From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out

by Nancy Twigg

The secret to clarity (spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial) is about more than clearing out closets, drawers, and boxes of receipts. From Clutter to Clarity will help you clean house—inside and out. Questions for personal reflection or group discussion included.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book From Clutter to Clarity, Nancy Twigg uses two somewhat unique approaches to this topic. First off, she talks about how clutter is an issue of the heart. Many times it is rooted in discontent, fear, insecurity, or similar emotions. So, to tackle the outward clutter issues, we have to tackle the inward clutter issues. Secondly, she discusses how clutter is not just stuff, but it is also in our schedules – are we doing too many things? It is also in our finances – do we lack a budget, hoping the numbers will work out at the end of the month?

At the end of most of the chapters, she offers three suggestions about how to clarify your life in the given area. For example, at the end of chapter 8 “No is not a Dirty Word,” she says to 1) be clear about your priorities, 2) classify your priorities in order of importance, and 3) set a time budget for additional commitments. Nancy doesn’t point out a problem without suggesting a solution.

In addition to the suggestions she offers, she has a section at the end of the chapter called “Clutter Busters.” This is an area where she poses some questions for you to more carefully and deeply think about if that kind of clutter is a problem in your life. They are great to take this book beyond just a simple read-through.

All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like they can never get to the bottom of their stacks of stuff, who always feels overwhelmed by overcommitment, who cannot get their finances to measure up to the goals.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is unique in decluttering books, as it takes a Christian standpoint. I liked that the author talks about stewardship instead of hoarding, as a way to be obedient. It is a short book and arranged in short chapters. At the end of each chapter there are great thought questions to get you started. I rate it a three and a half.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay. I don’t care that the book was written from a religious perspective. But the frequent unironic references to Satan killed any value for me - I just can’t take anything seriously from someone who believes in an actual devil. I don’t need a mythical bogeyman to declutter.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading From Clutter to Clarity. It is clear, concise, and Christian (or spiritual) in its approach. Twigg gets us to consider the whys of our clutter and the freedom that we can have when we exchange our trust of things for trust in God instead. Before the minimalists or the organizers or the simplicity experts, Twigg was telling us to get to the nitty gritty reasons we have our stuff, and how to move forward into a more fullfilling life.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic book on simplifying life from a Christian woman's perspective. Mostly aimed at helping women discern the essential and worthwhile from the noisy and busy. It's a good starter book for exploring the topic. It goes beyond just the how to "get rid of stuff" and discusses the principles and ideals behind leading a simpler life led by one's inner committments rather than the demands and expectations of life around you.

Read this first, then read Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline".

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought from the title that this book would be more about de-cluttering your home, but the was really a lot more about de-cluttering your life. The book was about keeping spiritual things first and managing finances by being good stewards of what you already have. The book had a lot of good insights, but not really anything I have not heard before mostly just a reminder of what is really important.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy is a great speaker and this is a very motivational book. I did find myself skimming the book but only because after hearing her speak on 2 different occasions, I felt I had already 'heard' what I was reading.

This is a great book for a mom who feels like she is being pulled in 10 different directions while trying to please everyone.

[Carmen Liffengren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more a little Bible study about reducing clutter in all areas of your life from your possessions to technology etc. It's short and to the point. The theme is cast off all that hinders.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was very good. It was nice and very conversational. Not really many helpful hints in this book for actually removing clutter from your life. I have begun to think I need a book from the Duggers.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles the real issues behind the clutter--along with all the usual "how to declutter" tips. Probably the best decluttering kind of book I've ever read...either that or I'm at a point in my life when I'm really ready to take it to heart. :)

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an easy read and reviewed some basic things for approaching all kinds of clutter from the Christian perspective. There were some good reminders in here, but this book is probably best for younger Christians.

[The Hofs]

Fun and helpful. Really helped me discern what I should keep or toss with the current move. . .I especially liked that the author was a yardsaler for fun! A kindred spirit.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute best book I have ever read on organization and simplifying your life. Excellent!