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Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps to Simplifying Your Space
If you’ve ever wished you could clear out your clutter, simplify your space, and take back your life, Kathi Lipp’s new book has just the solutions you need. Building off the success of her The Get Yourself Organized Project, this book will provide even more ideas for getting your life and your stuff under control.
Do any of these descriptions apply to you?
You bought a box of cereal at the store, and then discovered you have several boxes at home that are already past the “best by” date.
You bought a book and put it on your nightstand (right on top of ten others you’ve bought recently), but you have yet to open it.
You keep hundreds of DVDs around even though you watch everything online now and aren’t really sure where the remote for the DVD player is.
You spend valuable time moving your piles around the house, but you can never find that piece of paper when you need it.
Your house makes you depressed the moment you step into it.
As you try out the many easy, doable solutions that helped Kathi win her battle with clutter, you'll begin to understand why you hold on to the things you do, eliminate what's crowding out real life, and make room for the life of true abundance God wants for you.
Do any of these descriptions apply to you?
You bought a box of cereal at the store, and then discovered you have several boxes at home that are already past the “best by” date.
You bought a book and put it on your nightstand (right on top of ten others you’ve bought recently), but you have yet to open it.
You keep hundreds of DVDs around even though you watch everything online now and aren’t really sure where the remote for the DVD player is.
You spend valuable time moving your piles around the house, but you can never find that piece of paper when you need it.
Your house makes you depressed the moment you step into it.
As you try out the many easy, doable solutions that helped Kathi win her battle with clutter, you'll begin to understand why you hold on to the things you do, eliminate what's crowding out real life, and make room for the life of true abundance God wants for you.
ebook
First published January 1, 2015
253 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Lipp
42 books337 followersKathi loves giving real help and how-tos to move people forward in every area of their lives. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
March 10, 2016
I read housekeeping books when I'm stressed. I'm not entirely sure why. I think I like self-appointed homemaking experts to boss me around and then I just like to ignore everything they say because I know better than them. Perhaps they just make me feel more strong and capable about my own homemaking. Perhaps it is some deep-rooted mother/daughter relationship thing. Who knows. I got this housekeeping book because I loved that velvet purple couch on the white background for the cover. That is exactly what my house should look like. Purple and clean. Perhaps the all the secrets to that purple-couch-lifestyle are in this book, I thought. Alas, no.
This book is written for a certain sort of person: an older moderately Christian woman with more money than time, more money than mental energy, and more money than they reasonably know what to do with really. Half this certain person's problems can probably be solved by having less money, or just learning to not spend so much, but until then, it's just judiciously using Rubbermaid bins I suppose. Basically this book is for my mom I guess. The book doesn't translate well to people in other life situations. I'm a young, frugalist, nomadic type of homemaker, and my housekeeping problems come from a much different place, I quickly learned while reading this book.
Some of the tips in this book I'd consider to be slightly dysfunctional. She recommends a couple of times dumping your unwanted stuff on your older moved-out children. As the recipient of such objects: please don't. Through personal experience I've figured out this is sort of a halfway-house approach to clutter for people who have emotional attachment issues with objects. You're just passing on a chore. Mark it for garage sale/donation and then let your older child go through it maybe.
Now, for the Jesusy parts. They just add nothing to the book. Cards on the table, I'm atheist, but I was raised Christian and I do appreciate Christian philosophy. The author attempts to deflect future negativity with a little whining about how people commented negatively on the Jesusy parts in her last book, so my guard was a little up already. Nobody likes a whiner. But the thing about the religious elements in this book are that they are not at all integrated into the narrative. They are as strange and incongruous as a layer of rainbow sprinkles on an otherwise perfectly serviceable pot roast. I did not feel her approach to household management was in any way coming from a place of faith, and she was just adding on faith-sprinkles for some unknown reasons of her own. If you want to read books that show how the author uses their faith as an inspiration for minimalist living or other styles of homekeeping, there are much better ones, like the rather emotionally challenging Living More With Less, the extremely religious but worthwhile The Hidden Art of Homemaking, or if you want something more modern, in The Nesting Place It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful I think the author makes a good presentation of how her faith impacts her approach to making a home.
I did like the tip to only let your drawers max out at 3/4ths full. I have been weeding out my clothes in the past few weeks and that's been a good rule of thumb.
I received a free reviewer's copy of this book from the publisher.
This book is written for a certain sort of person: an older moderately Christian woman with more money than time, more money than mental energy, and more money than they reasonably know what to do with really. Half this certain person's problems can probably be solved by having less money, or just learning to not spend so much, but until then, it's just judiciously using Rubbermaid bins I suppose. Basically this book is for my mom I guess. The book doesn't translate well to people in other life situations. I'm a young, frugalist, nomadic type of homemaker, and my housekeeping problems come from a much different place, I quickly learned while reading this book.
Some of the tips in this book I'd consider to be slightly dysfunctional. She recommends a couple of times dumping your unwanted stuff on your older moved-out children. As the recipient of such objects: please don't. Through personal experience I've figured out this is sort of a halfway-house approach to clutter for people who have emotional attachment issues with objects. You're just passing on a chore. Mark it for garage sale/donation and then let your older child go through it maybe.
Now, for the Jesusy parts. They just add nothing to the book. Cards on the table, I'm atheist, but I was raised Christian and I do appreciate Christian philosophy. The author attempts to deflect future negativity with a little whining about how people commented negatively on the Jesusy parts in her last book, so my guard was a little up already. Nobody likes a whiner. But the thing about the religious elements in this book are that they are not at all integrated into the narrative. They are as strange and incongruous as a layer of rainbow sprinkles on an otherwise perfectly serviceable pot roast. I did not feel her approach to household management was in any way coming from a place of faith, and she was just adding on faith-sprinkles for some unknown reasons of her own. If you want to read books that show how the author uses their faith as an inspiration for minimalist living or other styles of homekeeping, there are much better ones, like the rather emotionally challenging Living More With Less, the extremely religious but worthwhile The Hidden Art of Homemaking, or if you want something more modern, in The Nesting Place It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful I think the author makes a good presentation of how her faith impacts her approach to making a home.
I did like the tip to only let your drawers max out at 3/4ths full. I have been weeding out my clothes in the past few weeks and that's been a good rule of thumb.
I received a free reviewer's copy of this book from the publisher.
November 3, 2014
I've been reading books (and later, blogs) on simplicity, downsizing, and decluttering since the early 1980s, even though I know they all really say the same thing -- if you (you, modern Western person) want a simpler life, then get rid of a whole bunch of stuff; the care and feeding of unnecessary stuff eats up our time, money, and energy. Time and again I read the same tips about three boxes, or getting rid of a certain number of things, or "keep only what you know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." For me what distinguishes a good "simplifying book" from the herd is the quality of the writing and whether it actually motivates me to put down the book and go find some stuff to get rid of. Lipp succeeds at both. The tips may be the tried and true, but the tone is fresh and friendly as Lipp shares her own successes and failures.
Be warned, however, that Lipp roots her rationale for decluttering in her Christian faith, asserting that excessive attachment to our stuff keeps us from growing into being the free and graceful agents of God in the world that we are called to be. Even here the tone is light and encouraging, not preachy, but those allergic to religion may be put off by this part of her message. On the other hand, this message makes the book a good candidate for church-related study groups. Bottom line? For me this book ranks at the top of the pile alongside Julia Morgenstern's Organizing from the Inside Out.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book from Netgalley.
Be warned, however, that Lipp roots her rationale for decluttering in her Christian faith, asserting that excessive attachment to our stuff keeps us from growing into being the free and graceful agents of God in the world that we are called to be. Even here the tone is light and encouraging, not preachy, but those allergic to religion may be put off by this part of her message. On the other hand, this message makes the book a good candidate for church-related study groups. Bottom line? For me this book ranks at the top of the pile alongside Julia Morgenstern's Organizing from the Inside Out.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book from Netgalley.
February 9, 2018
At one point in this book Kathi Lipp looks at the remote controls and asks herself if they are or are not clutter before deciding to put them in the end table drawer. This is my people. My attitude is that everything is clutter unless it can prove itself otherwise. You are not innocent until proven guilty in my house if you are stuff, and Kathi Lipp seems to share my mind frame. She gives us a list of 50 things to throw out RIGHT NOW and it's a great list. Not everything in this book applies to me, but overall this was a motivating and insightful book about getting all sorts of clutter out of your life forever!!!! I listened to this on audible. It is read by the author. Kathi Lipp is a fantastic writer but a very poor out-loud reader. However, I found all the stumbling and halting sentences charming and endearing. But if you need a smooth narrator, opt for the print copy. I have to say I thought that the amateur but passionate reading was cute and enjoyable. 4 stars :)
(as usual I give a shout out to the most awesome and incredibly life-changing clutter book of all, Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back. )
(as usual I give a shout out to the most awesome and incredibly life-changing clutter book of all, Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back. )
August 15, 2021
This was a great read. I loved the way it was written and I felt like it was a fun, yet motivating read. Probably my favorite cleaning book I've read so far. I loved how she said that the easiest time to say no to clutter is at the store- so true! I completely agree with her that clutter is any item you don't use, don't love, or would buy again.
A fav quote: "In other words, the more stuff, the more stress women feel." 💯
I definitely recommend it.
A fav quote: "In other words, the more stuff, the more stress women feel." 💯
I definitely recommend it.
April 28, 2019
This book did not necessarily contain any mind blowing insights about dealing with clutter, but I really enjoyed how the author organized it. I went into it expecting just to get a few tips and tricks, but before she even talked about details like that she discussed the why and how of clutter. Like why do we continue to buy things we don't need? or Why is it hard for us to give up clutter items? I really liked how she talked about this first, because even if you get motivated to do spring cleaning and get rid of stuff, several months later the closets could be filled again. So I liked that she discussed the why behind clutter behavior. These parts were really helpful to me and my husband, and we want to keep those in our minds moving forward. I would probably go back to this book again as reference. Highly recommend.
Just a warning the author does use Bible quotes throughout the book to emphasize her points. I didn't mind it, but they can easily be glossed over and still get all the relevant content if you don't like that addition.
Just a warning the author does use Bible quotes throughout the book to emphasize her points. I didn't mind it, but they can easily be glossed over and still get all the relevant content if you don't like that addition.
October 31, 2014
Best tip- own less stuff! This is a book I need to study closely! When your house is clutter free you have more time for everything else. Another way to ease you into a clutter free mind is to imagine packing it all up to move house.
Another is to consider the time element of buying things- how long it took you to earn that money, time spent shopping, time spent hunting for it when you need it etc. Every item that comes into the house costs you time and space.
I'll be rereading this and trying to absorb the lessons I need to stop hoarding stuff we don't need!
Another is to consider the time element of buying things- how long it took you to earn that money, time spent shopping, time spent hunting for it when you need it etc. Every item that comes into the house costs you time and space.
I'll be rereading this and trying to absorb the lessons I need to stop hoarding stuff we don't need!
May 25, 2016
Overall, I'd say this book is a worthwhile read for anyone who struggles to deal with clutter in his/her home. After reading the book, I'd say that I don't struggle with clutter as much as the author does/did, but I have areas of my life where clutter tends to build up and I think this book was helpful.
Here's why this book works:
- offers simple, practical steps that you can implement the moment you put down the book
- gives suggestions for dealing with the clutter you have AND reducing the amount of clutter that collects in the future
- written in a very conversational tone (you feel like you're sitting at your kitchen table chatting with a friend...and she's funny!)
- written by someone who has, herself, struggled with clutter so she GETS it (rather than by someone who is inherently organized...although inherently organized people have something to offer the disorganized as well!)
- it's very motivating--by the time I finished reading I felt READY to get started!
The biggest detractor for me was that the author tended to dance around the edge of pop psychology from time to time and get into the "deeper issues" of clutter, although it seems she was mostly offering her opinion in those areas rather than expert advice or ideas. It wasn't necessary and it didn't help the book. Also, there was some repetition of ideas/suggestions within the book.
As for the Bible references that others have referred to in reviews, I can only say they didn't help or hurt, in my opinion. I do believe in the Bible, so they didn't bother me, but I also think the book could have done just as well without them. And, for anyone who isn't a believer in the Bible, you will have no problem reading this book because faith and the Bible play and extremely small role in the book.
Again, if you want to deal with clutter in your life, I think this book is a great place to start!
Here's why this book works:
- offers simple, practical steps that you can implement the moment you put down the book
- gives suggestions for dealing with the clutter you have AND reducing the amount of clutter that collects in the future
- written in a very conversational tone (you feel like you're sitting at your kitchen table chatting with a friend...and she's funny!)
- written by someone who has, herself, struggled with clutter so she GETS it (rather than by someone who is inherently organized...although inherently organized people have something to offer the disorganized as well!)
- it's very motivating--by the time I finished reading I felt READY to get started!
The biggest detractor for me was that the author tended to dance around the edge of pop psychology from time to time and get into the "deeper issues" of clutter, although it seems she was mostly offering her opinion in those areas rather than expert advice or ideas. It wasn't necessary and it didn't help the book. Also, there was some repetition of ideas/suggestions within the book.
As for the Bible references that others have referred to in reviews, I can only say they didn't help or hurt, in my opinion. I do believe in the Bible, so they didn't bother me, but I also think the book could have done just as well without them. And, for anyone who isn't a believer in the Bible, you will have no problem reading this book because faith and the Bible play and extremely small role in the book.
Again, if you want to deal with clutter in your life, I think this book is a great place to start!
January 23, 2015
So! Whew... this was amazing and horrible all at the same time! 21 days came and went and I still have a few areas which are just a MESS! I have been able to teach my hubby a bit more about clutter though and he has been such a great sport this entire time! The guy went from being a hoarder (borderline obsessive) to helping me clean out stuff we just do not need! AND throwing out computer parts that are now worthless! Amazing!
The book itself is very easy to follow and ready through. Kathi Lipp has some tips and tricks to help you realize why you're buying and to help you to remember in those crisis times when you WANT to buy something you really do not need. I loved it. The 21 days was fun too but I got discouraged. Sadly for the Facebook group we had off on the weekends and I think I needed a full, straight, 21 days to just get down to business. Having days off was bad for me!
But this tiny place is mostly organized, which is great because we are planning to buy a house this year! With all of this organization we will easily be able to pack up when it is time to go!
One little thing about Kathi's books which may turn some people off: Kathi is very religious. I tend to skim these moments and if it gets too holy I will just completely skip over them entirely. I don't mind reading some of it but it tends to get on my nerves if I feel like the rhetoric is being shoved down my throat. At times it felt that way with this book, although I know Kathi has best wishes at heart. So, mostly I just overlook the religious stuff.
This is such a cute book, and such a quick read. I definitely suggest it to everyone that needs to clean out their life!
The book itself is very easy to follow and ready through. Kathi Lipp has some tips and tricks to help you realize why you're buying and to help you to remember in those crisis times when you WANT to buy something you really do not need. I loved it. The 21 days was fun too but I got discouraged. Sadly for the Facebook group we had off on the weekends and I think I needed a full, straight, 21 days to just get down to business. Having days off was bad for me!
But this tiny place is mostly organized, which is great because we are planning to buy a house this year! With all of this organization we will easily be able to pack up when it is time to go!
One little thing about Kathi's books which may turn some people off: Kathi is very religious. I tend to skim these moments and if it gets too holy I will just completely skip over them entirely. I don't mind reading some of it but it tends to get on my nerves if I feel like the rhetoric is being shoved down my throat. At times it felt that way with this book, although I know Kathi has best wishes at heart. So, mostly I just overlook the religious stuff.
This is such a cute book, and such a quick read. I definitely suggest it to everyone that needs to clean out their life!
December 13, 2015
Join Kathi on a journey through WHY we allow Clutter to enter our homes. Learn WHAT constitutes clutter. Then find out HOW to deal with the mess.
Do not expect the usually slew of do this, do that recommendations found in other clutter or organizing books. Kathi approaches this topic as a trusted friend who shares openly about her own struggles and those of others she knows. With so many different reasons for clutter and the types of clutter that form Kathi has provide a guideline that will fit any situation. She also included many suggestions on how to begin navigating your own clutter that will leave you motivated and ready to tackle the task before you.
Having read quite a few organizing, become clutter free books in the past, I can say that Kathi's book "Clutter Free" has changed the way I look at the clutter in my home. I know why I let the clutter in and can see the reason behind the clutter others bring into my home. I have been able to let go and begun to get a handle on the clutter so it no longer rules my life.
I hope you will join me in the journey to be Clutter Free
* I received a copy of this book to review, though the above opinion is completely and truly my own thoughts on this book.
Do not expect the usually slew of do this, do that recommendations found in other clutter or organizing books. Kathi approaches this topic as a trusted friend who shares openly about her own struggles and those of others she knows. With so many different reasons for clutter and the types of clutter that form Kathi has provide a guideline that will fit any situation. She also included many suggestions on how to begin navigating your own clutter that will leave you motivated and ready to tackle the task before you.
Having read quite a few organizing, become clutter free books in the past, I can say that Kathi's book "Clutter Free" has changed the way I look at the clutter in my home. I know why I let the clutter in and can see the reason behind the clutter others bring into my home. I have been able to let go and begun to get a handle on the clutter so it no longer rules my life.
I hope you will join me in the journey to be Clutter Free
* I received a copy of this book to review, though the above opinion is completely and truly my own thoughts on this book.
August 30, 2022
Some ideas in this book were a repetition of what I’ve read elsewhere. Some were new and interesting and others totally hit home. It was different because it approached decluttering from a biblical standpoint. Which means Kathi talked about gratitude, contentment, and pride. It was a fun read
December 14, 2016
Probably the worst time to read a decluttering book is the middle of December, and the worst place to do it is in your living room or wherever you put the majority of your Christmas decorations. Christmas, even if we don't buy lots of Stuff, is still, often, about Stuff. For our family, Stuff is the vintage collectibles that are part of our daily life, and the extra helping of them that we bring out at the holidays. Stuff is the extra Crockpot that we picked up at a yard sale in the summer, that is the same vintage and type as ours but looks nicer. We don't buy backups of every appliance (no extra toaster ovens sitting around), but we do pick up Crockpots. Stuff is the gifts that we will give each other, new or used. It's the four-pack of sticky tape I grabbed at Walmart (although I didn't buy any new giftwrap, and our stickers and cards came mostly from yard sales and charitable freebies). It's the several packages of variously-flavoured baking chips and two cans of Eagle Brand milk in the pantry; they're there, and we're going to use them. It's pretty hard to have Christmas without any extra Stuff. (I'll stop with the George Carlin intonation now.)
That said, I don't exactly identify with the shop-o-manic reader Kathi Lipp often seems to be addressing in this book. If you don't regularly go crazy at warehouse stores, or if you don't understand why she buys duplicates of things she already has at home, you may wonder what she has to say that you don't already know.
Like the Bob Newhart "Stop It" skit she describes near the beginning, the real answer to clutter is "Don't do that." If something's going to cause financial or space problems, or otherwise make a mess of things, the sanest response is just not to do it. However, human beings don't always act sanely, and you may find yourself coping with your own or somebody else's past or present clutter problems. Lipp, being a Christian writer, would also point out that bad stewardship is a form of disobedience (and can include covetousness, dishonesty, and stealing), and that the hoarding of Stuff, which we might justify by calling it prudence, is not God's best for us. I appreciated her thought that simplicity is not all about "one size fits all." For instance, she has no problem with keeping a certain number of physical books around (whereas some clutter guides will happily assume that everything one wants to read can be gotten from the library). Lipp sees value in cultivating her interest and skill in cooking, and therefore spends time and space on that; on the other hand, as a poor seamstress, she has little use for a sewing machine. The takeaway I get from her book, rather than Newhart's stern "Stop It," is a gentler "It's Okay." It's okay to let go. It's okay not to let sharp advertising pull your dollars in the wrong direction. It's okay to say you're already okay (and don't need more).
If you need an "It's Okay" to help get things back on track, Clutter Free may speak to your heart.
That said, I don't exactly identify with the shop-o-manic reader Kathi Lipp often seems to be addressing in this book. If you don't regularly go crazy at warehouse stores, or if you don't understand why she buys duplicates of things she already has at home, you may wonder what she has to say that you don't already know.
Like the Bob Newhart "Stop It" skit she describes near the beginning, the real answer to clutter is "Don't do that." If something's going to cause financial or space problems, or otherwise make a mess of things, the sanest response is just not to do it. However, human beings don't always act sanely, and you may find yourself coping with your own or somebody else's past or present clutter problems. Lipp, being a Christian writer, would also point out that bad stewardship is a form of disobedience (and can include covetousness, dishonesty, and stealing), and that the hoarding of Stuff, which we might justify by calling it prudence, is not God's best for us. I appreciated her thought that simplicity is not all about "one size fits all." For instance, she has no problem with keeping a certain number of physical books around (whereas some clutter guides will happily assume that everything one wants to read can be gotten from the library). Lipp sees value in cultivating her interest and skill in cooking, and therefore spends time and space on that; on the other hand, as a poor seamstress, she has little use for a sewing machine. The takeaway I get from her book, rather than Newhart's stern "Stop It," is a gentler "It's Okay." It's okay to let go. It's okay not to let sharp advertising pull your dollars in the wrong direction. It's okay to say you're already okay (and don't need more).
If you need an "It's Okay" to help get things back on track, Clutter Free may speak to your heart.
October 27, 2015
Enjoyed it. Easy read. Good ideas of what to keep.
December 24, 2016
Very helpful tips. but I would have given it a five star rating if it weren't for all the God references and quoted Bible verses.
December 27, 2018
Great practical advice and strategies for living a life clutter free. Or at least working towards that. Author has personal experience with this struggle. That carries a lot with me.
January 16, 2019
There are some real useful tips in here. Nothing groundbreaking, but definitely a good guide to organizing & consuming less.
October 21, 2022
Lipp is not a professional organizer but a relatable woman who is encouraging to those of us (all of us?) who are fighting the battle against clutter. She uncovers the costs of clutter while encouraging contentment. Next, Lipp looks at the problems that compel us to buy more or keep too much stuff. Lastly, she gives us helpful advice on clearing out our excess items.
The Appendix with her paperwork system is fantastic.
Overall, a guilt-free, relatable help in getting our houses organized.
2022 A book about a non-controversial subject
The Appendix with her paperwork system is fantastic.
Overall, a guilt-free, relatable help in getting our houses organized.
2022 A book about a non-controversial subject
February 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book on decluttering. I liked the authors three questions to help identify an object as clutter or not.
1. Do you love it?
2. Do you use it?
3. Would you be willing to buy it again?
This is a book I can see myself rereading later in life. It’s encouraging, heartfelt, and I appreciated how she wrote from a Christian perspective.
1. Do you love it?
2. Do you use it?
3. Would you be willing to buy it again?
This is a book I can see myself rereading later in life. It’s encouraging, heartfelt, and I appreciated how she wrote from a Christian perspective.
March 14, 2021
Best decluttering book that I read. It put me to action.
August 30, 2022
I really loved reading this book. Decluttering and minimalism are very close to my heart.
I was laughing as I read this book because I felt like I was having a chat with the author. I could totally relate with her because I was a hoarder before, too. My grandfather and mother are extreme hoarders, and I am trying to break the cycle now.
This book was pretty enjoyable, although it did feel super long, and the author kept repeating some of the things she already said. She offered a lot of great advice and shared points that really helped me think and reflect on my current journey of decluttering. It took me almost a month to finish it, but I'd say it was worth the read!
I was laughing as I read this book because I felt like I was having a chat with the author. I could totally relate with her because I was a hoarder before, too. My grandfather and mother are extreme hoarders, and I am trying to break the cycle now.
This book was pretty enjoyable, although it did feel super long, and the author kept repeating some of the things she already said. She offered a lot of great advice and shared points that really helped me think and reflect on my current journey of decluttering. It took me almost a month to finish it, but I'd say it was worth the read!
January 16, 2015
Clutter Free is a must read for anyone who has ever battled the dreaded clutter monster. In her book The Get Yourself Organized project Kathi details the nitty gritty of what to do with all the stuff in our house, but this book deals with so much more. Before addressing all the stuff we have, Kathi addresses the How and the Why of our clutter. Finally understanding why we buy things and how those thing become clutter has been very freeing. She defines clutter as " anything that hasn't earned the right to be in your house"
The main "to-do" in this book is the 2,000 item challenge. The goal is to donate 2,000 items over the corse of 1 year. That breaks down to about 5 items a day. It may seem like a lot of things but if you look at the list of 50 things to get rid of today that is included in the book it becomes easier to see what is cluttering up our lives and our homes.
This book and the 2,000 item challenge is the prefect way to kick start all of you organizing and simplifying goals for the new year!
The main "to-do" in this book is the 2,000 item challenge. The goal is to donate 2,000 items over the corse of 1 year. That breaks down to about 5 items a day. It may seem like a lot of things but if you look at the list of 50 things to get rid of today that is included in the book it becomes easier to see what is cluttering up our lives and our homes.
This book and the 2,000 item challenge is the prefect way to kick start all of you organizing and simplifying goals for the new year!
May 3, 2016
I love this candid, practical guide to eliminating clutter, though this how-to handbook sometimes hit a bit closer to home than I'd like (this from a self-proclaimed "collector of things"). Lipp certainly is not afraid to touch all the necessary nerves. At the same time, she offers some realistic steps to not only simplify your space, but ways to be mindful of habits that contribute to further clutter. Her advice is always informative and insightful.
I was finishing this book during a car trip, riding along a familiar stretch of numerous high-rise apartment buildings in Brooklyn, New York. Ironically, I glanced up to see a new structure among the buildings, itself rising halfway up their height. I saw it wasn't a high-rise, but a CubeSmart self storage facility. Oh, where to put our stuff!
I was finishing this book during a car trip, riding along a familiar stretch of numerous high-rise apartment buildings in Brooklyn, New York. Ironically, I glanced up to see a new structure among the buildings, itself rising halfway up their height. I saw it wasn't a high-rise, but a CubeSmart self storage facility. Oh, where to put our stuff!
December 26, 2014
I really liked this book. The main reason is because Lipp helps us understand the why of clutter, why we buy stuff and why we hang on to stuff. There are many books to help us organize but few go behind the outward symptoms to the inner attitude. Unless those issues are addressed, the clutter just comes back. Reading this book might hurt. Some of the reasons for clutter were hard for me to take. But I heartily agree with her digging those out first before we go to our closets. And she does give a strategy too. She even has her previous three-box, two-bag system in an Appendix. I highly recommend this book. It inspired me.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1xmvJvI.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1xmvJvI.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
January 6, 2015
Loved this book!
It's less of a "here's how to get rid of your clutter" book and instead a "here's how to diagnose and solve your clutter problem."
Most of us don't need a system to get rid of clutter--there are enough of those. We need to understand why we collect so much stuff in the first place--and we need to give ourselves permission to get rid of it.
My favourite quotes: "At its heart, clutter is a lack of peace." And "if every possession is special, then nothing is."
So true! I went on a cleaning frenzy after reading this and it was so freeing.
It's less of a "here's how to get rid of your clutter" book and instead a "here's how to diagnose and solve your clutter problem."
Most of us don't need a system to get rid of clutter--there are enough of those. We need to understand why we collect so much stuff in the first place--and we need to give ourselves permission to get rid of it.
My favourite quotes: "At its heart, clutter is a lack of peace." And "if every possession is special, then nothing is."
So true! I went on a cleaning frenzy after reading this and it was so freeing.
November 10, 2015
A well written and practical guide to eliminating clutter. I'll definitely be rereading it.
*This arc was kindly provided by Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
*This arc was kindly provided by Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
January 17, 2018
Awesome book to both read and listen to! Kathy Lipp is so compassionate and understanding regarding the battle with stuff! I found myself laughing and nodding as I read.... and then pondering her words, as I went about my days. I highly recommend this book!
May 5, 2020
I have read several home organizing /decluttering / minimalist books but this one is my favorite! First of all, Kathi Lipp is a fantastic author. Why? She is so real and authentic and she isn’t afraid to show you her struggles and mistakes. And the best part is that she is funny and vulnerable at the same time and she does it all in the name of helping other woman be there best selves. I just love her! I always find Kathi to be such an encouragement.
There are so many valuable nuggets of help and wisdom in this book but I’ll share some of my favorites with you. In the first chapter, she explores why our homes are so cluttered. My favorite point that she made here is that “you punish yourself with past mistakes”. That really rings true for me more than anything! I have furniture just sitting in my unfinished basement that I can’t get rid of because it was expensive and the first piece of furniture that I bought when I first got married but yet I no longer love. I have such a guilt over getting rid of it. Kathi helps to free us of this guilt.
My second favorite point that she made in this book was the chapter, “50 things to get rid of right now”. Number 5 on this list is “guilt gifts.” This is any gift that anyone has ever given you that you don’t love. I don’t know why it took someone else to free me from this but I immediately went through my kitchen and got rid of some things that I never use and don’t love and let go of that guilt! It was a wonderful feeling to be freed of stuff that was cluttering up my small kitchen. I now have easier access to the dishes I use every day. Thank you Kathi!
This is not a boring read at all with Kathi’s humor and wonderful real life examples. If you are looking for a book that will motivate you to declutter your home and simplify your life, this book is it! My life is already less stressful from reading this!
There are so many valuable nuggets of help and wisdom in this book but I’ll share some of my favorites with you. In the first chapter, she explores why our homes are so cluttered. My favorite point that she made here is that “you punish yourself with past mistakes”. That really rings true for me more than anything! I have furniture just sitting in my unfinished basement that I can’t get rid of because it was expensive and the first piece of furniture that I bought when I first got married but yet I no longer love. I have such a guilt over getting rid of it. Kathi helps to free us of this guilt.
My second favorite point that she made in this book was the chapter, “50 things to get rid of right now”. Number 5 on this list is “guilt gifts.” This is any gift that anyone has ever given you that you don’t love. I don’t know why it took someone else to free me from this but I immediately went through my kitchen and got rid of some things that I never use and don’t love and let go of that guilt! It was a wonderful feeling to be freed of stuff that was cluttering up my small kitchen. I now have easier access to the dishes I use every day. Thank you Kathi!
This is not a boring read at all with Kathi’s humor and wonderful real life examples. If you are looking for a book that will motivate you to declutter your home and simplify your life, this book is it! My life is already less stressful from reading this!
July 5, 2020
Reading about decluttering is always easier than actually doing it, so I've read quite a bit of these -- and this is one of the better ones, I think, in spite of its brevity, because Lipp asks readers to consider the mental habits that enable clutter. This book is about prioritizing what matters in your life and letting the rest go, not trying to organize away the mess.
October 26, 2021
This book is fine; I don’t have any strong objections to it. But Decluttering at the Speed of Life is more practically helpful and motivational. What was helpful here was some of Lipp’s thinking through how fear, shame, and guilt contribute to clutter.
February 11, 2020
This book was a must read for me!! For anyone who has battled with clutter or even worse, feared becoming a hoarder. Kathy breaks down the act of decluttering into small manageable steps, but not only that, she helps you understand why you have been holding on to the clutter and why you should let go of it.
Because of this book, I’ve started to have a better understanding of why I keep certain things but I also feel pretty good about letting certain things go now. This was important to me because I’ve seen how easy is to lose control over all the things that clutter our lives. I’m working on the 2000 item challenge for 2020 because it’s a great place to start. Although it feels like a lot it works out to only be about 5 items a day. Very manageable and will make an impact.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher
Because of this book, I’ve started to have a better understanding of why I keep certain things but I also feel pretty good about letting certain things go now. This was important to me because I’ve seen how easy is to lose control over all the things that clutter our lives. I’m working on the 2000 item challenge for 2020 because it’s a great place to start. Although it feels like a lot it works out to only be about 5 items a day. Very manageable and will make an impact.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher
February 14, 2020
This book has so many wonderful tips. I felt like the author and I could be best friends with how we think through the things we have in our houses. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to start or continue getting the clutter out of their house.
I can’t wait to start using these principles in every room of the house.
I can’t wait to start using these principles in every room of the house.
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