How to make more of less-the book that shows how to simplify your life, control clutter, and pare down your possessions for a move into smaller ... read full description
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Sep 24, 2007
Kecia
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I got this book out of my local library, and read about 3/4 of this book right before bed. Next morning I got out of bed, pulled four overstuffed folders from my filing cabinet and, following the guidelines in the chapter on "Collaring the Paper Tiger," threw out approximately 95% of their contents in about 15 minutes.
So not only do I recommend this book, I recommend it be read before going to bed so that its advice can work on your brain overnight. Like Scrubbing Bubbles, More...
So not only do I recommend this book, I recommend it be read before going to bed so that its advice can work on your brain overnight. Like Scrubbing Bubbles, More...
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Jun 14, 2008
Lia
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I am one of those people who doesn't like to carry a lot of "stuff" around with me. I like the simple life. This book (though aimed primarily at empty-nesters who are looking at how to pare down enough to move out of a home and into a smaller space) is full of excellent information for anyone who wants to simplify and clear out. One of the reasons I like this book in comparision to others of a simliar theme is that it addresses the psychological reasons for holding on to our "stuf
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Jun 11, 2009
Jessica
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This is a good book for anyone looking to downsize their home or belongings, moving, or even after the death of a loved one. The authors offer a jculbertson_book1practical approach to going through and getting rid of extra, unwanted, or unused items.
What is helpful about this book is it doesn’t just tell you how to get rid of things, but takes the time to look at the process through an emotional and psychological lenses as well. Within each chapter there are stories of the au More...
Aug 14, 2011
Doctor_dana
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This book tries to tackle your motivation for clinging to too much stuff (and acquiring it in the first place). I was already sold on the idea of simplifying, and I've already done some good decluttering, so I didn't need their help on that front. The section on paper clutter had excellent techniques, as did their list of 28 most helpful tips. The book is worth reading for those two sections alone. And it's a very quick read-- only a few hours, especially if you skim less-relevant parts.
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Apr 28, 2011
Lacey
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Although it's not an immediate concern, I'll have to learn to live in a smaller space/share space again once I marry Ivan, so this book caught my attention. The tips it includes and the pep talks for decluttering are inspiring, and it has chapters devoted to unique situations (such as moving into assisted living, going through a loved one's stuff after she or he has died, marriage and consolidation -- followed, a bit disturbingly, by divorce, etc.) All the chapters are written sensitively and ha
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Jan 20, 2009
Caroline
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This book puts my simplifying efforts to shame. It really delves into WHY you're holding onto all that stuff, and how to let go. Even though it's aimed at an older crowd, I was truly inspired to get rid of a lot more stuff. It's also rather thin - the authors pack the information in, without becoming too repetitive. The only parts that annoyed me were the ones on shopping and dumpsters. If you really are trying to scale down, the shopping has to be cut way back (the authors seemed a little
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Jan 01, 2009
Jaymi
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I'm in a constant state of de-cluttering my home, it seems. I frequently check out various home simplification and de-cluttering books. This was one that amazon recommended to me and I borrowed it from the library. Instead of just going with the various de-cluttering tips and tricks and whatnot, this book describes how to scale things down and really have only the things you love with you. What I liked about this book were the stories they included about themselves or others who are on the path
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Jan 02, 2012
Rebekah
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Culbertson covers both the psychological and practical aspects of decluttering and simplifying in this how-to manual. Go from room to room as Culbertson discusses best practices for organizing paperwork, paring down memorabilia, and letting go of duplicates or lesser used items. The book is aimed mostly at empty nesters looking to downsize, but the tips and advice given will help most any person looking to live a fulfilling life with less stuff.
The most helpful parts to me were how More...
The most helpful parts to me were how More...
Jan 10, 2012
Carolyn
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Given the picture on the front and the title, I was expecting a pep talk on why I should love my house with scant closet space and no master bathroom. And while is does devote chapter 15 to this topic, I had to wade to chapter after chapter of how to get rid of stuff. I do not currently have much problem with moving things out of my house that are no longer useful or functional, so I was disappointed with the content - hence the 2 stars.
Dec 28, 2011
Lauren
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Some great tips on how to simplify and minimize the space and the things around you. I liked the tips and chapters about how to help loved ones downsize and de-clutter.
The only thing that bothered me was the last chapter and the author's writing in total praise of urban living. Sure, I love cities, but I don't think that really has much to do with what this book is marketing. One can use these tips for small space living regardless of the population of the area you call home...
The only thing that bothered me was the last chapter and the author's writing in total praise of urban living. Sure, I love cities, but I don't think that really has much to do with what this book is marketing. One can use these tips for small space living regardless of the population of the area you call home...
Oct 06, 2010
Jeannie
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this was a great book, I learned a lot from it. like maybe I have some hoarding tendencies!! Lots of tips on how to actually force yourself to throw it away instead of making excuses for hanging onto it. It got me going, I actually used some of the techniques today to start on my mess in the basement and I'm darn proud of myself!!
Oct 21, 2010
Martha
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As I look around me at my accumuation of stuff,I am still overwhelmed, but this book gave me some structure on how to begin. It tries to put a happy face on downsizing, making it seem like fun. HAH!
Dec 14, 2011
BOY, do I ever need this book. I am a paper collector, so any help on taming The Paper Tiger that we lug from house to house will be very welcomed!
Jul 28, 2009
Roxane
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Great advice for helping you get rid of stuff, whether you're moving or just want to reduce your clutter.
Jan 21, 2008
Cathy
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Do you have a lot of "stuff" everywhere? I did - and wanted to do something about it. This book gave me loads of ideas about organizing, donating, reassessing, etc. It gave me the push to start cleaning out and scaling down. Six bags went to Goodwill the first week - and I'm still working on it. Very motivating!
Mar 12, 2009
Allison
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Whether you are moving to a smaller place or just wanting to streamline your life, this book is full of great tips for scaling down and is entertaining as well. I highly recommend it.
Dec 17, 2009
Stephanie
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Read this when I started thinking about moving, and wanted to purge all my unnecessary junk. A good book!
Sep 06, 2008
RF
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I liked this book - very practical and motivating on living simply. easy plans of action.
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