Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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One of my all-time favorite books!

It is the book that I most frequently recommend and give as a gift.

The advice it provides is clear and practical for managing all of that "stuff" in your life.

Whether it's dealing with clutter at home, organizing your work tasks, or handling your finances, this book has something for everyone.

The author presents the information in a straightforward manner, making it easy to understand and apply.

You'll find useful tips and strategies that can help you simplify your life and reduce stress.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take control of their "stuff" and live a more organized and fulfilling life.
July 15,2025
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This book served as my initial encounter with Don Aslett. Ever since stumbling upon this precious work, I have delved into numerous other books written by him.

Even if you don't have to grapple with a "clutter problem," this book still offers an engaging and humorous perspective on the way we perceive our "possessions." It makes you think about the things we accumulate and hold dear in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking manner.

If, however, you do have a clutter issue to contend with, then this book is an absolute must-read! It has the potential to bring laughter and joy as you embark on the journey towards an organized life. You'll find practical tips and strategies presented in a humorous way that will make the process of decluttering and getting organized not only bearable but also enjoyable. So, whether you're a neat freak or a clutterbug, give this book a chance and see how it can transform your relationship with your stuff.

July 15,2025
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A friend of mine once came up with an ingenious idea to enhance our awareness of the possessions we Americans have, both the rich and the poor, in comparison to those in poorer countries around the world. He convinced an ordinary family in India to move every single item they owned out onto the road in front of their house, and then he took a picture. It didn't take them long to do this. But just imagine, how would you or could you even attempt to do the same with all of your stuff? It would likely take weeks. You'd need a wide-angle lens to capture it all. And then, would you actually have the courage to stand in front of it for a picture?

Sharing of oneself is truly the greatest satisfaction of all. Making better use of what we already have is the highest standard of living. We should strive for quality, not quantity!

Clutter doesn't enrich our lives; instead, it ends up confusing and overwhelming us.

Happiness stems from loving and being loved. A vast selection of things merely exhausts our spiritual, physical, and emotional energy.

Sorting through and making decisions about our possessions can consume every waking minute.

Regarding clothing clutter: When the most stylish dressers are dressed, no one even pays attention to what they're wearing.

Whether it's worth 50 cents or $500, unused clutter drains us and makes us feel guilty.

The difference between a man's junk and a woman's junk is that he builds a $5,000 shop around his and calls it "tools."

We should all take a moment to reflect on our own possessions and consider whether we truly need them all. Maybe it's time to simplify our lives and focus on what really matters.
July 15,2025
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I grabbed this book after hearing it mentioned in an inspiring talk last year.

Junk is indeed one of those universal first world problems that plagues almost everyone, regardless of their social status, from the rich to the poor. We are all, to some extent, drowning in a sea of useless things. I am no exception. There are numerous areas in my life where I struggle with clutter. Inevitably, every year or two, I have a giant freak-out moment where I finally decide to stop being ruled by the chaos and clutter that surrounds me.

After a week of frantic tossing and purging, I often find myself suffering from trasher's remorse and gradually slipping back into my old hoarding ways. Although I'm not anywhere near the extreme level shown on reality shows, the clutter does have a significant impact on my life. This is precisely why I felt the need to read this book.

In this book, Don Aslett presents a plethora of convincing reasons as to why clutter is slowly destroying our personal well-being and happiness. He elaborates on how clutter makes us less productive as human beings, causing us to waste vast portions of our precious lives on meaningless pursuits and tasks. Subsequently, he offers some practical and solid ideas on how to determine which things in our lives we should discard and which ones we should keep. I have to admit that his criteria are far more hardcore than I could ever imagine being. While it is true that it would be incredibly easy to clean a practically empty room, who really wants to live such a dull and colorless life?

He doesn't specifically tell us what to throw out; that decision is ultimately up to us. However, he does make enough valid points about how truly worthless a significant portion of our so-called "treasure" is. As a result, I found myself eager to get rid of at least half of the decor in my home, along with most of the hidden items stuffed in drawers and closets that I've been keeping "just in case."

I had a rather difficult time simply sitting down and plowing through this entire book in one go. It is best enjoyed by reading a chapter here and a chapter there. This is just my personal preference, but I kept experiencing a sense of clutter guilt at each section, and I needed to take breaks and re-evaluate things in a more realistic light than what Aslett presents. Nevertheless, I believe that this book provides a sufficient general philosophy on how we should determine what truly holds value in our lives. I can utilize these principles to create a better home environment for my family and a more relaxing and fulfilling life for myself. It was well worth my time to read this book. I think I'll pick it up every now and then for a refresher course, taking the time to highlight the important points this time around. Now comes the real test... to see if I can actually put these principles into practice. Step one... I'm dejunking my bookshelf today. Fingers crossed that I can stay strong. Four stars!
July 15,2025
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The book, to be honest, isn't organized in a terribly excellent manner. In fact, it repeats itself quite a lot. However, despite these drawbacks, it contains a significant amount of really great and valuable information.

Specifically, it offers numerous useful tips and strategies regarding the identification and elimination of useless crap. After reading this book, I have been inspired to commence a full-scale de-cluttering operation in my house.

This is something that I am truly excited about. I look forward to transforming my living space into a more organized and clutter-free environment, which I believe will not only enhance the aesthetics of my home but also bring a sense of calm and tranquility to my life.

I am eager to see the positive changes that this de-cluttering process will bring and am confident that it will be a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
July 15,2025
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I have just re-read this book.

It contains good information for those who are working on minimizing their home. There is a lot of relevant philosophy of possessions presented in it.

Although there is some dated information, overall it is still a good read.

The book offers valuable insights and practical tips on how to declutter and simplify one's living space. It makes you think about the true value of the things we own and how they affect our lives.

Whether you are already on the path of minimalism or just starting to consider it, this book can provide inspiration and guidance.

It is a worthwhile read that can help you make positive changes in your home and in your life.

So, if you are interested in learning more about minimizing your home and living a more intentional life, I would highly recommend giving this book a try.

July 15,2025
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I used to have a really hard time when it came to letting go of all the junk. I would constantly worry that I might need this or that item again someday. And then there was the thought that what if my deceased relative knew that I hadn't kept that yarn she gave me. Oh no, the horror!

However, after reading this book, a remarkable change occurred within me. I was finally able to release the guilt and anxiety that came with getting rid of the clutter. It was an incredibly liberating experience. I felt a great sense of relief as I started to move forward and take the step of throwing out all that unnecessary stuff.

I firmly believe that everyone should give this book a read, regardless of whether you currently have a clutter problem or not. It has the potential to open your eyes and change your perspective on how you view the things that surround you.
July 15,2025
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It might seem a little dated or silly to read now,

but it truly served as a powerful motivation for me to take control of my belongings.

In just a couple of months' time, I managed to part ways with an astonishing number of things, likely around 50% of my possessions.

I had always struggled with clutter and a generally messy living environment.

This book delves deep into the core of why we save things and what truly holds significance in life.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone whose home is in a state of mess or disarray.

It has the potential to bring about a significant transformation in one's approach to possessions and living spaces.

By reading this book, you might just find the inspiration and guidance you need to declutter and simplify your life.

Give it a try and see the positive changes it can bring.

You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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This book begins by presenting suggestions on how to physically declutter your life. It then delves into the aspect of how to psychologically declutter your life, which I found quite interesting.

The author prompts you to consider the toxic individuals you maintain in your life. These people have a tendency to drain your energy and, in the long run, shatter the faith you hold in yourself.

It is truly a good read as it offers valuable insights into both the physical and psychological aspects of decluttering. By addressing these areas, it helps you to lead a more fulfilling and less burdened life.

The book serves as a useful guide for those seeking to simplify and improve their overall well-being.
July 15,2025
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I probably went a little overboard throwing things away after reading this book.

It is truly very motivating.

It presents a whole new perspective on what is considered junk.

In fact, it makes one realize that most things fall into this category.

The book has opened my eyes to the clutter that has accumulated in my life and the unnecessary items that I have been holding onto.

It has given me the courage and determination to declutter and simplify.

Now, I look at my possessions with a more critical eye and ask myself if I really need them.

Throwing things away has become a liberating experience, and I feel lighter and more free.

I am grateful to have read this book and for the new mindset it has brought me.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to declutter and find a new perspective on their possessions.
July 15,2025
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If you're constantly feeling like your house is shrinking,

it's time to take control. And the first step is to read this book.

Aslett has an ingenious method of detaching your emotions from the physical things in your life,

allowing you to make space for the people and experiences that truly matter.

By following the principles laid out in this book,

you'll be amazed at how quickly and easily the space in your home seems to reappear.

No longer will you feel cramped and cluttered,

but instead, you'll enjoy a more open, inviting, and functional living environment.

So don't wait any longer - pick up this book today and start transforming your home and your life.
July 15,2025
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Not much new information has emerged, but this serves as a good review for the new year.

It's important to take a step back and look at what has been accomplished and what areas may need further improvement.

By reflecting on the past, we can gain valuable insights and use them to set goals and make plans for the future.

Even though there may not be a lot of fresh details, this review can help us stay focused and motivated as we move forward into the new year.

It allows us to identify our strengths and weaknesses, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure our continued success.

So, while it may not be filled with exciting new revelations, this review is an essential part of starting the new year on the right foot.
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