#Declutter

[louisa-gc]

how to bring less stuff into your home

don't buy if you already have something similar in function or form — for ex. i already own a pair of boots, therefore any new pair of boots, even if a different colour or a different shape, must stay in the store.

don't buy to store (unless it's on a good sale) — ex. i'm halfway through my favourite serum and already thinking of buying a new bottle, but i'll hold off until the previous one is actually empty, unless i see it in the store for much less than it usually costs. i also used to hoard notebooks and now try not to buy any more until all have been used up.

don't buy what you can reasonably rent or borrow — ex. i barely ever buy books because i can find everything i need at the library (including a ladder and a printer).

don't buy what you truly do not need — ex. did i get a rose quartz roller? yes. did i get it for a purpose? yes, to massage my sore jaw muscles. does it do what i bought it for? meh. is it nice to have? kind of. do i ever use it? not really. so was it a waste of natural resources, cheap labour and my own money? absolutely.

don't buy spontaneously — ex. i went to the store to buy a new bottle of shampoo but ended up with the rose quartz roller too. in the moment, i could easily justify the need for it and a friend even said to go for it (it wasn't expensive either!). now it sits in its box and i only remember to take it out every three months.

don't buy what is not on your shopping list — ex. i needed a new pair of black trousers, and had had them on my list for months already. i found the very best pair i could get on my budget, and going into the store i saw so many beautiful pieces, but kept telling myself i only came in for the black trousers. in the end i left the store with only what i needed, because i knew exactly what my mission there was.

don't buy what won't last — ex. i love to get myself a bouquet of eucalyptus branches every autumn and to let them dry out. i know i can keep those branches for at least a year. while i love fresh flowers too, i know they won't last long. (sometimes i get carnations though, because i know how to keep them going for a relatively long time.) same goes for sweaters: i do not buy acrylic and polyester, simply because i cannot de-pill them the way i can wool.

don't buy what other's have — ex. i've been dreaming of a rice cooker for a very long time, and especially now that many of my friends have gotten one, i can't seem to stop thinking about it. however i know my current kitchen just wouldn't have the space for it, so i stick to cooking my rice on the stove.

don't go into stores if you don't need anything and avoid aisles you don't need anything from — ex. i love this ecological store in town, it always smells earthy and pleasant and has beautiful things inside, but if i enter it without a real need for something, i know i will leave with at least a bar of ridiculously expensive chocolate i wasn't even craving. the same principle applies to online shops!

don't let social media or the people around you create new needs for you — ex. a lot of people on instagram and in my real life are knitting and i would love to do it too! i could easily justify getting all the tools and paying hundreds of euros for wool, but i know i reach for other activities in my free time and that my arms have hurt way too much when i've previously knitted, so it's not for me.

don't buy unnecessary amounts of things — ex. i recently moved to a very small studio. i've previously always had six of each type of plate, because kitchen things tend to be sold in packs of six. this time i just got three of each (three plates, three bowls, three mugs...) and it has been more than enough. i cannot even imagine having to store double the amount of stuff in my tiny kitchen!

[zerofuckingwaste]

1) Don't blow with one nostril shut. That creates extra pressure which creates extra problems. Be gentle, or you'll fuck everything up.

2) If something doesn't have a place, you have one of two problems. Either you don't have enough space, or you have too much stuff.

Why exactly do you need the fidget toy? If it's something you use regularly throughout the day, keep it the same place you keep other stuff you use that way, such as your phone or your glasses case.

Why exactly do you need a mini Stonehenge? Is it something fun to look at? Then put it somewhere where you can see it, such as on a bookshelf.

But what if that fidget toy is something you never use, until you remember you have it, because it's just a novelty item? Then it doesn't have a place, so get rid of it. What if that statue of Stonehenge isn't actually all that visually interesting, and you don't care enough to find a spot to display it? Then it doesn't have a place, so get rid of it.

If something doesn't have a place, then you don't need it. Simple as that.

As someone who didn't learn how to actually and properly blow their nose until the past few months, I appreciate your addition of that. I'm like 22 btw, I would just stuff a tissue in my nose and let it sit for a minute, didn't realize it worked better if you pushed one nostril shut and then blew

It’s amazing what nobody thinks to teach you as like. A person

Personally, I’ve still never figured out where to put things that don’t have a category when I clean

Cause like. “Ohoho everything has its place” and yeah. Yeah, hair elastics and combs and shit go in the bathroom drawer. Loose buttons go in the sewing kit. Cat toys go in the box. Towels go in the closet.

But where do I put A SINGLE FIDGET TOY? Where do I put A MINIATURE STATUE OF STONEHENGE? What about a handful of beach glass, an enamel pin I don’t wanna wear, six elastic bands I will need later, a leather scrap, some cool feathers, a postcard, a singular Christmas decoration, three bookmarks, a plastic frog, boxing wraps, a sweater my mom knitted me when I was six, a full carton of dental floss, a bag of doll hair, a roll of stickers, rubber sticky dinosaurs, a laser pointer, two unused glow sticks and a tin of mints?

WHERE DO THESE SHITS GO

EVERYTHING HAS A PLACE MY ASS

[s00mia]

Don't sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out.

Make a change. Smile more.

Be excited. Do new things.

Throw away what you've been cluttering.

Unfollow negative people on social media.

Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce.

Don't gossip. Show more gratitude.

Do things that challenge you. Be brave.

[cadathecat]

this is a cup and water bottle checkpoint..

if you are seeing this,, it's time to clean up all those old cups,, bottles,, assorted dishes and single use packaging that have accumulated in your living space.. do it ASAP or I (Cada the Cat) will knock last week's water cup onto your keyboard or phone without a second thought..

do not test me..

[gramarobin]

[wherechaoswins]

The Art of Less: Finding Everything in Nothingness

In a world that screams more, bigger, faster, a quiet revolution is brewing. It is not about accumulating, but about subtracting. It is the radical idea that sometimes, the most profound gains come not from adding to our lives, but from consciously taking away. Welcome to the art of less, where "nothing" can surprisingly unlock "everything."

We live in an age of relentless addition. Our inboxes overflow, our to-do lists balloon, our homes become repositories of possessions we rarely use. The digital realm amplifies this, bombarding us with notifications, opinions, and an endless stream of information. We are conditioned to believe that more choices, more connections, more stuff equates to more happiness, more success, more life.

But what if the opposite were true? What if the clutter – both physical and mental – is obscuring the things that truly matter? What if by consciously choosing to remove, we create space for clarity, focus, and genuine fulfillment?

Consider the power of subtraction in various aspects of our lives:

1. Digital Detox 📵: Our devices, while powerful tools, can also be relentless attention thieves. Regularly disconnecting – even for short periods – can yield surprising benefits:  

Increased Presence 👤: Without the constant pull of notifications, we become more engaged in the present moment, fostering deeper connections with ourselves and others.

Improved Focus 🧠: The constant switching between apps and tasks fragments our attention. Subtraction here means single-tasking and reclaiming our cognitive bandwidth.  

Reduced Stress 😌: The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the pressure to constantly be "on" can be mentally exhausting. Unplugging offers a much-needed respite.  

2. Decluttering Your Physical Space 🧹: Our homes often become museums of our past selves and aspirational future selves. Letting go of items that no longer serve us creates not just physical space, but mental space too:

Enhanced Calmness 🕊️: A tidy environment fosters a sense of peace and order, reducing visual noise and mental distraction.  

Increased Efficiency 🚀: When everything has its place, finding what you need becomes effortless, saving time and reducing frustration.

Greater Appreciation 🙏: By consciously choosing what to keep, we develop a deeper appreciation for the items that truly hold value.

3. Simplifying Your Commitments 🗓️: Saying "yes" to too many things can lead to overwhelm and a feeling of being constantly stretched thin. The power of subtraction here lies in learning to say "no":

More Time for What Matters ❤️: By shedding unnecessary obligations, we free up time and energy for our priorities, whether it's family, hobbies, or personal growth.

Reduced Stress and Burnout 🔥: Overcommitment is a recipe for stress. Saying "no" is an act of self-care and a way to protect our well-being.  

Increased Impact ✨: Focusing our energy on fewer, more meaningful endeavors allows us to contribute more effectively.

4. Refining Your Thoughts 🤔: Our minds can be battlegrounds of anxieties, self-doubt, and negative self-talk. Subtraction in this context means consciously choosing which thoughts to engage with:

Greater Clarity 💡: By letting go of limiting beliefs and negative narratives, we gain a clearer perspective on ourselves and the world.

Improved Emotional Well-being 😊: Consciously choosing positive and constructive thoughts fosters a more positive emotional state.

Enhanced Self-Awareness 🔭: By observing our thoughts without judgment, we gain a deeper understanding of our inner landscape.

The Paradox of Nothing:

The beauty of this approach lies in its paradox. By consciously subtracting – be it digital noise, physical clutter, unnecessary commitments, or negative thoughts – we don't end up with less life. Instead, we create space for more of what truly nourishes us. We find everything in the intentional act of letting go of nothingness – the excess that weighs us down.

This isn't about deprivation; it's about intentionality. It’s about curating a life that aligns with our values and priorities, rather than being dictated by external pressures and societal norms. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to simply… remove.

So, take a moment today. Look around. What can you subtract? What "nothing" can you let go of to make space for your "everything"? The answer might surprise you.

[that-girl-lyra]

My Minimalist New Life

Okay so, maybe not so "new" but I haven't posted here in a while, and I really have no better place to post this so. Hiya! Lol.

At the end of 2022, my life kinda went topsy turvy, and in a bid to regain at least some semblance of control I well, controlled that which I could. And that was my stuff. And my GOD did I have A LOT of stuff 🤦‍♀️

Weirdly enough, around 90% of it I really didn't need or want. And just the fact that it all existed in my life added to the sense of being overwhelmed all of the time so, I bit the bullet and got rid of...almost everything 😅

A large makeup collection and dedicated vanity? Gone ✨️ Big ass computer that I only used for FL Studio and internet stuffs? Downsized ✨️ Fuck ton of clothes that I hated and never wore? Donated ✨️ And much much more.

Eventually after things calmed down in my world, I packed my bag (only one!) and moved to Northern Ireland. And my God let me tell you, the ability to just throw everything in one or two bags and that's it, is the most freeing sensation I've ever felt. No furniture to haul overseas, no big boxes of junk I don't need. Just everything I need and nothing I don't, all wrapped up in one backpack.

I could go on and on about this but for now, I will leave it at that ✨️ If you're looking to minimize and simplify your life starting with your things, I highly recommend it. In the end I can guarantee that it'll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

Take care!

[brownskinallure]

Declutter

Decluttering is an important process that can lead to a more fulfilling life. Clutter can take many forms, from physical objects to toxic relationships or even negative thoughts. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to declutter your life and get rid of things that could be damaging to you.

1. Physical Clutter - This is the most obvious form of clutter, but it's also the easiest to tackle. Go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This includes old clothes, knick-knacks, and anything else that's taking up valuable space. Not only will you feel more organized, but you'll also have more room for things that truly matter.

2. Toxic People - Toxic people can have a negative impact on your life. They drain your energy, undermine your confidence, and can hold you back from achieving your goals. If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, it's important to cut ties and focus on the people who support and uplift you.

3. Negative Thoughts - Negative thoughts can be just as damaging as physical clutter. They can prevent you from achieving your goals, and can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Practice mindfulness and meditation to clear your mind and focus on the positive aspects of your life.

4. Digital Clutter - Like physical clutter, digital clutter can weigh you down. Delete old files, uninstall apps you no longer use, and unsubscribe from newsletters that only add noise to your inbox. This will not only make your digital life more organized, but it will also make it easier to find the things that are important.

5. Harmful Habits - Bad habits, such as smoking or overspending, can be harmful to your health and finances. Identify these habits and work to eliminate them from your life. This may require seeking support from loved ones or a professional, but the benefits can be life-changing.

Decluttering your life can be a powerful tool to improve your mental and physical well-being. By getting rid of the things that no longer serve you, you make room for the things that truly matter. Whether it's physical clutter, toxic relationships, negative thoughts, digital clutter, or harmful habits, focus on what is important and let go of what's holding you back.

[sweaterkittensahoy]

Before and after on my jewelry table. Special attention to the vintage trinket dish I just got, and the beautiful linen we inherited from Sean's grandmother. I'm very pleased to put it to its intended use of being beautiful and keeping at least some of the dust off that table.

[zerofuckingwaste]

Easy zero waste tip no. 5: Paradoxically, you need to throw things away sometimes.

When I first went to college, I bought kitchen supplies for my dorm room. When I moved out of my parents' house, I bought some more. When I moved to a house, I bought even more. I was gifted more. I inherited more. More more more.

My kitchen became absolutely stuffed full of things, most of which I either didn't use, couldn't find, or didn't like but dealt with because hey, I already had it and didn't want to buy another.

Eventually, I sat down and pulled everything out of the shelves, the drawers, the baskets, the cabinets, absolutely everything. I was shocked to discover I had dozens of wooden spoons, but no pasta utensil. Seemingly a billion glass containers and only half of their matching lids. Like 6 pairs of tongs? For some reason?

I picked out the things I knew I used, and the things I knew I would use if I actually knew where they were. I was able to sell a few things, donate about half the rest, and the remaining, I unfortunately had no choice but to throw them away. I filled an entire trash bag, and then some, and felt terrible about it.

Then the most miraculous thing happened.

Since then, I haven't bought a single new thing for my kitchen. Meal prep has been easy. Making food in the moment has been easy. I love spending time in my kitchen, it's clean, organized, and fun. There's no stress anymore- and no compulsive need to buy when I couldn't find things, because hey, I know where everything is.

My waste has been significantly reduced by cutting the clutter out. And this is a principle that can apply to every aspect of your life.

Declutter your closet, you'll only wear outfits you love, and you won't feel nearly as much of a need to buy better all the time.

Declutter your bookshelves, and you'll only be surrounded by books you actually love and/or want to read, without feeling the need to buy more that will just end up being tossed out without ever being cracked open.

Declutter your bathroom, and you'll actually use all of the products you have with far less waste that goes bad before you can use it.

Et cetera.

Surround yourself with things you love, rather than just with lots of things.

[tarinb]

the big 4 to keep house

its been almost 2 years since I left working outside the home. I've learned a lot about keeping house and managing family life.

I heard on a podcast that if you can move forward with TDL (trash, dishes, laundry) every day, you will be able to maintain a functional home. Maybe not perfectly clean, but functional.

I'm obsessed with figuring out how to spend less time on housework and really just making it more effortless. I want to make progress even if I get interrupted in between tasks (which is highly likely). Here's the order I've been doing these tasks:

Layer #1: trash & recycling. After breakfast I grab a Target bag and walk through the whole downstairs picking up literal garbage. Wrappers, egg shells, paper towels, toddler art (not sorry).

Guess what? If I get interrupted after this layer, at least I'm not living amongst trash.

Layer #2: dishes. This is the one I want to leave for last, but I've realized how important it is. For me, the state of the kitchen is a microcosm for the state of the house. Cooking most meals from home, the kitchen is a war zone. I empty the dishwasher then I collect all dishes from the family, living, and kitchen. After all the dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, I clean the kitchen sink. (This has been the most satisfying result from this whole process)

If I get interruped after this layer, at least I have clean dishes and a place to cook later.

Layer #3: laundry. I've moved to doing one load a day. But not on weekends. I collect the laundry from upstairs, and dirty clothes left downstairs, then put on a load. Then I bring up the load that is dry from the day before and fold it/put it away. It sounds like a lot, but this whole process is probably 10-15 minutes a day.

If I get interrupted after this layer, at least we have clean clothes and don't have dirty clothes laying around.

Layer #4: everything out of its place. I added this layer myself. Now is the time to put the toaster away, replace the couch cushions, help toddler put toys in shelf, etc. This one is honestly my last priority because I know that the main beasts (trash, dishes, laundry) have been slain. But it does feel nice to return everything to order.

I skip some layers on the weekends: laundry and everything out of place. I really can't skip trash and dishes. Without clean dishes, I have no motivation to cook!

This sounds like it would take a long time each day, but each day that I do it, it gets shorter and shorter. Plus, I only do this process once a day. I am not a night cleaner. Morning is when I have my best energy for these types of tasks. I have no qualms going to bed while the house is messy.

What are the tasks you have to do every day to keep your household running?

[ahedderick]

Boxes and boxes

My husband has been in "never throw anything away" mode since we were married. In 1995. Last fall he retired, and now that the weather is pretty cold outside he decided to go through boxes and try to get rid of things. My friends. He. Has emptied SO MANY boxes. Old paperwork of all kinds. Outgrown (by two or three sizes!) clothes. Thimgs. Doohickies. Whatsits. I can't even.

I'm glad he's doing it.

[bevanne46]

[letsdeclutter]

Master List of Decluttering Resources

Backup of the list from r/declutter recommendations, due to planned mid-June 2023 Reddit Blackout in protest of plans to charge exorbitant fees for API access.

Some well-established decluttering gurus have omnimedia empires covering YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, multiple books, TV shows, a web site, and more. For these titans of tidying, the list shows whichever one to three resources are most recommended. These resources intentionally showcase a variety of perspectives, so if you dislike one, scan the list for something different.

YouTubers and Podcasts

A to Zen Life. A recovering “emotional hoarder” shares her extreme decluttering journey, including tips and new habits. https://www.youtube.com/@AtoZenLife

The Art of Decluttering. Includes an entire series on decluttering with ADHD, plus interviews with ordinary people who are decluttering. (Australian) https://www.theartofdecluttering.com.au/podcast/

But First, Coffee. Katie in Conneticut intersperses decluttering, organizing, and home maintenance hacks with her experiences with motherhood. https://www.youtube.com/@ButFirstCoffee

Clean My Space. Over 500 videos on cleaning and organizing, dividing the topic into small bites. https://www.youtube.com/@cleanmyspace

Clean with Me. The podcast that talks you through cleaning your house. https://cleanwithmepodcast.com/

Clutterbug. Focus is on organizing and organizational style. She also talks with popular decluttering experts. https://clutterbug.me/podcast

Curious Freedom. Professional organizers explore decluttering issues you may be curious about, from tips to broad minimalism, to smart shopping. (Australian) https://curiousfreedom.com.au/podcast/

The Declutter Hub. Professional organizers Ingrid and Lesley offer a mix of quick-and-easy tips, professional organizing secrets, and approaches to de-hoarding. https://declutterhub.com/the-podcast/

A Hoarder’s Heart. A recovering hoarder shares her journey to a better life, with lots of material on decluttering with ADHD and struggling with the craft stash. https://www.youtube.com/@ahoardersheart

Messy Minimalist. Mom-blogger-style journey from hoarder to minimalist, with challenges and adventures in every room and on topics like decision fatigue. Appears to have taken a break after 2022. https://www.youtube.com/@MessyMinimalist/

The Minimal Mom. How-tos for decluttering, deciding how many items are enough, and even thrifting with a minimalist mindset. https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom

The Minimalists. Netflix stars Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus discuss ways to live more meaningfully with less stuff. Their topics range widely into lifestyle issues such as diet, travel, personal finance, and chronic illness; this rec is not an endorsement of everything they have to say on those issues. https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

My Great Challenge. “Declutter with me” videos and cleaning routines. https://www.youtube.com/@mygreatchallenge

Organize 365. Covers an extensive binder-based organization system, intended to organize people who need a lot of paperwork or have a complicated family. https://organize365.com/podcast/

Simply This Life. Candice exudes enthusiasm along with cleaning and decluttering hacks. https://www.youtube.com/@FancyThatwithCandice

A Slob Comes Clean. Dana K. White talks about her experiences with and insights into decluttering. Her emphasis is on managing your home and fitting what you value into your space. https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/podcasts/

Small Changes. Sarah walks you through minimalist cleaning routines and debunks myths about decluttering. https://www.youtube.com/@SmallChanges

Spark Joy. KonMari consultants Karin Sochi and Kristyn Ivey host speakers on issues related to bringing greater joy into your life, from meditation to shopping habits to productivity and mindfulness. Seems to end with 2020. https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episodes

Struggle Care. Therapist KC Davis focuses here on self-care and issues that can be barriers to decluttering, such as ADHD, depression, perfectionism, and having limited spoons. https://www.strugglecare.com/podcast-rss

Instagram

clutterbug_me. Clutterbug content emphasizing organizing and cleaning inspo. https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/?hl=en

find_yourgold. Professional organizer with minimalist home shares her process and inspiration. https://www.instagram.com/find_yourgold/

the_organized_mum. Tips on not letting your house get away from you, but also not letting it bully you. https://www.instagram.com/the_organised_mum/

simplyspaced. Style inspo and organizing tips in a very orderly, soothing home, plus before-and-afters. https://www.instagram.com/simplyspaced/

aslobcomesclean. Dana K. White shows you decluttering tips and talks about why organizing is not decluttering. https://www.instagram.com/aslobcomesclean/

strugglecare. Short items from her mission to help people remove barriers to treating themselves right (including clutter). https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/

@taramstewart. Organizing and donating tips. https://www.instagram.com/taramstewart/

Books

Links are to Goodreads so you can evaluate reviews for yourself.

The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less (Christine Platt). Radical revisioning of minimalism, incorporating social justice issues and the experience of marginalized peoples. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711709-the-afrominimalist-s-guide-to-living-with-less

Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness! (Donna Smallin). Cute little book of short tips for decluttering. Fun if you want a daily inspiration to tackle a new task.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui (Karen Kingston). Uses westernized feng shui principles as a guide to decluttering and organizing. Reviews suggest this one is polarizing. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27071482-clear-your-clutter-with-feng-shui

Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back (Brooks Palmer). Motivational approach looking at reasons for clutter, such as fear of change or trying to live a fantasy self. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6262598-clutter-busting

The Clutter Cure (Juli Culbertson). Focuses on assessing emotional attachments, with lots of exercises to help think through what objects are serving your current needs. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/879650.The_Clutter_Cure

Clutter’s Last Stand (Don Aslett). Fast-paced and humorous approach to reducing clutter. Aslett is one of the earliest organizing and cleaning gurus, and any of his decluttering or cleaning books are worth a read. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11610.Clutter_s_Last_Stand

Cozy Minimalist Home (Myquillyn Smith). Primarily a decorating guide, focused on achieving a cozy minimalist home that honors your specific priorities (e.g., not stark white with one chair and an artfully placed rock). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38915707-cozy-minimalist-home

Decluttering at the Speed of Life (Dana K. White). A decluttering approach that isn’t “all or nothing” but is geared to gradual progress. (The rest of White’s books are also worth a read.) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35540769-decluttering-at-the-speed-of-life

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Margareta Magnusson). A gentle nudge toward decluttering so your heirs aren’t overwhelmed and housekeeping in old age is less demanding. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297297-the-gentle-art-of-swedish-death-cleaning

Goodbye Things (Fumio Sasaki). One man’s journey toward minimalism and personal growth. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30231806-goodbye-things

It’s All Too Much (Peter Walsh). Organizer from TLC’s Clean Sweep explores frustrations related to clutter and organizing, and how to resolve them. He also has a Facebook with decluttering challenges. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34266.It_s_All_Too_Much

The Joy of Less (Francine Jay). Thoughts on simple living and achieving a minimalist lifestyle. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8576972-the-joy-of-less-a-minimalist-living-guide

The Hoarder in You (Robin Zasio). Focuses on the psychological aspects of over-attachment to stuff, including tips on dealing with hoarding relatives. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11452567-the-hoarder-in-you

How to Keep House While Drowning (KC Davis). Subtitled “a gentle approach to cleaning and organizing,” this book emphasizes overcoming shame and perfectionism, handling mental health issues, and creating a home that is a safe and kind place. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60139504-how-to-keep-house-while-drowning

Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff (Matt Paxton). Extreme cleaner Paxton shares his process for decluttering sentimental items when it’s time to downsize or when dealing with a deceased person’s estate. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58933265-keep-the-memories-lose-the-stuff

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Marie Kondo). The now-famous Kon-Mari approach emphasizes deciding what “sparks joy” in your life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318578-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up

The Minimalist Home (Joshua Becker). Room-by-room approach to reducing clutter and achieving a more peaceful lifestyle. Reviews note a conservative evangelical slant to his material. Has many decluttering-related best sellers, including Clutter Free With Kids, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39810030-the-minimalist-home

Never Too Busy to Cure Clutter (Erin Rooney Doland). Checklists of tasks sorted by room and by “30 seconds,” “1 minute,” etc. Many are geared more to developing maintenance routines than to actual clutter removal. Her Unclutter Your Life in One Week also gets recommended. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25817627-never-too-busy-to-cure-clutter

Organizing from the Inside Out (Julia Morgenstern). Addresses emotional barriers to organizing, on the way to providing tips and solutions. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220713.Organizing_from_the_Inside_Out

Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD (Suzanne C. Pinsky). Tips are intended to be aimed at people with ADHD. Judging from reviews, this book gets both very strong positive responses and very strong negative responses. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19033611-organizing-solutions-for-people-with-adhd

Outer Order, Inner Calm (Gretchen Rubin). Quick read pulling together the Happiness Project author’s thoughts and tips on bringing more joy into the home through orderliness. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39901314-outer-order-inner-calm

Simple Ways to Be More with Less (Courtney Carver). Brief ebook where thinkers on minimalism share ideas and inspiration. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16028018-simple-ways-to-be-more-with-less

Tidy the F*ck Up (Messie Condo). Yes, it’s a parody of KonMari, but it includes actual useful decluttering tips. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45869149-tidy-the-f-ck-up

Unf*ck Your Habitat (Rachel Hoffman). Book developed from the blog, with checklists for routine and emergency cleaning, and an approach geared to students, people with roommates, and people with disabilities. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39901314-outer-order-inner-calm

The Year of Less (Cait Flanders). Documents a year of low-buy (food, gas, and similar only), lowered consumption, and decluttering, including reactions to crisis. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35488858-the-year-of-less

You Have Too Much Shit (Chris Thomas). Humorous 20-page ebook that’s a kick in the face about consumerism and clutter. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24322942-you-have-too-much-shit

Zen Habits (Leo Babauta). Book from the Zen Habits blog, discussing decluttering in the context of living a simpler life. One reviewer calls it “a basic get-your-shit-together book.” Babauta has additional related books. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6056602-zen-habits---handbook-for-life

Web or Blog

30-Day Minimalism Cure. The Minimalists explain the rules and framework for the popular “declutter 1 item the first day, 2 items the second day” challenge. https://www.theminimalists.com/game/

Apartment Therapy Home Cure. Annual (or multiple times a year–it has varied over time) process for decluttering, cleaning, and decorating. Based (increasingly loosely) on founder Maxwell Ryan’s book, Apartment Therapy: The 8-Step Home Cure. Most of the community discussion has moved onto Facebook. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/features/the-cure-program

Avalanche Declutter Challenge. The one where you declutter 30 items on the first day, 29 on the second, 28 on the third... down to one item on the 30th day of the month. https://wannabeclutterfree.com/avalanche-declutter-challenge

FLylady (Marla Cilley). Daily 15-minute missions, habit-building, slow-cooker recipes, and task lists for the run-up to Christmas. One of the early dominant figures in declutter blogging, kind of what would happen if Pioneer Woman confronted a messy house. She also published a couple books. http://www.flylady.net/

Printable Short-Term Goal List (PopSugar). Printable page for dividing larger goals into smaller goals. Especially useful when you feel so overwhelmed that you need to break things into tiny areas or steps. https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/photo-gallery/44467993/image/44468176/Printable-Short-Term-Goal-Worksheet/amp

Project 333. Popular fashion challenge to dress with 30 or fewer items for 3 months. Part of a larger minimalism blog. https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

TV-like

Links are to information on the series, as who's streaming what changes over time.

Hoarders. Long-running US series where a psychologist, a professional organizer, and a junk-hauling crew tackle serious hoards. Not for the squeamish. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoarders_(TV_series) Has a subreddit at r/HoardersTV

Nick Knowles’ Big Clear Out. Most recent series from UK decluttering star: his team takes a family’s belongings to a warehouse to sort, then puts things back room-by-room. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15267660/

Sort Your Life Out. UK series with Stacey Solomon, in which a disorganized household declutters and reorganizes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00116n4

Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. Reality TV series where Marie Kondo visits U.S. households and guides residents in using her KonMari method. There is a follow-up series, Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo. Originally on Netflix. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidying_Up_with_Marie_Kondo

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