant or enjoy a specialty coffee. ___5. Donate Outgrown Toys, Games, and Children's Books. If the kids or grandkids have moved on, let someone else enjoy these treasures. Reward: Take a leisurely walk through a nearby park and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. ___6. Recycle Paper Clutter. Set a 30- minute timer and tackle old paperwork, junk mail, catalogs, and unnecessary printouts. Reward: See an afternoon movie at your local theater. ___7. Safely Dispose of Expired Medicines and Old Food. Check your medicine cabinet, pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for anything past its prime. Reward: Invite a neighbor or friend over for tea, coffee, or dessert. ___8. Recycle Old Magazines and Newspapers. Save only the articles you've truly been meaning to keep. Let the rest go. Reward: Create a brand-new music playlist and listen while doing something you enjoy. ___9. Declutter Costume Jewelry. Sort through necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins you no longer wear. Donate pieces in good condition. Reward: Learn how to fold a simple origami animal and surprise a child or grandchild with it. ___10. Organize Excess Craft Supplies.  Keep the materials you'll realistically use and donate duplicates or supplies for hobbies you've left behind. Reward: Stop by your community's visitor center and discover something new about your hometown. ___11. Thin Out Coffee Mugs. Keep your favorites and donate the mugs that never leave the cabinet. Reward: Visit a local coffee shop you've never tried before. ___12. Clear Out Old Chargers and Electronic Cables. Identify cords you no longer need and recycle them through an electronics recycling program. Reward: Spend an hour reading at your local library or bookstore. ___13. Declutter Kitchen Utensils. Remove duplicate spatulas, chipped measuring cups, bent whisks, and gadgets you never use. Reward: Try cooking a recipe you've never made before. ___14. Sort Through Board Games and Puzzles. Donate games with all their pieces that your family no longer plays. Reward: Invite family or friends over for a game night using one of your favorites. ___15. Let Go of Clothing That No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle. If you haven't worn it in years or it no longer suits who you are today, it's probably time to let it go. Reward: Browse a local farmers market or outdoor festival. ___16. Declutter Decorative Items. Keep the pieces that genuinely make you smile and let go of decorations that simply take up space. Reward: Visit a botanical garden or spend time admiring flowers in bloom. ___17. Clean Out Your Car. Remove trash, old receipts, empty bottles, and anything else that doesn't belong. Reward: Take a scenic drive along a road you've never explored before. ___18. Donate Duplicate Kitchen Tools.  If you own three can openers or four vegetable peelers, keep the best and share the extras. Reward: Meet a friend for breakfast or brunch. ___19. Declutter Old Greeting Cards and Gift Bags. Save only the truly meaningful cards and recycle the rest. Organize any gift bags you'll actually reuse. Reward: Write a handwritten note or letter to someone who would enjoy hearing from you. ___20. Reflect on the Experiences You Enjoyed. Take the time to notice how each decluttering task made room for something more meaningful. The memories you created will likely last much longer than the possessions you released. Back to Organizing Challenges Index